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Microfluidic Dry-spinning and Characterization of Regenerated Silk Fibroin Fibers
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Structural Characteristics and Properties of Redissolved Silk Sericin
Hye Gyeoung Lee1, Mi Jin Jang2, Byung-Dae Park3
1Department of Biofibers and Biomaterials Science, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea.
Polymers
|August 26, 2023
Summary
Researchers improved silk sericin storage stability by drying it into a solid. Dissolving the solid sericin at 90°C for 5 minutes yielded a stable aqueous solution with consistent molecular weight.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Silk sericin exhibits excellent biocompatibility and water retention, making it a promising biomaterial.
- Poor storage stability of sericin solutions currently limits its widespread application in biorelated fields.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a method for enhancing the storage stability of silk sericin.
- To investigate the dissolution behavior and properties of dried sericin solids.
Main Methods:
- Sericin was extracted from silkworm cocoons and dried into a solid form.
- Dissolution kinetics and properties (viscosity, gel strength, crystallinity, thermal decomposition) of redissolved sericin were analyzed.
- Optimized dissolution conditions (time and temperature) were determined.
Main Results:
- Dissolving sericin solids at 90°C for 5 minutes maintained molecular weight integrity.
- Longer dissolution times led to molecular weight deterioration.
- Optimal dissolution conditions preserved sericin's structural characteristics and properties.
Conclusions:
- Dry storage of extracted sericin is feasible, significantly improving its overall stability.
- Redissolved sericin aqueous solutions prepared under optimal conditions retain the original molecular weight.
- This method enhances sericin's utility in various biorelated applications by ensuring stable, high-quality solutions.
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