Science Daily September 23, 2022
Silk fibroin protein, a biomaterial, has excellent biocompatibility and low immunogenicity. It is used in stents, catheters, and wound dressings. To further expand its scope and utility a team of researchers in the US (Tufts University, California State University at Fresno) has modulated the hydrophobicity of silk fibroin protein. They found that installing perfluorocarbon chains on the surface of silk fibroin transforms this water-soluble protein into a hydrophobic polymer that can be solvent-cast. A clear relationship emerged between fluorine content of the modified silk and film hydrophobicity. Water contact angles of the most decorated silk fibroin protein exceeded that of Teflon®. They showed that water uptake in prefabricated silk bars is dramatically reduced, extending their lifetimes, and maintaining mechanical integrity. According to the researchers their technique of installing unnatural groups onto the silk fibroin surface can be used to explore other applications of silk fibroin…read more. Open Access TECHNICAL ARTICLEÂ
Graphical abstract. Credit: ChemBioChem, 23 August 2022