1
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De Oliveira DH, Gowda V, Sparrman T, Gustafsson L, Sanches Pires R, Riekel C, Barth A, Lendel C, Hedhammar M. Structural conversion of the spidroin C-terminal domain during assembly of spider silk fibers. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4670. [PMID: 38821983 PMCID: PMC11143275 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49111-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The major ampullate Spidroin 1 (MaSp1) is the main protein of the dragline spider silk. The C-terminal (CT) domain of MaSp1 is crucial for the self-assembly into fibers but the details of how it contributes to the fiber formation remain unsolved. Here we exploit the fact that the CT domain can form silk-like fibers by itself to gain knowledge about this transition. Structural investigations of fibers from recombinantly produced CT domain from E. australis MaSp1 reveal an α-helix to β-sheet transition upon fiber formation and highlight the helix No4 segment as most likely to initiate the structural conversion. This prediction is corroborated by the finding that a peptide corresponding to helix No4 has the ability of pH-induced conversion into β-sheets and self-assembly into nanofibrils. Our results provide structural information about the CT domain in fiber form and clues about its role in triggering the structural conversion of spidroins during fiber assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danilo Hirabae De Oliveira
- Department of Protein Science, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, AlbaNova University Center, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Chemistry, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vasantha Gowda
- Department of Chemistry, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Linnea Gustafsson
- Spiber Technologies AB, Roslagstullsbacken 15, 114 21, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Christian Riekel
- European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, B.P. 220, F-38043, Grenoble Cedex, France
| | - Andreas Barth
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christofer Lendel
- Department of Chemistry, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - My Hedhammar
- Department of Protein Science, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, AlbaNova University Center, Stockholm, Sweden.
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2
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Nanda RK, Sarkar MB. E-beam synthesized fast-switching TiO 2/SnO 2 type-II heterostructure photodetector. APPLIED OPTICS 2024; 63:4014-4019. [PMID: 38856492 DOI: 10.1364/ao.522709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
A fast-switching T i O 2/S n O 2 heterostructure thin-film (TF) photodetector synthesized by electron beam evaporation technique is analyzed in this study. The substrate utilized is n-type silicon (Si), while gold (Au) is employed as the top electrode. To assess sample morphology and confirm elemental composition, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and chemical mapping were conducted. Structural characteristics were determined using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The XRD analysis confirmed the presence of various phases of T i O 2 (anatase and rutile) and S n O 2 (rutile). UV-Vis spectroscopy revealed multiple absorption peaks, at 447 nm, 495 nm, 560 nm, and 673 nm, within the visible spectrum. The device demonstrates high detectivity (D ∗) of 1.737×109 Jones and a low noise equivalent power (NEP) of 0.765×10-10 W. Evaluation of the device's switching response through current-time characteristic (I-T) analysis indicates rapid switching with a rise time and fall time of 0.33 s and 0.36 s, respectively.
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3
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Ghoshal U, Paul R, Ali SI, Sarkar P, Sen K. Starch spectra of Ampelopteris prolifera (Retz.) Copel, a new addition to the existing lexicon and its comparison with a local potato cultivar (Solanum tuberosum L. cv. Kufri Jyoti). Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 266:131163. [PMID: 38547950 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Novel kinds of starch spectra were generated from a lesser-known plant, making this investigation unique. The recent trend of starch characterization shows the establishment of novel bioresources from nonconventional unexplored databases. The present endeavor was made to obtain the starch fingerprint of Ampelopteris prolifera (rhizome) belonging to seedless vascular plants. For comparison, a commercial local cultivar of potato (Kufri Jyoti) was taken. The starch particle of A. prolifera shows much uniqueness depicting its novelty viz., crystallinity index of 60.04 %, powder diffractogram at (2θ scale)17.57° to 39.78°; this diffractogram pattern is reported from this study as newer one i.e. R type(whereas potato starch is CB type); characteristic peak at 2θ = 20.07° suggests starch-lipid complex formation and V type crystallinity (i.e. RS 5 type); FTIR spectra showing the presence of more short chain branching; high gelatinization temperature(84.62 ± 0.10), particle size and zeta value of A. prolifera is 4.00 ± 0.81 μm and - 18.91 ± 3.58 mV respectively. Bragg's peak from the single crystal X-ray diffraction has been generated for the first time of A. prolifera. Extraction of the starch particle was performed in chilled water. Therefore, the present study suggests wide-spectrum commercial utility and cost-effective production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Utsha Ghoshal
- Deapartment of Botany, University of Kalyani, Kalyani-741235, Nadia, West Bengal, India
| | - Raja Paul
- Deapartment of Botany, University of Kalyani, Kalyani-741235, Nadia, West Bengal, India
| | - Sk Imran Ali
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, Nadia, West Bengal, India
| | - Priyanka Sarkar
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, Nadia, West Bengal, India
| | - Kakali Sen
- Deapartment of Botany, University of Kalyani, Kalyani-741235, Nadia, West Bengal, India.
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4
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Gupta S, Kandasubramanian B. Silk adsorbent for green and efficient removal of methylene blue from wastewater. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024:10.1007/s11356-024-33226-9. [PMID: 38605272 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33226-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Silk, a naturally occurring proteinaceous biopolymer with remarkable adsorbent properties, has been employed in wastewater remediation. The sericin coating, functioning as a protective barrier and rendering fibres impervious to external chemical attacks and preventing their involvement in chemical reactions, was removed using a greener alternative to harness silk as an effective adsorbent. Subsequently, the silk fibres underwent intermittent microwave degumming to extract sericin, and the fibres were utilized for the adsorptive exclusion of the hazardous methylene blue (MB) dye. The comparative batch adsorption studies (kinetics and isotherm) between raw silk fibres and degummed fibres were performed to comprehend the role of degumming on fibre adsorption efficacy by varying operating conditions, including pH, time of contact, initial adsorbate and dosage of adsorbent. The paramount adsorption capacity of raw silk was observed to be 137.08 mg g-1 and 179.14 mg g-1 for degummed silk when adsorbate conc. was 100 ppm. The kinetics of adsorption obeyed pseudo-second order suggesting that the rate controlling step is chemisorptions, and data demonstrated greatest fit to Langmuir isotherm exhibiting mono-layer adsorption. Further, biodegradability was studied by mimicking natural environmental conditions where the raw and degummed silk fibres demonstrated 51% and 53% degradation, respectively, after 180 days. Overall, based on obtained results, this study highlights the suitability of silk as an effective as well as sustainable adsorbent for the exclusion of toxic methylene blue dye from wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruti Gupta
- Structural Composites Laboratory, Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Defence Institute of Advanced Techology (DU), Ministry of Defence, Girinagar, Pune, 411025, Maharashtra, India
| | - Balasubramanian Kandasubramanian
- Structural Composites Laboratory, Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Defence Institute of Advanced Techology (DU), Ministry of Defence, Girinagar, Pune, 411025, Maharashtra, India.
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5
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Peng Z, Hu W, Yang X, Liu Q, Shi X, Tang X, Zhao P, Xia Q. Overexpression of bond-forming active protein for efficient production of silk with structural changes and properties enhanced in silkworm. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 264:129780. [PMID: 38290638 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Silkworm silk exhibits excellent mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and has potential applications in the biomedical sector. This study focused on enhancing the mechanical properties of Bombyx mori silk by overexpressing three bond-forming active proteins (BFAPs): AFP, HSP, and CRP in the silk glands of silkworms. Rheological tests confirmed increased viscoelasticity in the liquid fibroin stock solution of transgenic silkworms, and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) indicated that all three BFAPs participated in the interactions between fibroin molecular networks in transgenic silk. The mechanical property assay indicated that all three BFAPs improved the mechanical characteristics of transgenic silk, with AFP and HSP having the most significant effects. A synchrotron radiation Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy assay showed that all three BFAPs increased the β-sheet content of transgenic silk. Synchrotron radiation wide-angle X-ray diffraction assay showed that all three BFAPs changed the crystallinity, crystal size, and orientation factor of the silk. AFP and HSP significantly improved the mechanical attributes of transgenic silk through increased crystallinity, refined crystal size, and a slight decrease in orientation. This study opens new possibilities for modifying silk and other fiber materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhangchuan Peng
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (Chongqing) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Institute of Advanced Pathology, Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing 401329, China
| | - Wenbo Hu
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (Chongqing) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xi Yang
- Chongqing Municipality Clinical Research Center for Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, Chongqing 404000, China
| | - Qingsong Liu
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (Chongqing) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - XiaoTing Shi
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (Chongqing) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xin Tang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine & Health Science, Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, China
| | - Ping Zhao
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (Chongqing) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing 400716, China; Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Chongqing 400716, China.
| | - Qingyou Xia
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (Chongqing) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing 400716, China; Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Chongqing 400716, China.
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6
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Wu D, Koscic A, Schneider S, Dubini RCA, Rodriguez Camargo DC, Schneider S, Rovó P. Unveiling the Dynamic Self-Assembly of a Recombinant Dragline-Silk-Mimicking Protein. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:1759-1774. [PMID: 38343096 PMCID: PMC10934265 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c01239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Despite the considerable interest in the recombinant production of synthetic spider silk fibers that possess mechanical properties similar to those of native spider silks, such as the cost-effectiveness, tunability, and scalability realization, is still lacking. To address this long-standing challenge, we have constructed an artificial spider silk gene using Golden Gate assembly for the recombinant bacterial production of dragline-mimicking silk, incorporating all the essential components: the N-terminal domain, a 33-residue-long major-ampullate-spidroin-inspired segment repeated 16 times, and the C-terminal domain (N16C). This designed silk-like protein was successfully expressed in Escherichia coli, purified, and cast into films from formic acid. We produced uniformly 13C-15N-labeled N16C films and employed solid-state magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) for characterization. Thus, we could demonstrate that our bioengineered silk-like protein self-assembles into a film where, when hydrated, the solvent-exposed layer of the rigid, β-nanocrystalline polyalanine core undergoes a transition to an α-helical structure, gaining mobility to the extent that it fully dissolves in water and transforms into a highly dynamic random coil. This hydration-induced behavior induces chain dynamics in the glycine-rich amorphous soft segments on the microsecond time scale, contributing to the elasticity of the solid material. Our findings not only reveal the presence of structurally and dynamically distinct segments within the film's superstructure but also highlight the complexity of the self-organization responsible for the exceptional mechanical properties observed in proteins that mimic dragline silk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongqing Wu
- Department
of Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Anamaria Koscic
- Department
of Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Sonja Schneider
- Department
of Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Romeo C. A. Dubini
- Department
of Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Center
for Nanoscience (CeNS), Faculty of Physics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80799 Munich, Germany
| | - Diana C. Rodriguez Camargo
- Department
of Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Sabine Schneider
- Department
of Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Petra Rovó
- Department
of Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Institute
of Science and Technology Austria, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
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7
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Qi H, Ding Y, Teng Y, Liang X, Chen L, Ma J, Yang Q, Liu T. A Core Structural Protein That Builds the Locust Mandible with a Mechanical Gradient. ACS NANO 2023; 17:25311-25321. [PMID: 38064446 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c08715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Natural materials, such as locust mandibles and squid beaks, define significant mechanical gradients that have been attributed to the chemical gradients of their specialized structural proteins (SPs). However, the mechanism by which SPs form chemical gradients in these materials remains unknown. In this study, a highly abundant histidine-rich structural protein (LmMHSP) was identified in the mandible of a migratory locust (Locusta migratoria). LmMHSP was proven by both in vivo and in vitro evidence to act as a core building block of the mandible with a variety of synergistic functions including chitin binding, matrix formation via liquid-liquid phase separation, chemical cross-linking, and metal coordination. Furthermore, we found that the SP gradient in the locust mandible stems from the chitin-binding activity of LmMHSP and different microstructures of chitin scaffolds in different regions. These findings advance our understanding of the formation mechanisms of natural biomaterials and have implications for the fabrication of biomimetic materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huitang Qi
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bio-Intelligent Manufacturing, School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Yi Ding
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bio-Intelligent Manufacturing, School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Yingda Teng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bio-Intelligent Manufacturing, School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Xiangyu Liang
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518120, China
- Institute of Bast Fiber Crops and Center of Southern Economic Crops, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha 410205, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518120, China
| | - Jianli Ma
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Qing Yang
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518120, China
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Tian Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bio-Intelligent Manufacturing, School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
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8
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Nakamura H, Kono N, Mori M, Masunaga H, Numata K, Arakawa K. Composition of Minor Ampullate Silk Makes Its Properties Different from Those of Major Ampullate Silk. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:2042-2051. [PMID: 37002945 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c01474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Spider's minor ampullate silk, or MI-silk, exhibits distinct mechanical properties and water resistance compared to its major ampullate counterpart (MA-silk). The principal protein constituent of MI-silk is known as minor ampullate spidroin, or MiSp, and while its sequence has been deciphered and is thought to underlie the differences in properties with MA-silk, the composition of MI-silk and the relationship between its composition and properties remain elusive. In this study, we set out to investigate the mechanical properties, water resistance, and proteome of MA-silk and MI-silk from Araneus ventricosus and Trichonephila clavata. We also synthesized artificial fibers from major ampullate spidroin, MaSp1 and 2, and MiSp to compare their properties. Our proteomic analysis reveals that the MI-silk of both araneids is composed of MiSp, MaSp1, and spidroin constituting elements (SpiCEs). The absence of MaSp2 in the MI-silk proteome and the comparison of the water resistance of artificial fibers suggest that the presence of MaSp2 is the reason for the disparity in water resistance between MI-silk and MA-silk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Nakamura
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0017, Japan
- Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, 5322 Endo, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0882, Japan
- Spiber Inc., 234-1 Mizukami, Kakuganji, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0052, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Kono
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0017, Japan
- Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, 5322 Endo, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0882, Japan
| | - Masaru Mori
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0017, Japan
- Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, 5322 Endo, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0882, Japan
| | - Hiroyasu Masunaga
- Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute, 1-1-1, Kouto, Sayo-cho, Sayo-gun, Hyogo 679-5198, Japan
| | - Keiji Numata
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0017, Japan
- Biomacromolecules Research Team, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
- Department of Material Chemistry, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
| | - Kazuharu Arakawa
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0017, Japan
- Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, 5322 Endo, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0882, Japan
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9
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Rising A, Harrington MJ. Biological Materials Processing: Time-Tested Tricks for Sustainable Fiber Fabrication. Chem Rev 2023; 123:2155-2199. [PMID: 36508546 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
There is an urgent need to improve the sustainability of the materials we produce and use. Here, we explore what humans can learn from nature about how to sustainably fabricate polymeric fibers with excellent material properties by reviewing the physical and chemical aspects of materials processing distilled from diverse model systems, including spider silk, mussel byssus, velvet worm slime, hagfish slime, and mistletoe viscin. We identify common and divergent strategies, highlighting the potential for bioinspired design and technology transfer. Despite the diversity of the biopolymeric fibers surveyed, we identify several common strategies across multiple systems, including: (1) use of stimuli-responsive biomolecular building blocks, (2) use of concentrated fluid precursor phases (e.g., coacervates and liquid crystals) stored under controlled chemical conditions, and (3) use of chemical (pH, salt concentration, redox chemistry) and physical (mechanical shear, extensional flow) stimuli to trigger the transition from fluid precursor to solid material. Importantly, because these materials largely form and function outside of the body of the organisms, these principles can more easily be transferred for bioinspired design in synthetic systems. We end the review by discussing ongoing efforts and challenges to mimic biological model systems, with a particular focus on artificial spider silks and mussel-inspired materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Rising
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge 141 52, Sweden.,Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala 750 07, Sweden
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10
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Blamires SJ, Rawal A, Edwards AD, Yarger JL, Oberst S, Allardyce BJ, Rajkhowa R. Methods for Silk Property Analyses across Structural Hierarchies and Scales. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28052120. [PMID: 36903366 PMCID: PMC10003856 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28052120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Silk from silkworms and spiders is an exceptionally important natural material, inspiring a range of new products and applications due to its high strength, elasticity, and toughness at low density, as well as its unique conductive and optical properties. Transgenic and recombinant technologies offer great promise for the scaled-up production of new silkworm- and spider-silk-inspired fibres. However, despite considerable effort, producing an artificial silk that recaptures the physico-chemical properties of naturally spun silk has thus far proven elusive. The mechanical, biochemical, and other properties of pre-and post-development fibres accordingly should be determined across scales and structural hierarchies whenever feasible. We have herein reviewed and made recommendations on some of those practices for measuring the bulk fibre properties; skin-core structures; and the primary, secondary, and tertiary structures of silk proteins and the properties of dopes and their proteins. We thereupon examine emerging methodologies and make assessments on how they might be utilized to realize the goal of developing high quality bio-inspired fibres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean J. Blamires
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Technology, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - Aditya Rawal
- Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Angela D. Edwards
- School of Molecular Science, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-1604, USA
| | - Jeffrey L. Yarger
- School of Molecular Science, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-1604, USA
| | - Sebastian Oberst
- School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Technology, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | | | - Rangam Rajkhowa
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3216, Australia
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11
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Yoshioka T, Kameda T, Burghammer M, Riekel C. Mesoscale Confinement in Bagworm Silk: A Hidden Structural Organization. NANO LETTERS 2023; 23:827-834. [PMID: 36662558 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.2c03734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
While silk fibers produced by silkworms and spiders are frequently described as a network of amorphous protein chains reinforced by crystalline β-sheet nanodomains, the importance of higher-order, self-assembled structures has been recognized for advanced modeling of mechanical properties. General acceptance of hierarchical structural models is, however, currently limited by lack of experimental results. Indeed, X-ray scattering studies of spider's dragline-type fibers have been particularly limited by low crystallinities. Here we are reporting on probing the local structure of exceptionally crystalline bagworm silk fibers by X-ray nanobeam scattering. Probing the comparable thickness of cross sections with an X-ray nanobeam allows removing the strong scattering background from the outer sericin layer and reveals a hidden structural organization due to a radial gradient in diameters of mesoscale nanofibrillar bundles in the fibroin phase. Our results provide direct support for lateral interactions between nanofibrils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taiyo Yoshioka
- Silk Materials Research Group, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), 1-2 Owashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8634, Japan
| | - Tsunenori Kameda
- Silk Materials Research Group, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), 1-2 Owashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8634, Japan
| | - Manfred Burghammer
- The European Synchrotron (ESRF), 71 Avenue des Martyrs, CS40220, 38043 Grenoble Cedex 9, France
| | - Christian Riekel
- The European Synchrotron (ESRF), 71 Avenue des Martyrs, CS40220, 38043 Grenoble Cedex 9, France
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12
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Peng Z, Hu W, Li X, Zhao P, Xia Q. Bending–Spinning Produces Silkworm and Spider Silk with Enhanced Mechanical Properties. Macromolecules 2023. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.2c00868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhangchuan Peng
- Biological Science Research Center Southwest University, Chongqing400716, China
| | - Wenbo Hu
- Biological Science Research Center Southwest University, Chongqing400716, China
| | - Xinning Li
- Biological Science Research Center Southwest University, Chongqing400716, China
| | - Ping Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology Southwest University, Chongqing400716, China
- Biological Science Research Center Southwest University, Chongqing400716, China
| | - Qingyou Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology Southwest University, Chongqing400716, China
- Biological Science Research Center Southwest University, Chongqing400716, China
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13
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The Evaluation of the Biological Effects of Melanin by Using Silkworm as a Model Animal. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14070421. [PMID: 35878159 PMCID: PMC9317675 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14070421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanin has been reported to have potential applications in industries such as cosmetics and food due to its anti-UV and antioxidative qualities. However, the corresponding data on its safety evaluation or biological consequences are fairly limited; such data are critical given its widespread use. The effect of different concentrations (1, 2, 3, and 4%) of melanin on growth status (larvae length and weight, cocoon weight, and morphology), the microstructure of the various tissues (fat body, silk gland, and midgut), and silk properties was studied by using the silkworm (bombyx mori) as the model organism. The weight and length of silkworm larvae fed with melanin were lower than the control, indicating that melanin appears to have a negative effect on the growth status of silkworms; however, the histophysiology analysis indicates that the cell morphologies are not changed, the XRD and FTIR spectra indicate that the secondary and crystalline structures of silks are also well preserved, and the thermogravimetric analysis and tensile test indicate that the thermal stability and mechanical properties are well maintained and even improved to some extent. Generally, it indicates that melanin has a certain inhibitory effect on the growth of silkworm larva but causes no harm to the cell microstructures or silk properties; this demonstrates that the safety of melanin as a food addictive should be considered seriously. The increase of thermal stability and mechanical properties shows that melanin may be a good chemical modifier in textile industries.
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14
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Bäcklund FG, Schmuck B, Miranda GHB, Greco G, Pugno NM, Rydén J, Rising A. An Image-Analysis-Based Method for the Prediction of Recombinant Protein Fiber Tensile Strength. MATERIALS 2022; 15:ma15030708. [PMID: 35160653 PMCID: PMC8915176 DOI: 10.3390/ma15030708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Silk fibers derived from the cocoon of silk moths and the wide range of silks produced by spiders exhibit an array of features, such as extraordinary tensile strength, elasticity, and adhesive properties. The functional features and mechanical properties can be derived from the structural composition and organization of the silk fibers. Artificial recombinant protein fibers based on engineered spider silk proteins have been successfully made previously and represent a promising way towards the large-scale production of fibers with predesigned features. However, for the production and use of protein fibers, there is a need for reliable objective quality control procedures that could be automated and that do not destroy the fibers in the process. Furthermore, there is still a lack of understanding the specifics of how the structural composition and organization relate to the ultimate function of silk-like fibers. In this study, we develop a new method for the categorization of protein fibers that enabled a highly accurate prediction of fiber tensile strength. Based on the use of a common light microscope equipped with polarizers together with image analysis for the precise determination of fiber morphology and optical properties, this represents an easy-to-use, objective non-destructive quality control process for protein fiber manufacturing and provides further insights into the link between the supramolecular organization and mechanical functionality of protein fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredrik G. Bäcklund
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Neo, 14186 Huddinge, Sweden; (B.S.); (A.R.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Benjamin Schmuck
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Neo, 14186 Huddinge, Sweden; (B.S.); (A.R.)
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 75007 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Gisele H. B. Miranda
- Division of Computational Science and Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 10044 Stockholm, Sweden;
- BioImage Informatics Facility, Science for Life Laboratory, 17165 Solna, Sweden
| | - Gabriele Greco
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 75007 Uppsala, Sweden
- Laboratory for Bioinspired, Bionic, Nano, Meta, Materials & Mechanics, Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, University of Trento, Via Mesiano, 77, 38123 Trento, Italy; (G.G.); (N.M.P.)
| | - Nicola M. Pugno
- Laboratory for Bioinspired, Bionic, Nano, Meta, Materials & Mechanics, Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, University of Trento, Via Mesiano, 77, 38123 Trento, Italy; (G.G.); (N.M.P.)
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Jesper Rydén
- Department of Energy and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 75007 Uppsala, Sweden;
| | - Anna Rising
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Neo, 14186 Huddinge, Sweden; (B.S.); (A.R.)
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 75007 Uppsala, Sweden
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15
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Gong Y, Li Z, Hu J, Zhou G, Xu G, Yang W, Zhang J. Insight into the measurements for determining the ageing degree of ancient silk. Polym Degrad Stab 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2022.109833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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16
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Andoh V, Guan H, Ma L, Zhao W, Li L, Wu G. Evaluation of biological effects of three neodymium compounds on silkworm, Bombyx mori. J RARE EARTH 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jre.2020.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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17
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Li J, Zhu Y, Yu H, Dai B, Jun YS, Zhang F. Microbially Synthesized Polymeric Amyloid Fiber Promotes β-Nanocrystal Formation and Displays Gigapascal Tensile Strength. ACS NANO 2021; 15:11843-11853. [PMID: 34251182 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c02944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The ability of amyloid proteins to form stable β-sheet nanofibrils has made them potential candidates for material innovation in nanotechnology. However, such a nanoscale feature has rarely translated into attractive macroscopic properties for mechanically demanding applications. Here, we present a strategy by fusing amyloid peptides with flexible linkers from spidroin; the resulting polymeric amyloid proteins can be biosynthesized using engineered microbes and wet-spun into macroscopic fibers. Using this strategy, fibers from three different amyloid groups were fabricated. Structural analyses unveil the presence of β-nanocrystals that resemble the cross-β structure of amyloid nanofibrils. These polymeric amyloid fibers have displayed strong and molecular-weight-dependent mechanical properties. Fibers made of a protein polymer containing 128 repeats of the FGAILSS sequence displayed an average ultimate tensile strength of 0.98 ± 0.08 GPa and an average toughness of 161 ± 26 MJ/m3, surpassing most recombinant protein fibers and even some natural spider silk fibers. The design strategy and the biosynthetic approach can be expanded to create numerous functional materials, and the macroscopic amyloid fibers will enable a wide range of mechanically demanding applications.
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18
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Oliveira PE, Chen D, Bell BE, Harris TI, Walker C, Zhang H, Grob B, Lewis RV, Jones JA. The next generation of protein super-fibres: robust recombinant production and recovery of hagfish intermediate filament proteins with fibre spinning and mechanical-structural characterizations. Microb Biotechnol 2021; 14:1976-1989. [PMID: 34191387 PMCID: PMC8449652 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Native hagfish intermediate filament proteins have impressive mechanical properties. However, using these native fibres for any application is impractical, necessitating their recombinant production. In the only literature report on the proteins (denoted α and ɣ), heterologous expression levels, using E. coli, were low and no attempts were made to optimize expression, explore wet‐spinning, or spin the two proteins individually into fibres. Reported here is the high production (~8 g l−1 of dry protein) of the hagfish intermediate filament proteins, with yields orders of magnitude higher (325–1000×) than previous reports. The proteins were spun into fibres individually and in their native‐like 1:1 ratio. For all fibres, the hallmark α‐helix to β‐sheet conversion occurred after draw‐processing. The native‐like 1:1 ratio fibres achieved the highest average tensile strength in this study at nearly 200 MPa with an elastic modulus of 5.7 GPa, representing the highest tensile strength reported for these proteins without chemical cross‐linking. Interestingly, the recombinant α protein achieved nearly the same mechanical properties when spun as a homopolymeric fibre. These results suggest that varying the two protein ratios beyond the natural 1:1 ratio will allow a high degree of tunability. With robust heterologous expression and purification established, optimizing fibre spinning will be accelerated compared to difficult to produce proteins such as spider silks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula E Oliveira
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322, USA
| | - Dong Chen
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322, USA
| | - Brianne E Bell
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322, USA
| | - Thomas I Harris
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322, USA
| | - Caleb Walker
- Department of Biological Engineering, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322, USA
| | - Haixia Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Bioengineering of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Brittany Grob
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322, USA
| | - Randolph V Lewis
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322, USA.,Department of Biological Engineering, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322, USA
| | - Justin A Jones
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322, USA.,Department of Biological Engineering, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322, USA
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19
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Thomas LH, Altaner CM, Forsyth VT, Mossou E, Kennedy CJ, Martel A, Jarvis MC. Nanostructural deformation of high-stiffness spruce wood under tension. Sci Rep 2021; 11:453. [PMID: 33432070 PMCID: PMC7801420 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79676-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Conifer wood is an exceptionally stiff and strong material when its cellulose microfibrils are well aligned. However, it is not well understood how the polymer components cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin co-operate to resist tensile stress in wood. From X-ray scattering, neutron scattering and spectroscopic data, collected under tension and processed by novel methods, the ordered, disordered and hemicellulose-coated cellulose components comprising each microfibril were shown to stretch together and demonstrated concerted, viscous stress relaxation facilitated by water. Different cellulose microfibrils did not all stretch to the same degree. Attempts were made to distinguish between microfibrils showing large and small elongation but these domains were shown to be similar with respect to orientation, crystalline disorder, hydration and the presence of bound xylan. These observations are consistent with a major stress transfer process between microfibrils being shear at interfaces in direct, hydrogen-bonded contact, as demonstrated by small-angle neutron scattering. If stress were transmitted between microfibrils by bridging hemicelluloses these might have been expected to show divergent stretching and relaxation behaviour, which was not observed. However lignin and hemicellulosic glucomannans may contribute to stress transfer on a larger length scale between microfibril bundles (macrofibrils).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynne H Thomas
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Clemens M Altaner
- New Zealand School of Forestry, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - V Trevor Forsyth
- Institut Laue-Langevin, 38042, Grenoble Cedex 9, France.,Partnership for Structural Biology (PSB), 38042, Grenoble Cedex 9, France.,Faculty of Natural Sciences, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, UK
| | - Estelle Mossou
- Institut Laue-Langevin, 38042, Grenoble Cedex 9, France.,Partnership for Structural Biology (PSB), 38042, Grenoble Cedex 9, France.,Faculty of Natural Sciences, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, UK
| | - Craig J Kennedy
- School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, Scotland, UK
| | - Anne Martel
- Institut Laue-Langevin, 38042, Grenoble Cedex 9, France
| | - Michael C Jarvis
- School of Chemistry, Glasgow University, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, Scotland, UK.
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20
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Riekel C, Burghammer M, Rosenthal M. Mesoscale structures in amorphous silks from a spider's orb-web. Sci Rep 2020; 10:18205. [PMID: 33097740 PMCID: PMC7584646 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74638-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Of the 7-8 silk fibers making up an orb-web only the hierarchical structural organization of semicrystalline radial fibers -composed of major ampullate silk- has been studied in detail, given its fascinating mechanical features. While major ampullate silk's nanofibrillar morphology is well established, knowhow on mesoscale (> 50-100 nm) assembly and its contribution to mechanical performance is limited. Much less is known on the hierarchical structural organization of other, generally less crystalline fibers contributing to an orb-webs' function. Here we show by scanning X-ray micro&nanodiffraction that two fully amorphous, fine silk fibers from the center of an orb-web have different mesoscale features. One of the fibers has a fibrillar composite structure resembling stiff egg case silk. The other fiber has a skin-core structure based on a nanofibrillar ribbon wound around a disordered core. A fraction of nanofibrils appears to have assembled into mesoscale fibrils. This fiber becomes readily attached to the coat of major ampullate silk fibers. We observe that a detached fiber has ripped out the glycoprotein skin-layer containing polyglycine II nanocrystallites. The anchoring of the fiber in the coat suggests that it could serve for strengthening the tension and cohesion of major ampullate silk fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Riekel
- The European Synchrotron, ESRF, CS40220, 38043, Grenoble Cedex 9, France.
| | - Manfred Burghammer
- The European Synchrotron, ESRF, CS40220, 38043, Grenoble Cedex 9, France
| | - Martin Rosenthal
- The European Synchrotron, ESRF, CS40220, 38043, Grenoble Cedex 9, France
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21
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Kiseleva AP, Krivoshapkin PV, Krivoshapkina EF. Recent Advances in Development of Functional Spider Silk-Based Hybrid Materials. Front Chem 2020; 8:554. [PMID: 32695749 PMCID: PMC7338834 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2020.00554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Silkworm silk is mainly known as a luxurious textile. Spider silk is an alternative to silkworm silk fibers and has much more outstanding properties. Silk diversity ensures variation in its application in nature and industry. This review aims to provide a critical summary of up-to-date fabrication methods of spider silk-based organic-inorganic hybrid materials. This paper focuses on the relationship between the molecular structure of spider silk and its mechanical properties. Such knowledge is essential for understanding the innate properties of spider silk as it provides insight into the sophisticated assembly processes of silk proteins into the distinct polymers as a basis for novel products. In this context, we describe the development of spider silk-based hybrids using both natural and bioengineered spider silk proteins blended with inorganic nanoparticles. The following topics are also covered: the diversity of spider silk, its composition and architecture, the differences between silkworm silk and spider silk, and the biosynthesis of natural silk. Referencing biochemical data and processes, this paper outlines the existing challenges and future outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elena F. Krivoshapkina
- Laboratory of Solution Chemistry of Advanced Materials and Technologies, ITMO University, St. Petersburg, Russia
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22
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Sviben S, Spaeker O, Bennet M, Albéric M, Dirks JH, Moussian B, Fratzl P, Bertinetti L, Politi Y. Epidermal Cell Surface Structure and Chitin-Protein Co-assembly Determine Fiber Architecture in the Locust Cuticle. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:25581-25590. [PMID: 32343541 PMCID: PMC7304823 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c04572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The geometrical similarity of helicoidal fiber arrangement in many biological fibrous extracellular matrices, such as bone, plant cell wall, or arthropod cuticle, to that of cholesteric liquid mesophases has led to the hypothesis that they may form passively through a mesophase precursor rather than by direct cellular control. In search of direct evidence to support or refute this hypothesis, here, we studied the process of cuticle formation in the tibia of the migratory locust, Locusta migratoria, where daily growth layers arise by the deposition of fiber arrangements alternating between unidirectional and helicoidal structures. Using focused ion beam/scanning electron microscopy (FIB/SEM) volume imaging and scanning X-ray scattering, we show that the epidermal cells determine an initial fiber orientation, from which the final architecture emerges by the self-organized co-assembly of chitin and proteins. Fiber orientation in the locust cuticle is therefore determined by both active and passive processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanja Sviben
- Department
of Biomaterials, Max Planck Institute of
Colloids and Interfaces, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Oliver Spaeker
- Department
of Biomaterials, Max Planck Institute of
Colloids and Interfaces, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Mathieu Bennet
- Department
of Biomaterials, Max Planck Institute of
Colloids and Interfaces, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Marie Albéric
- Department
of Biomaterials, Max Planck Institute of
Colloids and Interfaces, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
- Laboratoire
Chimie de la Matière Condensée de Paris, Sorbonne Université, UMR CNRS 7574, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Jan-Henning Dirks
- Max
Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
- Biomimetics-Innovation-Centre, Hochschule Bremen—City University of Applied
Sciences, 28199 Bremen, Germany
| | - Bernard Moussian
- Institute
of Biology Valrose, Université Côte
d’Azur, CNRS, Inserm, Parc Valrose, 06108 Nice Cedex 2, France
| | - Peter Fratzl
- Department
of Biomaterials, Max Planck Institute of
Colloids and Interfaces, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Luca Bertinetti
- Department
of Biomaterials, Max Planck Institute of
Colloids and Interfaces, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Yael Politi
- Department
of Biomaterials, Max Planck Institute of
Colloids and Interfaces, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
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23
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Asakura T. Structure and Dynamics of Spider Silk Studied with Solid-State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Molecular Dynamics Simulation. Molecules 2020; 25:E2634. [PMID: 32517041 PMCID: PMC7321385 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25112634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
This review will introduce very recent studies using solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation on the structure and dynamics of spider dragline silks conducted by the author's research group. Spider dragline silks possess extraordinary mechanical properties by combining high tensile strength with outstanding elongation before breaking, and therefore continue to attract attention of researchers in biology, biochemistry, biophysics, analytical chemistry, polymer technology, textile technology, and tissue engineering. However, the inherently non-crystalline structure means that X-ray diffraction and electron diffraction methods provide only limited information because it is difficult to study the molecular structure of the amorphous region. The most detailed picture of the structure and dynamics of the silks in the solid state experimentally have come from solid-state NMR measurements coupled with stable isotope labeling of the silks and the related silk peptides. In addition, combination of solid-state NMR and MD simulation was very powerful analytical tools to understand the local conformation and dynamics of the spider dragline silk in atomic resolution. In this review, the author will emphasize how solid-state NMR and MD simulation have contributed to a better understanding of the structure and dynamics in the spider dragline silks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuo Asakura
- Department of Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Nakacho, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
- Department of Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Nakacho, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
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24
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Dugger TW, Sarkar S, Correa-Garhwal SM, Zhernenkov M, Zhang Y, Kolhatkar G, Mohan R, Cruz L, Lubio AD, Ruediger A, Hayashi CY, Uhrich KE, Kisailus DJ. Ultrastructures and Mechanics of Annealed Nephila clavipes Major Ampullate Silk. Biomacromolecules 2020; 21:1186-1194. [PMID: 32003982 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.9b01615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The semicrystalline protein structure and impressive mechanical properties of major ampullate (MA) spider silk make it a promising natural alternative to polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers for carbon fiber manufacture. However, when annealed using a similar procedure to carbon fiber production, the tensile strength and Young's modulus of MA silk decrease. Despite this, MA silk fibers annealed at 600 °C remain stronger and tougher than similarly annealed PAN but have a lower Young's modulus. Although MA silk and PAN graphitize to similar extents, annealing disrupts the hydrogen bonding that controls crystal alignment within MA silk. Consequently, unaligned graphite crystals form in annealed MA silk, causing it to weaken, while graphite crystals in PAN maintain alignment along the fiber axis, strengthening the fibers. These shortcomings of spider silk when annealed provide insights into the selection and design of future alternative carbon fiber precursors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas W Dugger
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Ave, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Sourangsu Sarkar
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Ave, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Sandra M Correa-Garhwal
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Ave, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Mikhail Zhernenkov
- National Synchrotron Light Source II, Brookhaven National Laboratory, 743 Brookhaven Avenue, Upton, New York 11973-5000, United States
| | - Yugang Zhang
- National Synchrotron Light Source II, Brookhaven National Laboratory, 743 Brookhaven Avenue, Upton, New York 11973-5000, United States
| | - Gitanjali Kolhatkar
- Nanoelectronics-Nanophotonics, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université du Québec, 1650, Boul. Lionel-Boulet, Varennes J3X1S2, Québec, Canada
| | - Ramya Mohan
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Ave, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Luz Cruz
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Ave, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Aura D Lubio
- Nanoelectronics-Nanophotonics, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université du Québec, 1650, Boul. Lionel-Boulet, Varennes J3X1S2, Québec, Canada
| | - Andreas Ruediger
- Nanoelectronics-Nanophotonics, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université du Québec, 1650, Boul. Lionel-Boulet, Varennes J3X1S2, Québec, Canada
| | - Cheryl Y Hayashi
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Ave, Riverside, California 92521, United States.,Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Ave, Riverside, California 92521, United States.,Division of Invertebrate Zoology and Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics, American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, New York, New York 10024-5192, United States
| | - Kathryn E Uhrich
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Ave, Riverside, California 92521, United States.,Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Ave, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - David J Kisailus
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Ave, Riverside, California 92521, United States.,Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Ave, Riverside, California 92521, United States
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25
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Kamada A, Levin A, Toprakcioglu Z, Shen Y, Lutz-Bueno V, Baumann KN, Mohammadi P, Linder MB, Mezzenga R, Knowles TPJ. Modulating the Mechanical Performance of Macroscale Fibers through Shear-Induced Alignment and Assembly of Protein Nanofibrils. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2020; 16:e1904190. [PMID: 31595701 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201904190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Protein-based fibers are used by nature as high-performance materials in a wide range of applications, including providing structural support, creating thermal insulation, and generating underwater adhesives. Such fibers are commonly generated through a hierarchical self-assembly process, where the molecular building blocks are geometrically confined and aligned along the fiber axis to provide a high level of structural robustness. Here, this approach is mimicked by using a microfluidic spinning method to enable precise control over multiscale order during the assembly process of nanoscale protein nanofibrils into micro- and macroscale fibers. By varying the flow rates on chip, the degree of nanofibril alignment can be tuned, leading to an orientation index comparable to that of native silk. It is found that the Young's modulus of the resulting fibers increases with an increasing level of nanoscale alignment of the building blocks, suggesting that the mechanical properties of macroscopic fibers can be controlled through varying the level of ordering of the nanoscale building blocks. Capitalizing on strategies evolved by nature, the fabrication method allows for the controlled formation of macroscopic fibers and offers the potential to be applied for the generation of further novel bioinspired materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayaka Kamada
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Aviad Levin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Zenon Toprakcioglu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Yi Shen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Viviane Lutz-Bueno
- Laboratory of Food and Soft Materials Science, ETH Zurich, Schmelzbergstrasse, 9, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Kevin N Baumann
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Pezhman Mohammadi
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., VTT, FI-02044, Espoo, Finland
| | - Markus B Linder
- Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, Kemistintie 1, 00076, Aalto, Espoo, Finland
| | - Raffaele Mezzenga
- Laboratory of Food and Soft Materials Science, ETH Zurich, Schmelzbergstrasse, 9, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tuomas P J Knowles
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
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26
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Dong Q, Fang G, Huang Y, Hu L, Yao J, Shao Z, Ling S, Chen X. Effect of stress on the molecular structure and mechanical properties of supercontracted spider dragline silks. J Mater Chem B 2020; 8:168-176. [PMID: 31789330 DOI: 10.1039/c9tb02032b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Supercontraction is one of the most interesting properties of spider dragline silks. In this study, changes in the secondary structures of the Nephila edulis spider dragline silk after it was subjected to different supercontraction processes were investigated by integrating synchrotron Fourier transform infrared (S-FTIR) microspectroscopy and mechanical characterization. The results showed that after free supercontraction, the β-sheet lost most of its orientation, while the helix and random coils were almost totally disordered. Interestingly, by conducting different types of supercontractions (i.e., stretching of the free supercontracted spider dragline silk to its original length or performing constrained supercontraction), it was found that although the molecular structures all changed after supercontraction, the mechanical properties almost remained unchanged when the length of the spider dragline silk did not change significantly. The other interesting conclusion obtained is that the manual stretching of a poorly oriented spider dragline silk cannot selectively improve the orientation degree of the β-sheet in the spider silk, but increase the orientation degree of all conformations (β-sheet, helix, and random). These experimental findings not only help to unveil the structure-property-function relationship of natural spider silks, but also provide a useful guideline for the design of biomimetic spider fiber materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinglin Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Laboratory of Advanced Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China.
| | - Guangqiang Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Laboratory of Advanced Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yufang Huang
- Department of Materials Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Linli Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Laboratory of Advanced Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jinrong Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Laboratory of Advanced Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhengzhong Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Laboratory of Advanced Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China.
| | - Shengjie Ling
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Laboratory of Advanced Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China.
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27
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Biotransformation of fermented black tea into bacterial nanocellulose via symbiotic interplay of microorganisms. Int J Biol Macromol 2019; 132:166-177. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.03.202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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28
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Zhong J, Liu Y, Ren J, Tang Y, Qi Z, Zhou X, Chen X, Shao Z, Chen M, Kaplan DL, Ling S. Understanding Secondary Structures of Silk Materials via Micro- and Nano-Infrared Spectroscopies. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2019; 5:3161-3183. [PMID: 33405510 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.9b00305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The secondary structures (also termed conformations) of silk fibroin (SF) in animal silk fibers and regenerated SF materials are critical in determining mechanical performance and function of the materials. In order to understand the structure-mechanics-function relationships of silk materials, a variety of advanced infrared spectroscopic techniques, such as micro-infrared spectroscopies (micro-IR spectroscopies for short), synchrotron micro-IR spectroscopy, and nano-infrared spectroscopies (nano-IR spectroscopies for short), have been used to determine the conformations of SF in silk materials. These IR spectroscopic methods provide a useful toolkit to understand conformations and conformational transitions of SF in various silk materials with spatial resolution from the nano-scale to the micro-scale. In this Review, we first summarize progress in understanding the structure and structure-mechanics relationships of silk materials. We then discuss the state-of-the-art micro- and nano-IR spectroscopic techniques used for silk materials characterization. We also provide a systematic discussion of the strategies to collect high-quality spectra and the methods to analyze these spectra. Finally, we demonstrate the challenges and directions for future exploration of silk-based materials with IR spectroscopies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajia Zhong
- National Facility for Protein Science in Shanghai, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yawen Liu
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Jing Ren
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yuzhao Tang
- National Facility for Protein Science in Shanghai, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Zeming Qi
- National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230029, China
| | - Xiaojie Zhou
- National Facility for Protein Science in Shanghai, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Xin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Laboratory of Advanced Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Zhengzhong Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Laboratory of Advanced Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Min Chen
- Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - David L Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Shengjie Ling
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai 201210, China
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29
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Baer A, Horbelt N, Nijemeisland M, Garcia SJ, Fratzl P, Schmidt S, Mayer G, Harrington MJ. Shear-Induced β-Crystallite Unfolding in Condensed Phase Nanodroplets Promotes Fiber Formation in a Biological Adhesive. ACS NANO 2019; 13:4992-5001. [PMID: 30933471 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.9b00857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Natural materials provide an increasingly important role model for the development and processing of next-generation polymers. The velvet worm Euperipatoides rowelli hunts using a projectile, mechanoresponsive adhesive slime that rapidly and reversibly transitions into stiff glassy polymer fibers following shearing and drying. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this mechanoresponsive behavior is still unclear. Previous work showed the slime to be an emulsion of nanoscale charge-stabilized condensed droplets comprised primarily of large phosphorylated proteins, which under mechanical shear coalesce and self-organize into nano- and microfibrils that can be drawn into macroscopic fibers. Here, we utilize wide-angle X-ray diffraction and vibrational spectroscopy coupled with in situ shear deformation to explore the contribution of protein conformation and mechanical forces to the fiber formation process. Although previously believed to be unstructured, our findings indicate that the main phosphorylated protein component possesses a significant β-crystalline structure in the storage phase and that shear-induced partial unfolding of the protein is a key first step in the rapid self-organization of nanodroplets into fibers. The insights gained here have relevance for sustainable production of advanced polymeric materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Baer
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biology , University of Kassel , Heinrich-Plett-Str. 40 , D-34132 Kassel , Germany
| | - Nils Horbelt
- Department of Biomaterials , Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces , Research Campus Golm, D-14424 Potsdam , Germany
| | - Marlies Nijemeisland
- Novel Aerospace Materials group, Faculty of Aerospace Engineering , Delft University of Technology , Kluyverweg 1 , 2629 HS Delft , The Netherlands
| | - Santiago J Garcia
- Novel Aerospace Materials group, Faculty of Aerospace Engineering , Delft University of Technology , Kluyverweg 1 , 2629 HS Delft , The Netherlands
| | - Peter Fratzl
- Department of Biomaterials , Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces , Research Campus Golm, D-14424 Potsdam , Germany
| | - Stephan Schmidt
- Preparative Polymer Chemistry , Heinrich-Heine-Universität , Universitätsstraße 1 , D-40225 Düsseldorf , Germany
| | - Georg Mayer
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biology , University of Kassel , Heinrich-Plett-Str. 40 , D-34132 Kassel , Germany
| | - Matthew J Harrington
- Department of Biomaterials , Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces , Research Campus Golm, D-14424 Potsdam , Germany
- Department of Chemistry , McGill University , 801 Sherbrooke Street West , Montreal , Quebec H3A 0B8 , Canada
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30
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Craig HC, Blamires SJ, Sani MA, Kasumovic MM, Rawal A, Hook JM. DNP NMR spectroscopy reveals new structures, residues and interactions in wild spider silks. Chem Commun (Camb) 2019; 55:4687-4690. [PMID: 30938741 DOI: 10.1039/c9cc01045a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
DNP solid state NMR spectroscopy allows non-targeted analysis of wild spider silk in unprecedented detail at natural abundance, revealing hitherto unreported features across several species. A >50-fold signal enhancement for each silk, enables the detection of novel H-bonding networks and arginine conformations, and the post-translational modified amino acid, hydroxyproline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamish C Craig
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia.
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31
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Molecular Orientation of Bio-Polyamides After Cryogenic Nanohybridization with Montmorillonites. ARABIAN JOURNAL FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s13369-018-3290-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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32
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McGill M, Holland GP, Kaplan DL. Experimental Methods for Characterizing the Secondary Structure and Thermal Properties of Silk Proteins. Macromol Rapid Commun 2019; 40:e1800390. [PMID: 30073740 PMCID: PMC6425979 DOI: 10.1002/marc.201800390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2018] [Revised: 06/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Silk proteins are biopolymers produced by spinning organisms that have been studied extensively for applications in materials engineering, regenerative medicine, and devices due to their high tensile strength and extensibility. This remarkable combination of mechanical properties arises from their unique semi-crystalline secondary structure and block copolymer features. The secondary structure of silks is highly sensitive to processing, and can be manipulated to achieve a wide array of material profiles. Studying the secondary structure of silks is therefore critical to understanding the relationship between structure and function, the strength and stability of silk-based materials, and the natural fiber synthesis process employed by spinning organisms. However, silks present unique challenges to structural characterization due to high-molecular-weight protein chains, repetitive sequences, and heterogeneity in intra- and interchain domain sizes. Here, experimental techniques used to study the secondary structure of silks, the information attainable from these techniques, and the limitations associated with them are reviewed. Ultimately, the appropriate utilization of a suite of techniques discussed here will enable detailed characterization of silk-based materials, from studying fundamental processing-structure-function relationships to developing commercially useful quality control assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan McGill
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Gregory P. Holland
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182-1030, USA
| | - David L. Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, MA 02155, USA
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33
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Shi S, Zhao K, Wang L, Lu B, Zheng G. Crystallization Behavior and Mechanical Properties of Microinjection Molded High Density Polyethylene Parts. J MACROMOL SCI B 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/00222348.2018.1449930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Suyu Shi
- College of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Henan Institute of Engineering, Zhengzhou, 450007, P.R. China
| | - Kang Zhao
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, National Engineering Research Center for Advanced Polymer Processing Technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450002, P.R. China
| | - Lina Wang
- College of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Henan Institute of Engineering, Zhengzhou, 450007, P.R. China
| | - Bo Lu
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, National Engineering Research Center for Advanced Polymer Processing Technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450002, P.R. China
| | - Guoqiang Zheng
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, National Engineering Research Center for Advanced Polymer Processing Technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450002, P.R. China
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34
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Balu R, Reeder S, Knott R, Mata J, de Campo L, Dutta NK, Choudhury NR. Tough Photocrosslinked Silk Fibroin/Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite Hydrogels. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2018; 34:9238-9251. [PMID: 29989819 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.8b01141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The development of protein-based hydrogels for tissue engineering applications is often limited by their mechanical properties. Herein, we present the facile fabrication of tough regenerated silk fibroin (RSF)/graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposite hydrogels by a photochemical cross-linking method. The RSF/GO composite hydrogels demonstrated soft and adhesive properties during initial stages of photocrosslinking (<2 min), which is not observed for the pristine RSF hydrogel, and rendered a tough and nonadhesive hydrogel upon complete cross-linking (10 min). The composite hydrogels exhibited superior tensile mechanical properties, increased β-sheet content, and decreased chain mobility compared to that of the pristine RSF hydrogels. The composite hydrogels demonstrated Young's modulus as high as ∼8 MPa, which is significantly higher than native cartilage (∼1.5 MPa), and tensile toughness as high as ∼2.4 MJ/m3, which is greater than that of electroactive polymer muscles and at par with RSF/GO composite membranes fabricated by layer-by-layer assembly. Small-angle scattering study reveals the hierarchical structure of photocrosslinked RSF hydrogels to comprise randomly distributed water-poor (hydrophobic) and water-rich (hydrophilic) regions at the nanoscale, whereas water pores and channels exhibiting fractal-like characteristics at the microscale. The size of hydrophobic domain (containing β-sheets) was observed to increase slightly with GO incorporation and/or alcohol post-treatment, whereas the size of the hydrophilic domain (intersheet distance containing random coils) was observed to increase significantly, which influences/affects water uptake capacity, cross-link density, and mechanical properties of hydrogels. The presented results have implications for both fundamental understanding of the structure-property relationship of RSF-based hydrogels and their technological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajkamal Balu
- School of Engineering , RMIT University , Melbourne , Victoria 3001 , Australia
| | - Shaina Reeder
- School of Chemical Engineering , University of Adelaide , Adelaide , South Australia 5005 , Australia
| | - Robert Knott
- Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering , Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation , Sydney , New South Wales 2232 , Australia
| | - Jitendra Mata
- Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering , Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation , Sydney , New South Wales 2232 , Australia
| | - Liliana de Campo
- Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering , Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation , Sydney , New South Wales 2232 , Australia
| | - Naba Kumar Dutta
- School of Engineering , RMIT University , Melbourne , Victoria 3001 , Australia
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35
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Mohammadi P, Aranko AS, Lemetti L, Cenev Z, Zhou Q, Virtanen S, Landowski CP, Penttilä M, Fischer WJ, Wagermaier W, Linder MB. Phase transitions as intermediate steps in the formation of molecularly engineered protein fibers. Commun Biol 2018; 1:86. [PMID: 30271967 PMCID: PMC6123624 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-018-0090-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A central concept in molecular bioscience is how structure formation at different length scales is achieved. Here we use spider silk protein as a model to design new recombinant proteins that assemble into fibers. We made proteins with a three-block architecture with folded globular domains at each terminus of a truncated repetitive silk sequence. Aqueous solutions of these engineered proteins undergo liquid-liquid phase separation as an essential pre-assembly step before fibers can form by drawing in air. We show that two different forms of phase separation occur depending on solution conditions, but only one form leads to fiber assembly. Structural variants with one-block or two-block architectures do not lead to fibers. Fibers show strong adhesion to surfaces and self-fusing properties when placed into contact with each other. Our results show a link between protein architecture and phase separation behavior suggesting a general approach for understanding protein assembly from dilute solutions into functional structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pezhman Mohammadi
- Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, 02150, Espoo, Finland.
| | - A Sesilja Aranko
- Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, 02150, Espoo, Finland
| | - Laura Lemetti
- Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, 02150, Espoo, Finland
| | - Zoran Cenev
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation, School of Electrical Engineering, Aalto University, 02150, Espoo, Finland
| | - Quan Zhou
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation, School of Electrical Engineering, Aalto University, 02150, Espoo, Finland
| | - Salla Virtanen
- Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, 02150, Espoo, Finland
| | | | - Merja Penttilä
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., 02150, Espoo, Finland
| | | | - Wolfgang Wagermaier
- Department of Biomaterials, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Markus B Linder
- Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, 02150, Espoo, Finland.
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36
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Jehle F, Fratzl P, Harrington MJ. Metal-Tunable Self-Assembly of Hierarchical Structure in Mussel-Inspired Peptide Films. ACS NANO 2018; 12:2160-2168. [PMID: 29385330 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.7b07905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Bottom-up control over structural hierarchy from the nanoscale through the macroscale is a critical aspect of biological materials fabrication and function, which can inspire production of advanced materials. Mussel byssal threads are a prime example of protein-based biofibers in which hierarchical organization of protein building blocks coupled via metal complexation leads to notable mechanical behaviors, such as high toughness and self-healing. Using a natural amino acid sequence from byssal thread proteins, which functions as a pH-triggered self-assembly point, we created free-standing peptide films with complex hierarchical organization across multiple length scales that can be controlled by inclusion of metal ions (Zn2+ and Cu2+) during the assembly process. Additionally, analysis of film mechanical performance indicates that metal coordination bestows up to an order of magnitude increase in material stiffness, providing a paradigm for creating tunable polymeric materials with multiscale organizational structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Jehle
- Department of Biomaterials , Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces , Potsdam 14476 , Germany
| | - Peter Fratzl
- Department of Biomaterials , Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces , Potsdam 14476 , Germany
| | - Matthew J Harrington
- Department of Biomaterials , Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces , Potsdam 14476 , Germany
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37
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Zheng Y, Speller R, Griffiths J. A novel method to remove the background from x-ray diffraction signal. Phys Med Biol 2018; 63:06NT03. [DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/aaac9e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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38
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Dionne J, Lefèvre T, Bilodeau P, Lamarre M, Auger M. A quantitative analysis of the supercontraction-induced molecular disorientation of major ampullate spider silk. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2018; 19:31487-31498. [PMID: 29159351 DOI: 10.1039/c7cp05739c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Spider silks exhibit remarkable properties, among which the so-called supercontraction, a physical phenomenon by which fibers undergo a longitudinal shrinkage and a radial swelling when exposed to water. The process is marked by a significant decrease in chain orientation resulting from plasticisation of the amorphous phase. Despite several studies that determined the Hermans orientation function, more quantitative data are required to be able to describe theoretically the macroscopic water-induced shrinkage from molecular reorganization. Here, we have examined the supercontraction of the major ampullate silk single fibers of Nephila clavipes (Nc) and Araneus diadematus (Ad) using polarized Raman spectromicroscopy. We determined the order parameters, the orientation distribution and the secondary structure content. Our data suggest that supercontraction induces a slight increase in β-sheet content, consistently with previous works. The β-sheet orientation is slightly affected by supercontraction compared to that of the amorphous phase, which becomes almost isotropic with shrinkage. Despite an initially lower orientation level, the Ad fiber shows a larger orientation decrease than Nc, consistently with its higher shrinkage amplitude. Although they share similar trends, absolute values of the orientation parameters from this work differ from those found in the literature. We took advantage of having determined the distribution of orientation to estimate the amplitude of shrinkage from changes in macromolecular size resulting from molecular disorientation. Our calculations show that more realistic models are needed to correlate molecular reorientation/refolding to macroscopic shrinkage. This work also underlines that more accurate data relative to molecular orientation are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Dionne
- Département de chimie, Regroupement québécois de Recherche sur la Fonction, l'Ingénierie et les Applications des Protéines (PROTEO), Centre de Recherche sur les Matériaux Avancés (CERMA), Centre Québécois sur les Matériaux Fonctionnels (CQMF), Université Laval, Pavillon Alexandre-Vachon, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.
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39
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Guo C, Zhang J, Jordan JS, Wang X, Henning RW, Yarger JL. Structural Comparison of Various Silkworm Silks: An Insight into the Structure-Property Relationship. Biomacromolecules 2018; 19:906-917. [PMID: 29425447 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.7b01687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Silkworm silk has attracted considerable attention in recent years due to its excellent mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and promising applications in biomedical sector. However, a clear understanding of the molecular structure and the relationship between the excellent mechanical properties and the silk protein sequences are still lacking. This study carries out a thorough comparative structural analysis of silk fibers of four silkworm species ( Bombyx mori, Antheraea pernyi, Samia cynthia ricini, and Antheraea assamensis). A combination of characterization techniques including scanning electron microscopy, mechanical test, synchrotron X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and NMR spectroscopy was applied to investigate the morphologies, mechanical properties, amino acid compositions, nanoscale organizations, and molecular structures of various silkworm silks. Furthermore, the structure-property relationship is discussed by correlating the molecular structural features of silks with their mechanical properties. The results show that a high content of β-sheet structures and a high crystallinity would result in a high Young's modulus for silkworm silk fibers. Additionally, a low content of β-sheet structures would result in a high extensibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengchen Guo
- School of Molecular Sciences, Magnetic Resonance Research Center , Arizona State University , Tempe , Arizona 85287-1604 , United States
| | - Jin Zhang
- Australian Future Fibers Research and Innovation Centre, Institute for Frontier Materials , Deakin University , Burwood VIC 3216 , Australia
| | - Jacob S Jordan
- School of Molecular Sciences, Magnetic Resonance Research Center , Arizona State University , Tempe , Arizona 85287-1604 , United States
| | - Xungai Wang
- Australian Future Fibers Research and Innovation Centre, Institute for Frontier Materials , Deakin University , Burwood VIC 3216 , Australia
| | - Robert W Henning
- Center for Advanced Radiation Sources , The University of Chicago , Chicago , Illinois 60637 , United States
| | - Jeffery L Yarger
- School of Molecular Sciences, Magnetic Resonance Research Center , Arizona State University , Tempe , Arizona 85287-1604 , United States
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40
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Blamires SJ, Nobbs M, Martens PJ, Tso IM, Chuang WT, Chang CK, Sheu HS. Multiscale mechanisms of nutritionally induced property variation in spider silks. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0192005. [PMID: 29390013 PMCID: PMC5794138 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0192005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 01/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Variability in spider major ampullate (MA) silk properties at different scales has proven difficult to determine and remains an obstacle to the development of synthetic fibers mimicking MA silk performance. A multitude of techniques may be used to measure multiscale aspects of silk properties. Here we fed five species of Araneoid spider solutions that either contained protein or were protein deprived and performed silk tensile tests, small and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS), amino acid composition analyses, and silk gene expression analyses, to resolve persistent questions about how nutrient deprivation induces variations in MA silk mechanical properties across scales. Our analyses found that the properties of each spider's silk varied differently in response to variations in their protein intake. We found changes in the crystalline and non-crystalline nanostructures to play specific roles in inducing the property variations we found. Across treatment MaSp expression patterns differed in each of the five species. We found that in most species MaSp expression and amino acid composition variations did not conform with our predictions based on a traditional MaSp expression model. In general, changes to the silk's alanine and proline compositions influenced the alignment of the proteins within the silk's amorphous region, which influenced silk extensibility and toughness. Variations in structural alignment in the crystalline and non-crystalline regions influenced ultimate strength independent of genetic expression. Our study provides the deepest insights thus far into the mechanisms of how MA silk properties vary from gene expression to nanostructure formations to fiber mechanics. Such knowledge is imperative for promoting the production of synthetic silk fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean J. Blamires
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences D26, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Madeleine Nobbs
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences D26, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Penny J. Martens
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Samuels Building F25, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - I-Min Tso
- Department of Life Science, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | | | - Chung-Kai Chang
- National Synchrotron Radiation Research Centre, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Hwo-Shuenn Sheu
- National Synchrotron Radiation Research Centre, Hsinchu, Taiwan
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41
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Anton AM, Heidebrecht A, Mahmood N, Beiner M, Scheibel T, Kremer F. Foundation of the Outstanding Toughness in Biomimetic and Natural Spider Silk. Biomacromolecules 2017; 18:3954-3962. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.7b00990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Markus Anton
- Peter
Debye Institute for Soft Matter Physics, Leipzig University, Linnéstr. 5, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Aniela Heidebrecht
- Department
for Biomaterials, Faculty of Engineering Science, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstr. 30, D-95440 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Nasir Mahmood
- Institute
of Chemistry, Martin Luther University Halle Wittenberg, Heinrich-Damerow-Str.
4, D-06120 Halle
(Saale), Germany
| | - Mario Beiner
- Institute
of Chemistry, Martin Luther University Halle Wittenberg, Heinrich-Damerow-Str.
4, D-06120 Halle
(Saale), Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS, Walter Hülse Str. 1, D-06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Thomas Scheibel
- Department
for Biomaterials, Faculty of Engineering Science, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstr. 30, D-95440 Bayreuth, Germany
- Research
Center for Bio Macromolecules (BIOmac), University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstr. 30, D-95440 Bayreuth, Germany
- Bayreuth
Center for Colloids and Interfaces (BZKG), University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstr. 30, D-95440 Bayreuth, Germany
- Bayreuth
Center for Molecular Biosciences (BZMB), University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstr. 30, D-95440 Bayreuth, Germany
- Bayreuth
Center for Material Science and Engineering (BayMAT), University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstr. 30, D-95440 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Friedrich Kremer
- Peter
Debye Institute for Soft Matter Physics, Leipzig University, Linnéstr. 5, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany
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42
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Fu J, Guerette PA, Pavesi A, Horbelt N, Lim CT, Harrington MJ, Miserez A. Artificial hagfish protein fibers with ultra-high and tunable stiffness. NANOSCALE 2017; 9:12908-12915. [PMID: 28832693 DOI: 10.1039/c7nr02527k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Stiff fibers are used as reinforcing phases in a wide range of high-performance composite materials. Silk is one of the most widely studied bio-fibers, but alternative materials with specific advantages are also being explored. Among these, native hagfish (Eptatretus stoutii) slime thread is an attractive protein-based polymer. These threads consist of coiled-coil intermediate filaments (IFs) as nano-scale building blocks, which can be transformed into extended β-sheet-containing chains upon draw-processing, resulting in fibers with impressive mechanical performance. Here, we report artificial hagfish threads produced by recombinant protein expression, which were subsequently self-assembled into coiled-coil nanofilaments, concentrated, and processed into β-sheet-rich fibers by a "picking-up" method. These artificial fibers experienced mechanical performance enhancement during draw-processing. We exploited the lysine content to covalently cross-link the draw-processed fibers and obtained moduli values (E) in tension as high as ∼20 GPa, which is stiffer than most reported artificial proteinaceous materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Fu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore 639798
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43
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Peng Q, Shao H, Hu X, Zhang Y. Microfluidic Dry-spinning and Characterization of Regenerated Silk Fibroin Fibers. J Vis Exp 2017:56271. [PMID: 28892028 PMCID: PMC5752183 DOI: 10.3791/56271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The protocol demonstrates a method for mimicking the spinning process of silkworm. In the native spinning process, the contracting spinning duct enables the silk proteins to be compact and ordered by shearing and elongation forces. Here, a biomimetic microfluidic channel was designed to mimic the specific geometry of the spinning duct of the silkworm. Regenerated silk fibroin (RSF) spinning doped with high concentration, was extruded through the microchannel to dry-spin fibers at ambient temperature and pressure. In the post-treated process, the as-spun fibers were drawn and stored in ethanol aqueous solution. Synchrotron radiation wide-angle X-ray diffraction (SR-WAXD) technology was used to investigate the microstructure of single RSF fibers, which were fixed to a sample holder with the RSF fiber axis normal to the microbeam of the X-ray. The crystallinity, crystallite size, and crystalline orientation of the fiber were calculated from the WAXD data. The diffraction arcs near the equator of the two-dimensional WAXD pattern indicate that the post-treated RSF fiber has a high orientation degree.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingfa Peng
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University
| | - Huili Shao
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University
| | - Xuechao Hu
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University
| | - Yaopeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University;
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44
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Munro T, Putzeys T, Copeland CG, Xing C, Lewis RV, Ban H, Glorieux C, Wubbenhorst M. Investigation of synthetic spider silk crystallinity and alignment via electrothermal, pyroelectric, literature XRD, and tensile techniques. MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING 2017; 302:1600480. [PMID: 29430211 PMCID: PMC5804743 DOI: 10.1002/mame.201600480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The processes used to create synthetic spider silk greatly affect the properties of the produced fibers. This paper investigates the effect of process variations during artificial spinning on the thermal and mechanical properties of the produced silk. Property values are also compared to the ones of the natural dragline silk of the N. clavipes spider, and to unprocessed (as-spun) synthetic silk. Structural characterization by scanning pyroelectric microscopy is employed to provide insight into the axial orientation of the crystalline regions of the fiber and is supported by XRD data. The results show that stretching and passage through liquid baths induce crystal formation and axial alignment in synthetic fibers, but with different structural organization than natural silks. Furthermore, an increase in thermal diffusivity and elastic modulus is observed with decreasing fiber diameter, trending towards properties of natural fiber. This effect seems to be related to silk fibers being subjected to a radial gradient during production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Troy Munro
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Tristan Putzeys
- Functional Organic Materials and Devices, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, TU/e Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, the Netherlands Laboratory for Soft Matter and Biophysics, Department of Physics and Astronomy, KU Leuven, Heverlee B-3001, Belgium
| | - Cameron G Copeland
- Synthetic Bioproducts Center, Biology Dept., Utah State University, North Logan, UT 84341, USA
| | - Changhu Xing
- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
| | - Randolph V Lewis
- Synthetic Bioproducts Center, Biology Dept., Utah State University, North Logan, UT 84341, USA
| | - Heng Ban
- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
| | - Christ Glorieux
- Laboratory for Soft Matter and Biophysics, Department of Physics and Astronomy, KU Leuven, Heverlee B-3001, Belgium
| | - Michael Wubbenhorst
- Laboratory for Soft Matter and Biophysics, Department of Physics and Astronomy, KU Leuven, Heverlee B-3001, Belgium
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45
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Mourad AHI, Mozumder MS, Mairpady A, Pervez H, Kannuri UM. On the Injection Molding Processing Parameters of HDPE-TiO₂ Nanocomposites. MATERIALS 2017; 10:ma10010085. [PMID: 28772444 PMCID: PMC5344589 DOI: 10.3390/ma10010085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2016] [Revised: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 11/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, the development and use of polymeric nanocomposites in creating advanced materials has expanded exponentially. A substantial amount of research has been done in order to design polymeric nanocomposites in a safe and efficient manner. In the present study, the impact of processing parameters, such as, barrel temperature, and residence time on the mechanical and thermal properties of high density polyethylene (HDPE)-TiO2 nanocomposites were investigated. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy were used to analyze the dispersion, location, and phase morphology of TiO2 on the HDPE matrix. Mechanical tests revealed that tensile strength of the fabricated HDPE-TiO2 nanocomposites ranged between 22.53 and 26.30 MPa, while the Young’s modulus showed a consistent increase as the barrel temperature increased from 150 °C to 300 °C. Moreover, the thermal stability decreased as the barrel temperature increased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdel-Hamid I Mourad
- Mechanical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, UAE University, Al Ain 15551, UAE.
| | - Mohammad Sayem Mozumder
- Chemical & Petroleum Engineering Department, College of Engineering, UAE University, Al Ain 15551, UAE.
| | - Anusha Mairpady
- Chemical & Petroleum Engineering Department, College of Engineering, UAE University, Al Ain 15551, UAE.
| | - Hifsa Pervez
- Chemical & Petroleum Engineering Department, College of Engineering, UAE University, Al Ain 15551, UAE.
| | - Uma Maheshwara Kannuri
- Chemical & Petroleum Engineering Department, College of Engineering, UAE University, Al Ain 15551, UAE.
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46
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Karthikeyani R, Divya A, Mathavan T, Asath RM, Benial AMF, Muthuchelian K. Structural and optical studies on selected web spinning spider silks. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2017; 170:111-116. [PMID: 27423109 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2016.06.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2016] [Revised: 05/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates the structural and optical properties in the cribellate silk of the sheet web spider Stegodyphus sarasinorum Karsch (Eresidae) and the combined dragline, viscid silk of the orb-web spiders Argiope pulchella Thorell (Araneidae) and Nephila pilipes Fabricius (Nephilidae). X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR), Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) and fluorescence spectroscopic techniques were used to study these three spider silk species. X-ray diffraction data are consistent with the amorphous polymer network which is arising from the interaction of larger side chain amino acid contributions due to the poly-glycine rich sequences known to be present in the proteins of cribellate silk. The same amorphous polymer networks have been determined from the combined dragline and viscid silk of orb-web spiders. From FTIR spectra the results demonstrate that, cribellate silk of Stegodyphus sarasinorum, combined dragline viscid silk of Argiope pulchella and Nephila pilipes spider silks are showing protein peaks in the amide I, II and III regions. Further they proved that the functional groups present in the protein moieties are attributed to α-helical and side chain amino acid contributions. The optical properties of the obtained spider silks such as extinction coefficients, refractive index, real and imaginary dielectric constants and optical conductance were studied extensively from UV-Vis analysis. The important fluorescent amino acid tyrosine is present in the protein folding was investigated by using fluorescence spectroscopy. This research would explore the protein moieties present in the spider silks which were found to be associated with α-helix and side chain amino acid contributions than with β-sheet secondary structure and also the optical relationship between the three different spider silks are investigated. Successful spectroscopic knowledge of the internal protein structure and optical properties of the spider silks could permit industrial production of silk-based fibres with unique properties under benign conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Karthikeyani
- Centre for Biodiversity and Forest Studies, School of Energy, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai 625 021, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - A Divya
- Research Department of Physics, N. M. S. S. Vellaichamy Nadar College, Madurai 625019, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - T Mathavan
- Research Department of Physics, N. M. S. S. Vellaichamy Nadar College, Madurai 625019, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - R Mohamed Asath
- Research Department of Physics, N. M. S. S. Vellaichamy Nadar College, Madurai 625019, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - A Milton Franklin Benial
- Research Department of Physics, N. M. S. S. Vellaichamy Nadar College, Madurai 625019, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - K Muthuchelian
- Centre for Biodiversity and Forest Studies, School of Energy, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai 625 021, Tamil Nadu, India
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47
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Zhang C, Zhang Y, Luo J, Shi J, Shao H, Hu X. Microstructural evolution of regenerated silk fibroin/graphene oxide hybrid fibers under tensile deformation. RSC Adv 2017. [DOI: 10.1039/c6ra22544f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The stress–strain curve and proposed model of microstructural change of silk fibroin/GO hybrid fibers during the stretching deformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials
- College of Materials Science and Engineering
- Donghua University
- Shanghai 201620
- China
| | - Yaopeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials
- College of Materials Science and Engineering
- Donghua University
- Shanghai 201620
- China
| | - Jie Luo
- School of Material Science and Energy Engineering
- Foshan University
- Foshan 528000
- China
| | - Jingru Shi
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials
- College of Materials Science and Engineering
- Donghua University
- Shanghai 201620
- China
| | - Huili Shao
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials
- College of Materials Science and Engineering
- Donghua University
- Shanghai 201620
- China
| | - Xuechao Hu
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials
- College of Materials Science and Engineering
- Donghua University
- Shanghai 201620
- China
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48
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Chen J, Zhuang A, Shao H, Hu X, Zhang Y. Robust silk fibroin/bacterial cellulose nanoribbon composite scaffolds with radial lamellae and intercalation structure for bone regeneration. J Mater Chem B 2017; 5:3640-3650. [DOI: 10.1039/c7tb00485k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Biomimetic scaffolds with a gradient gap distance and robust mechanical properties were prepared using silk fibroin and bacterial cellulose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials
- College of Materials Science and Engineering
- Donghua University
- Shanghai 201620
- China
| | - Ao Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials
- College of Materials Science and Engineering
- Donghua University
- Shanghai 201620
- China
| | - Huili Shao
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials
- College of Materials Science and Engineering
- Donghua University
- Shanghai 201620
- China
| | - Xuechao Hu
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials
- College of Materials Science and Engineering
- Donghua University
- Shanghai 201620
- China
| | - Yaopeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials
- College of Materials Science and Engineering
- Donghua University
- Shanghai 201620
- China
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49
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Riekel C, Burghammer M, Dane TG, Ferrero C, Rosenthal M. Nanoscale Structural Features in Major Ampullate Spider Silk. Biomacromolecules 2016; 18:231-241. [PMID: 28001374 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.6b01537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Spider major ampullate silk is often schematically represented as a two-phase material composed of crystalline nanodomains in an amorphous matrix. Here we are interested in revealing its more complex nanoscale organization by probing Argiope bruennichi dragline-type fibers using scanning X-ray nanodiffraction. This allows resolving transversal structural features such as an about 1 μm skin layer composed of around 100 nm diameter nanofibrils serving presumably as an elastic sheath. The core consists of a composite of several nm size crystalline nanodomains with poly(l-alanine) microstructure, embedded in a polypeptide network with short-range order. Stacks of nanodomains separated by less ordered nanosegments form nanofibrils with a periodic axial density modulation which is particularly sensitive to radiation damage. The precipitation of larger β-type nanocrystallites in the outer core-shell is attributed to MaSp1 protein molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Riekel
- The European Synchrotron (ESRF) , CS40220, F-38043 Grenoble Cedex 9, France
| | - Manfred Burghammer
- The European Synchrotron (ESRF) , CS40220, F-38043 Grenoble Cedex 9, France.,Department of Analytical Chemistry, Ghent University , Krijgslaan 281, S12B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Thomas G Dane
- The European Synchrotron (ESRF) , CS40220, F-38043 Grenoble Cedex 9, France
| | - Claudio Ferrero
- The European Synchrotron (ESRF) , CS40220, F-38043 Grenoble Cedex 9, France
| | - Martin Rosenthal
- The European Synchrotron (ESRF) , CS40220, F-38043 Grenoble Cedex 9, France
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50
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Peng Q, Zhang Y, Lu L, Shao H, Qin K, Hu X, Xia X. Recombinant spider silk from aqueous solutions via a bio-inspired microfluidic chip. Sci Rep 2016; 6:36473. [PMID: 27819339 PMCID: PMC5098227 DOI: 10.1038/srep36473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Spiders achieve superior silk fibres by controlling the molecular assembly of silk proteins and the hierarchical structure of fibres. However, current wet-spinning process for recombinant spidroins oversimplifies the natural spinning process. Here, water-soluble recombinant spider dragline silk protein (with a low molecular weight of 47 kDa) was adopted to prepare aqueous spinning dope. Artificial spider silks were spun via microfluidic wet-spinning, using a continuous post-spin drawing process (WS-PSD). By mimicking the natural spinning apparatus, shearing and elongational sections were integrated in the microfluidic spinning chip to induce assembly, orientation of spidroins, and fibril structure formation. The additional post-spin drawing process following the wet-spinning section partially mimics the spinning process of natural spider silk and substantially contributes to the compact aggregation of microfibrils. Subsequent post-stretching further improves the hierarchical structure of the fibres, including the crystalline structure, orientation, and fibril melting. The tensile strength and elongation of post-treated fibres reached up to 510 MPa and 15%, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingfa Peng
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibres and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Yaopeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibres and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Li Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibres and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Huili Shao
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibres and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Kankan Qin
- School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xuechao Hu
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibres and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Xiaoxia Xia
- School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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