1
|
Ji H, Feng S, Yang M. Controlled Structural Relaxation of Aramid Nanofibers for Superstretchable Polymer Fibers with High Toughness and Heat Resistance. ACS NANO 2024; 18:18548-18559. [PMID: 38968387 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c04388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
Polymer fibers that combine high toughness and heat resistance are hard to achieve, which, however, hold tremendous promise in demanding applications such as aerospace and military. This prohibitive design task exists due to the opposing property dependencies on chain dynamics because traditional heat-resistant materials with rigid molecular structures typically lack the mechanism of energy dissipation. Aramid nanofibers have received great attention as high-performance nanoscale building units due to their intriguing mechanical and thermal properties, but their distinct structural features are yet to be fully captured. We show that aramid nanofibers form nanoscale crimps during the removal of water, which primarily resides at the defect planes of pleated sheets, where the folding can occur. The precise control of such a structural relaxation can be realized by exerting axial loadings on hydrogel fibers, which allows the emergence of aramid fibers with varying angles of crimps. These crimped fibers integrate high toughness with heat resistance, thanks to the extensible nature of nanoscale crimps with rigid molecular structures of poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide), promising as a template for stable stretchable electronics. The tensile strength/modulus (392-944 MPa/11-29 GPa), stretchability (25-163%), and toughness (154-445 MJ/cm3) are achieved according to the degree of crimping. Intriguingly, a toughness of around 430 MJ/m3 can be maintained after calcination below the relaxation temperature (259 °C) for 50 h. Even after calcination at 300 °C for 10 h, a toughness of 310 MJ/m3 is kept, outperforming existing polymer materials. Our multiscale design strategy based on water-bearing aramid nanofibers provides a potent pathway for tackling the challenge for achieving conflicting property combinations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- He Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Inorganic Synthesis and Preparative Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Shouhua Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Inorganic Synthesis and Preparative Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Ming Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Inorganic Synthesis and Preparative Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lu W, Lee NA, Buehler MJ. Modeling and design of heterogeneous hierarchical bioinspired spider web structures using deep learning and additive manufacturing. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2305273120. [PMID: 37487072 PMCID: PMC10401013 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2305273120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Spider webs are incredible biological structures, comprising thin but strong silk filament and arranged into complex hierarchical architectures with striking mechanical properties (e.g., lightweight but high strength, achieving diverse mechanical responses). While simple 2D orb webs can easily be mimicked, the modeling and synthesis of 3D-based web structures remain challenging, partly due to the rich set of design features. Here, we provide a detailed analysis of the heterogeneous graph structures of spider webs and use deep learning as a way to model and then synthesize artificial, bioinspired 3D web structures. The generative models are conditioned based on key geometric parameters (including average edge length, number of nodes, average node degree, and others). To identify graph construction principles, we use inductive representation sampling of large experimentally determined spider web graphs, to yield a dataset that is used to train three conditional generative models: 1) an analog diffusion model inspired by nonequilibrium thermodynamics, with sparse neighbor representation; 2) a discrete diffusion model with full neighbor representation; and 3) an autoregressive transformer architecture with full neighbor representation. All three models are scalable, produce complex, de novo bioinspired spider web mimics, and successfully construct graphs that meet the design objectives. We further propose an algorithm that assembles web samples produced by the generative models into larger-scale structures based on a series of geometric design targets, including helical and parametric shapes, mimicking, and extending natural design principles toward integration with diverging engineering objectives. Several webs are manufactured using 3D printing and tested to assess mechanical properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Lu
- Laboratory for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
| | - Nic A. Lee
- Laboratory for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
- Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
| | - Markus J. Buehler
- Laboratory for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
- Center for Computational Science and Engineering, Schwarzman College of Computing, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Melrose J. High Performance Marine and Terrestrial Bioadhesives and the Biomedical Applications They Have Inspired. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27248982. [PMID: 36558114 PMCID: PMC9783952 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27248982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This study has reviewed the naturally occurring bioadhesives produced in marine and freshwater aqueous environments and in the mucinous exudates of some terrestrial animals which have remarkable properties providing adhesion under difficult environmental conditions. These bioadhesives have inspired the development of medical bioadhesives with impressive properties that provide an effective alternative to suturing surgical wounds improving closure and healing of wounds in technically demanding tissues such as the heart, lung and soft tissues like the brain and intestinal mucosa. The Gecko has developed a dry-adhesive system of exceptional performance and has inspired the development of new generation re-usable tapes applicable to many medical procedures. The silk of spider webs has been equally inspiring to structural engineers and materials scientists and has revealed innovative properties which have led to new generation technologies in photonics, phononics and micro-electronics in the development of wearable biosensors. Man made products designed to emulate the performance of these natural bioadhesive molecules are improving wound closure and healing of problematic lesions such as diabetic foot ulcers which are notoriously painful and have also found application in many other areas in biomedicine. Armed with information on the mechanistic properties of these impressive biomolecules major advances are expected in biomedicine, micro-electronics, photonics, materials science, artificial intelligence and robotics technology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James Melrose
- Raymond Purves Bone and Joint Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney at Royal North Shore Hospital, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St. Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia;
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, Northern Campus, The University of Sydney, St. Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hynninen V, Patrakka J, Nonappa. Methylcellulose-Cellulose Nanocrystal Composites for Optomechanically Tunable Hydrogels and Fibers. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 14:5137. [PMID: 34576360 PMCID: PMC8465715 DOI: 10.3390/ma14185137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Chemical modification of cellulose offers routes for structurally and functionally diverse biopolymer derivatives for numerous industrial applications. Among cellulose derivatives, cellulose ethers have found extensive use, such as emulsifiers, in food industries and biotechnology. Methylcellulose, one of the simplest cellulose derivatives, has been utilized for biomedical, construction materials and cell culture applications. Its improved water solubility, thermoresponsive gelation, and the ability to act as a matrix for various dopants also offer routes for cellulose-based functional materials. There has been a renewed interest in understanding the structural, mechanical, and optical properties of methylcellulose and its composites. This review focuses on the recent development in optically and mechanically tunable hydrogels derived from methylcellulose and methylcellulose-cellulose nanocrystal composites. We further discuss the application of the gels for preparing highly ductile and strong fibers. Finally, the emerging application of methylcellulose-based fibers as optical fibers and their application potentials are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ville Hynninen
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, P.O. Box 541, FI-33720 Tampere, Finland;
- Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University, P.O. Box 15100, FI-00076 Espoo, Finland
| | - Jani Patrakka
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, P.O. Box 541, FI-33720 Tampere, Finland;
| | - Nonappa
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, P.O. Box 541, FI-33720 Tampere, Finland;
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Abstract
Spiders are nature's engineers that build lightweight and high-performance web architectures often several times their size and with very few supports; however, little is known about web mechanics and geometries throughout construction, especially for three-dimensional (3D) spider webs. In this work, we investigate the structure and mechanics for a Tidarren sisyphoides spider web at varying stages of construction. This is accomplished by imaging, modeling, and simulations throughout the web-building process to capture changes in the natural web geometry and the mechanical properties. We show that the foundation of the web geometry, strength, and functionality is created during the first 2 d of construction, after which the spider reinforces the existing network with limited expansion of the structure within the frame. A better understanding of the biological and mechanical performance of the 3D spider web under construction could inspire sustainable robust and resilient fiber networks, complex materials, structures, scaffolding, and self-assembly strategies for hierarchical structures and inspire additive manufacturing methods such as 3D printing as well as inspire artistic and architectural and engineering applications.
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhou S, Jin K, Buehler MJ. Understanding Plant Biomass via Computational Modeling. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2003206. [PMID: 32945027 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202003206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Plant biomass, especially wood, has been used for structural materials since ancient times. It is also showing great potential for new structural materials and it is the major feedstock for the emerging biorefineries for building a sustainable society. The plant cell wall is a hierarchical matrix of mainly cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Herein, the structure, properties, and reactions of cellulose, lignin, and wood cell walls, studied using density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics (MD), which are the widely used computational modeling approaches, are reviewed. Computational modeling, which has played a crucial role in understanding the structure and properties of plant biomass and its nanomaterials, may serve a leading role on developing new hierarchical materials from biomass in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shengfei Zhou
- Laboratory for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Mass. Ave 1-290, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Kai Jin
- Laboratory for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Mass. Ave 1-290, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Markus J Buehler
- Laboratory for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Mass. Ave 1-290, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Fujiwara M, Kono N, Hirayama A, Malay AD, Nakamura H, Ohtoshi R, Numata K, Tomita M, Arakawa K. Xanthurenic Acid Is the Main Pigment of Trichonephila clavata Gold Dragline Silk. Biomolecules 2021; 11:563. [PMID: 33921320 PMCID: PMC8070366 DOI: 10.3390/biom11040563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Spider silk is a natural fiber with remarkable strength, toughness, and elasticity that is attracting attention as a biomaterial of the future. Golden orb-weaving spiders (Trichonephila clavata) construct large, strong webs using golden threads. To characterize the pigment of golden T. clavata dragline silk, we used liquid chromatography and mass spectrometric analysis. We found that the major pigment in the golden dragline silk of T. clavata was xanthurenic acid. To investigate the possible function of the pigment, we tested the effect of xanthurenic acid on bacterial growth using gram-negative Escherichia coli and gram-positive Bacillus subtilis. We found that xanthurenic acid had a slight antibacterial effect. Furthermore, to investigate the UV tolerance of the T. clavata threads bleached of their golden color, we conducted tensile deformation tests and scanning electron microscope observations. However, in these experiments, no significant effect was observed. We therefore speculate that golden orb-weaving spiders use the pigment for other purposes, such as to attract their prey in the sunlight.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masayuki Fujiwara
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Nihonkoku 403-1, Daihoji, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0013, Japan; (M.F.); (N.K.); (A.H.); (M.T.)
- Systems Biology Program, Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, Endo 5322, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0882, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Kono
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Nihonkoku 403-1, Daihoji, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0013, Japan; (M.F.); (N.K.); (A.H.); (M.T.)
- Systems Biology Program, Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, Endo 5322, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0882, Japan
| | - Akiyoshi Hirayama
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Nihonkoku 403-1, Daihoji, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0013, Japan; (M.F.); (N.K.); (A.H.); (M.T.)
- Systems Biology Program, Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, Endo 5322, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0882, Japan
| | - Ali D. Malay
- Biomacromolecules Research Team: RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan; (A.D.M.); (K.N.)
| | - Hiroyuki Nakamura
- Spiber Inc.: Mizukami 234-1, Kakuganji, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0052, Japan; (H.N.); (R.O.)
| | - Rintaro Ohtoshi
- Spiber Inc.: Mizukami 234-1, Kakuganji, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0052, Japan; (H.N.); (R.O.)
| | - Keiji Numata
- Biomacromolecules Research Team: RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan; (A.D.M.); (K.N.)
| | - Masaru Tomita
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Nihonkoku 403-1, Daihoji, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0013, Japan; (M.F.); (N.K.); (A.H.); (M.T.)
- Systems Biology Program, Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, Endo 5322, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0882, Japan
- Faculty of Environment and Information Studies, Keio University, Endo 5322, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0882, Japan
| | - Kazuharu Arakawa
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Nihonkoku 403-1, Daihoji, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0013, Japan; (M.F.); (N.K.); (A.H.); (M.T.)
- Systems Biology Program, Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, Endo 5322, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0882, Japan
- Faculty of Environment and Information Studies, Keio University, Endo 5322, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0882, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Challita EJ, Alexander SLM, Han SI, Blackledge TA, Coddington JA, Jung S, Bhamla MS. Slingshot spiders build tensed, underdamped webs for ultrafast launches and speedy halts. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2021; 207:205-217. [PMID: 33723624 DOI: 10.1007/s00359-021-01475-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
We develop a mathematical model to capture the web dynamics of slingshot spiders (Araneae: Theridiosomatidae), which utilize a tension line to deform their orb webs into conical springs to hunt flying insects. Slingshot spiders are characterized by their ultrafast launch speeds and accelerations (exceeding 1300 [Formula: see text]), however a theoretical approach to characterize the underlying spatiotemporal web dynamics remains missing. To address this knowledge gap, we develop a 2D-coupled damped oscillator model of the web. Our model reveals three key insights into the dynamics of slingshot motion. First, the tension line plays a dual role: enabling the spider to load elastic energy into the web for a quick launch (in milliseconds) to displacements of 10-15 body lengths, but also enabling the spider to halt quickly, attenuating inertial oscillations. Second, the dominant energy dissipation mechanism is viscous drag by the silk lines - acting as a low Reynolds number parachute. Third, the web exhibits underdamped oscillatory dynamics through a finely-tuned balance between the radial line forces, the tension line force and viscous drag dissipation. Together, our work suggests that the conical geometry and tension-line enables the slingshot web to act as both an elastic spring and a shock absorber, for the multi-functional roles of risky predation and self-preservation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elio J Challita
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30311, USA.,Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30311, USA
| | - Symone L M Alexander
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30311, USA
| | - Sarah I Han
- Department of Biology, Integrated Bioscience Program, The University of Akron, Akron, OH, 44325, USA
| | - Todd A Blackledge
- Department of Biology, Integrated Bioscience Program, The University of Akron, Akron, OH, 44325, USA
| | - Jonathan A Coddington
- Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, 10th and Constitution, NW Washington, DC, 20560, USA
| | - Sunghwan Jung
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - M Saad Bhamla
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30311, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Studies on the Geometrical Design of Spider Webs for Reinforced Composite Structures. JOURNAL OF COMPOSITES SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/jcs5020057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Spider silk is an astonishingly tough biomaterial that consists almost entirely of large proteins. Studying the secrets behind the high strength nature of spider webs is very challenging due to their miniature size. In spite of their complex nature, researchers have always been inspired to mimic Nature for developing new products or enhancing the performance of existing technologies. Accordingly, the spider web can be taken as a model for optimal fiber orientation for composite materials to be used in critical structural applications. In this study an attempt is made to analyze the geometrical characteristics of the web construction building units such as spirals and radials. As a measurement tool, we have used a developed MATLAB algorithm code for measuring the node to node of rings and radials angle of orientation. Spider web image samples were collected randomly from an ecological niche with black background sample collection tools. The study shows that the radial angle of orientation is 12.7 degrees with 5 mm distance for the spirals’ mesh size. The extracted geometrical numeric values from the spider web show moderately skewed statistical data. The study sheds light on spider web utilization to develop an optimized fiber orientation reinforced composite structure for constructing, for instance, shell structures, pressure vessels and fuselage cones for the aviation industry.
Collapse
|
10
|
Zhou Z, Li X, Guo D, Shinde DB, Lu D, Chen L, Liu X, Cao L, Aboalsaud AM, Hu Y, Lai Z. Electropolymerization of robust conjugated microporous polymer membranes for rapid solvent transport and narrow molecular sieving. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5323. [PMID: 33087722 PMCID: PMC7578036 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19182-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Pore size uniformity is one of the most critical parameters in determining membrane separation performance. Recently, a novel type of conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs) has shown uniform pore size and high porosity. However, their brittle nature has prevented them from preparing robust membranes. Inspired by the skin-core architecture of spider silk that offers both high strength and high ductility, herein we report an electropolymerization process to prepare a CMP membrane from a rigid carbazole monomer, 2,2’,7,7’-tetra(carbazol-9-yl)-9,9’-spirobifluorene, inside a robust carbon nanotube scaffold. The obtained membranes showed superior mechanical strength and ductility, high surface area, and uniform pore size of approximately 1 nm. The superfast solvent transport and excellent molecular sieving well surpass the performance of most reported polymer membranes. Our method makes it possible to use rigid CMPs membranes in pressure-driven membrane processes, providing potential applications for this important category of polymer materials. Conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs) have great potential in membrane applications but are often brittle. Here, the authors develop an electropolymerization process to form a skin-core architecture which allows them to overcome mechanical limitations while keeping the excellent separation performance of CMP membranes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zongyao Zhou
- Advanced Membranes and Porous Materials Center, Division of Physical Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Xiang Li
- Advanced Membranes and Porous Materials Center, Division of Physical Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dong Guo
- Advanced Membranes and Porous Materials Center, Division of Physical Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Digambar B Shinde
- Advanced Membranes and Porous Materials Center, Division of Physical Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dongwei Lu
- Advanced Membranes and Porous Materials Center, Division of Physical Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Long Chen
- Core Labs, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Xiaowei Liu
- Advanced Membranes and Porous Materials Center, Division of Physical Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Li Cao
- Advanced Membranes and Porous Materials Center, Division of Physical Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ammar M Aboalsaud
- Advanced Membranes and Porous Materials Center, Division of Physical Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yunxia Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Separation Membranes and Membrane Processes, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tiangong University, 300387, Tianjin, P. R. China
| | - Zhiping Lai
- Advanced Membranes and Porous Materials Center, Division of Physical Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Affiliation(s)
- Aleksei Solomonov
- Department of Materials and Interfaces Weizmann Institute of Science 7610001 Rehovot Israel
| | - Ulyana Shimanovich
- Department of Materials and Interfaces Weizmann Institute of Science 7610001 Rehovot Israel
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Xu H, Yi W, Li D, Zhang P, Yoo S, Bai L, Hou J, Hou X. Obtaining high mechanical performance silk fibers by feeding purified carbon nanotube/lignosulfonate composite to silkworms. RSC Adv 2019; 9:3558-3569. [PMID: 35518113 PMCID: PMC9060236 DOI: 10.1039/c8ra09934k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Silkworm fibers have attracted widespread attention for their superb glossy texture and promising mechanical performance. The mechanical properties can be reinforced with carbon nanofillers, particularly carbon nanotubes (CNTs), depending on the CNT content in the silk fibers. In order to increase the CNT content, lignosulfonate (LGS) was used as a surfactant to ameliorate the CNT solubility, dispersibility, and biocompatibility. The resulting CNT/LGS nano-composite was further processed through an additional purification method to remove excess surfactant and enhance the CNT/LGS ratio. Then the purified biocompatible single and multiple-walled CNTs were fed to silkworms, leading to a large CNT content in the resulting silk fibers. Reinforced silk fibers were produced with a mechanical strength as high as 1.07 GPa and a strain of 16.8%. The toughness modulus is 1.69 times than that of the unpurified group. The CNT-embedded silk fibers were characterized via Raman spectrometry and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), demonstrating that the CNT content in the silk fibers increased 1.5-fold in comparison to the unpurified group. The increased CNT content not only contributed to the self-assembly into buffering knots of silk fibers, but it also enhanced the conductivity of graphitized silk. Our coating and purification strategies provide a potential facile way to obtain natural silk fibers with high mechanical performance. Silkworm fibers have attracted widespread attention for their superb glossy texture and promising mechanical performance.![]()
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Xu
- Key Laboratory for Information Photonic Technology of Shaanxi Province
- Key Laboratory for Physical Electronics and Devices of the Ministry of Education
- School of Electronics and Information Engineering
- Xi'an Jiaotong University
- Xi'an 710049
| | - Wenhui Yi
- Key Laboratory for Information Photonic Technology of Shaanxi Province
- Key Laboratory for Physical Electronics and Devices of the Ministry of Education
- School of Electronics and Information Engineering
- Xi'an Jiaotong University
- Xi'an 710049
| | - Dongfan Li
- Frontier Institute of Science and Technology
- Xi'an Jiaotong University
- Xi'an 710054
- P. R. China
| | - Ping Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Information Photonic Technology of Shaanxi Province
- Key Laboratory for Physical Electronics and Devices of the Ministry of Education
- School of Electronics and Information Engineering
- Xi'an Jiaotong University
- Xi'an 710049
| | - Sweejiang Yoo
- Key Laboratory for Information Photonic Technology of Shaanxi Province
- Key Laboratory for Physical Electronics and Devices of the Ministry of Education
- School of Electronics and Information Engineering
- Xi'an Jiaotong University
- Xi'an 710049
| | - Lei Bai
- Key Laboratory for Information Photonic Technology of Shaanxi Province
- Key Laboratory for Physical Electronics and Devices of the Ministry of Education
- School of Electronics and Information Engineering
- Xi'an Jiaotong University
- Xi'an 710049
| | - Jin Hou
- Department of Pharmacology
- School of Basic Medical Sciences
- Xi'an Medical University
- Xi'an 710021
- People's Republic of China
| | - Xun Hou
- Key Laboratory for Information Photonic Technology of Shaanxi Province
- Key Laboratory for Physical Electronics and Devices of the Ministry of Education
- School of Electronics and Information Engineering
- Xi'an Jiaotong University
- Xi'an 710049
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Wang Y, Guo J, Zhou L, Ye C, Omenetto FG, Kaplan DL, Ling S. Design, Fabrication, and Function of Silk-Based Nanomaterials. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2018; 28:1805305. [PMID: 32440262 PMCID: PMC7241600 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201805305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Animal silks are built from pure protein components and their mechanical performance, such as strength and toughness, often exceed most engineered materials. The secret to this success is their unique nanoarchitectures that are formed through the hierarchical self-assembly of silk proteins. This natural material fabrication process in sharp contrast to the production of artificial silk materials, which usually are directly constructed as bulk structures from silk fibroin (SF) molecular. In recent years, with the aim of understanding and building better silk materials, a variety of fabrication strategies have been designed to control nanostructures of silks or to create functional materials from silk nanoscale building blocks. These emerging fabrication strategies offer an opportunity to tailor the structure of SF at the nanoscale and provide a promising route to produce structurally and functionally optimized silk nanomaterials. Here, we review the critical roles of silk nanoarchitectures on property and function of natural silk fibers, outline the strategies of utilization of these silk nanobuilding blocks, and we provide a critical summary of state of the art in the field to create silk nanoarchitectures and to generate silk-based nanocomponents. Further, such insights suggest templates to consider for other materials systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, MA 02155, USA
| | - Jin Guo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, MA 02155, USA; Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Tufts University, MA 02155, USA
| | - Liang Zhou
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, AnHui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Chao Ye
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | | | - David L Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, MA 02155, USA
| | - Shengjie Ling
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
López Barreiro D, Yeo J, Tarakanova A, Martin-Martinez FJ, Buehler MJ. Multiscale Modeling of Silk and Silk-Based Biomaterials-A Review. Macromol Biosci 2018; 19:e1800253. [PMID: 30375164 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.201800253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Revised: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Silk embodies outstanding material properties and biologically relevant functions achieved through a delicate hierarchical structure. It can be used to create high-performance, multifunctional, and biocompatible materials through mild processes and careful rational material designs. To achieve this goal, computational modeling has proven to be a powerful platform to unravel the causes of the excellent mechanical properties of silk, to predict the properties of the biomaterials derived thereof, and to assist in devising new manufacturing strategies. Fine-scale modeling has been done mainly through all-atom and coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations, which offer a bottom-up description of silk. In this work, a selection of relevant contributions of computational modeling is reviewed to understand the properties of natural silk, and to the design of silk-based materials, especially combined with experimental methods. Future research directions are also pointed out, including approaches such as 3D printing and machine learning, that may enable a high throughput design and manufacturing of silk-based biomaterials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diego López Barreiro
- Laboratory for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics (LAMM), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, 1-290, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Jingjie Yeo
- Laboratory for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics (LAMM), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, 1-290, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.,Institute of High Performance Computing, A*STAR, 1 Fusionopolis Way, Singapore, 138632, Singapore.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Anna Tarakanova
- Laboratory for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics (LAMM), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, 1-290, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Francisco J Martin-Martinez
- Laboratory for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics (LAMM), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, 1-290, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Markus J Buehler
- Laboratory for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics (LAMM), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, 1-290, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Su I, Qin Z, Saraceno T, Krell A, Mühlethaler R, Bisshop A, Buehler MJ. Imaging and analysis of a three-dimensional spider web architecture. J R Soc Interface 2018; 15:20180193. [PMID: 30232240 PMCID: PMC6170774 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2018.0193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Spiders are abundantly found in nature and most ecosystems, making up more than 47 000 species. This ecological success is in part due to the exceptional mechanics of the spider web, with its strength, toughness, elasticity and robustness, which originate from its hierarchical structures all the way from sequence design to web architecture. It is a unique example in nature of high-performance material design. In particular, to survive in different environments, spiders have optimized and adapted their web architecture by providing housing, protection, and an efficient tool for catching prey. The most studied web in literature is the two-dimensional (2D) orb web, which is composed of radial and spiral threads. However, only 10% of spider species are orb-web weavers, and three-dimensional (3D) webs, such as funnel, sheet or cobwebs, are much more abundant in nature. The complex spatial network and microscale size of silk fibres are significant challenges towards determining the topology of 3D webs, and only a limited number of previous studies have attempted to quantify their structure and properties. Here, we focus on developing an innovative experimental method to directly capture the complete digital 3D spider web architecture with micron scale resolution. We built an automatic segmentation and scanning platform to obtain high-resolution 2D images of individual cross-sections of the web that were illuminated by a sheet laser. We then developed image processing algorithms to reconstruct the digital 3D fibrous network by analysing the 2D images. This digital network provides a model that contains all of the structural and topological features of the porous regions of a 3D web with high fidelity, and when combined with a mechanical model of silk materials, will allow us to directly simulate and predict the mechanical response of a realistic 3D web under mechanical loads. Our work provides a practical tool to capture the architecture of sophisticated 3D webs, and could lead to studies of the relation between architecture, material and biological functions for numerous 3D spider web applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Su
- Laboratory for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics (LAMM), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Zhao Qin
- Laboratory for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics (LAMM), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Tomás Saraceno
- Studio Tomás Saraceno, Hauptstrasse 11/12, 10317 Lichtenberg, Berlin, Germany
| | - Adrian Krell
- Studio Tomás Saraceno, Hauptstrasse 11/12, 10317 Lichtenberg, Berlin, Germany
| | - Roland Mühlethaler
- Studio Tomás Saraceno, Hauptstrasse 11/12, 10317 Lichtenberg, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ally Bisshop
- Studio Tomás Saraceno, Hauptstrasse 11/12, 10317 Lichtenberg, Berlin, Germany
| | - Markus J Buehler
- Laboratory for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics (LAMM), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| |
Collapse
|