1
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Shoup D, Priola SA. Grp78 destabilization of infectious prions is strain-specific and modified by multiple factors including accessory chaperones and pH. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107346. [PMID: 38718859 PMCID: PMC11176782 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107346] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Lethal neurodegenerative prion diseases result from the continuous accumulation of infectious and variably protease-resistant prion protein aggregates (PrPD) which are misfolded forms of the normally detergent soluble and protease-sensitive cellular prion protein. Molecular chaperones like Grp78 have been found to reduce the accumulation of PrPD, but how different cellular environments and other chaperones influence the ability of Grp78 to modify PrPD is poorly understood. In this work, we investigated how pH and protease-mediated structural changes in PrPD from two mouse-adapted scrapie prion strains, 22L and 87V, influenced processing by Grp78 in the presence or absence of chaperones Hsp90, DnaJC1, and Stip1. We developed a cell-free in vitro system to monitor chaperone-mediated structural changes to, and disaggregation of, PrPD. For both strains, Grp78 was most effective at structurally altering PrPD at low pH, especially when additional chaperones were present. While Grp78, DnaJC1, Stip1, and Hsp90 were unable to disaggregate the majority of PrPD from either strain, pretreatment of PrPD with proteases increased disaggregation of 22L PrPD compared to 87V, indicating strain-specific differences in aggregate structure were impacting chaperone activity. Hsp90 also induced structural changes in 87V PrPD as indicated by an increase in the susceptibility of its n-terminus to proteases. Our data suggest that, while chaperones like Grp78, DnaJC1, Stip1, and Hsp90 disaggregate only a small fraction of PrPD, they may still facilitate its clearance by altering aggregate structure and sensitizing PrPD to proteases in a strain and pH-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Shoup
- Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Laboratory of Neurological Infections and Immunity, National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, USA.
| | - Suzette A Priola
- Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Laboratory of Neurological Infections and Immunity, National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, USA
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2
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Kumar Sahi A, Gundu S, Kumari P, Klepka T, Sionkowska A. Silk-Based Biomaterials for Designing Bioinspired Microarchitecture for Various Biomedical Applications. Biomimetics (Basel) 2023; 8:biomimetics8010055. [PMID: 36810386 PMCID: PMC9944155 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics8010055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomaterial research has led to revolutionary healthcare advances. Natural biological macromolecules can impact high-performance, multipurpose materials. This has prompted the quest for affordable healthcare solutions, with a focus on renewable biomaterials with a wide variety of applications and ecologically friendly techniques. Imitating their chemical compositions and hierarchical structures, bioinspired based materials have elevated rapidly over the past few decades. Bio-inspired strategies entail extracting fundamental components and reassembling them into programmable biomaterials. This method may improve its processability and modifiability, allowing it to meet the biological application criteria. Silk is a desirable biosourced raw material due to its high mechanical properties, flexibility, bioactive component sequestration, controlled biodegradability, remarkable biocompatibility, and inexpensiveness. Silk regulates temporo-spatial, biochemical and biophysical reactions. Extracellular biophysical factors regulate cellular destiny dynamically. This review examines the bioinspired structural and functional properties of silk material based scaffolds. We explored silk types, chemical composition, architecture, mechanical properties, topography, and 3D geometry to unlock the body's innate regenerative potential, keeping in mind the novel biophysical properties of silk in film, fiber, and other potential forms, coupled with facile chemical changes, and its ability to match functional requirements for specific tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Kumar Sahi
- Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Jurija Gagarina 11, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
- Correspondence: (A.K.S.); (A.S.)
| | - Shravanya Gundu
- Indian Institute of Technology, School of Biomedical Engineering, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Pooja Kumari
- Indian Institute of Technology, School of Biomedical Engineering, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Tomasz Klepka
- Department of Technology and Polymer Processing, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Lublin University of Technology, 36, Nadbystrzycka Str, 20-618 Lublin, Poland
| | - Alina Sionkowska
- Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Jurija Gagarina 11, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
- Calisia University, Nowy Świat 4, 62-800 Kalisz, Poland
- Correspondence: (A.K.S.); (A.S.)
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3
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Rapid molecular diversification and homogenization of clustered major ampullate silk genes in Argiope garden spiders. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1010537. [PMID: 36508456 PMCID: PMC9779670 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The evolutionary diversification of orb-web weaving spiders is closely tied to the mechanical performance of dragline silk. This proteinaceous fiber provides the primary structural framework of orb web architecture, and its extraordinary toughness allows these structures to absorb the high energy of aerial prey impact. The dominant model of dragline silk molecular structure involves the combined function of two highly repetitive, spider-specific, silk genes (spidroins)-MaSp1 and MaSp2. Recent genomic studies, however, have suggested this framework is overly simplistic, and our understanding of how MaSp genes evolve is limited. Here we present a comprehensive analysis of MaSp structural and evolutionary diversity across species of Argiope (garden spiders). This genomic analysis reveals the largest catalog of MaSp genes found in any spider, driven largely by an expansion of MaSp2 genes. The rapid diversification of Argiope MaSp genes, located primarily in a single genomic cluster, is associated with profound changes in silk gene structure. MaSp2 genes, in particular, have evolved complex hierarchically organized repeat units (ensemble repeats) delineated by novel introns that exhibit remarkable evolutionary dynamics. These repetitive introns have arisen independently within the genus, are highly homogenized within a gene, but diverge rapidly between genes. In some cases, these iterated introns are organized in an alternating structure in which every other intron is nearly identical in sequence. We hypothesize that this intron structure has evolved to facilitate homogenization of the coding sequence. We also find evidence of intergenic gene conversion and identify a more diverse array of stereotypical amino acid repeats than previously recognized. Overall, the extreme diversification found among MaSp genes requires changes in the structure-function model of dragline silk performance that focuses on the differential use and interaction among various MaSp paralogs as well as the impact of ensemble repeat structure and different amino acid motifs on mechanical behavior.
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4
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Wang Y, Wu Z, Zhou L, Chen X, Guan J, Shao Z. Peculiar Tensile and Fracture Behaviors of Natural Silk Fiber in the Presence of an Artificial Notch. Macromolecules 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.2c01485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Laboratory of Advanced Materials and Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zihong Wu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing Innovation Center of Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, People’s Republic of China
| | - Liang Zhou
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Laboratory of Advanced Materials and Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, People’s Republic of China
| | - Juan Guan
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing Innovation Center of Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhengzhong Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Laboratory of Advanced Materials and Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, People’s Republic of China
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5
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Structure of Animal Silks. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2347:3-15. [PMID: 34472050 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1574-4_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
As an abundant fibrous protein, animal silks have received a variety of interests in both traditional and high-tech industries, such as textiles, decoration, and biomedicine, due to their unique advantages in mechanical performance, sustainability, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. While developing applications of animal silks, the structure of animal silks has also received more and more attention in these decades. Briefly, most animal silks can be considered as semicrystalline fibers, which are composed of β-sheet nanocrystals and amorphous regions. However, different animal silks have similarities and also have obvious differences at different structural levels. In this chapter, we will introduce the structures of the three most representative animal silks, that is, spider dragline silk, tussah silk, and mulberry silk. The similarities and differences in their structures will be highlighted, so as to provide fundamental guidance for the research and use of these animal silks.
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6
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Haskew M, Deacon B, Yong CW, Hardy JG, Murphy ST. Atomistic Simulation of Water Incorporation and Mobility in Bombyx mori Silk Fibroin. ACS OMEGA 2021; 6:35494-35504. [PMID: 34984281 PMCID: PMC8717555 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c05019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Bombyx mori silk fibroin (SF) is a biopolymer that can be processed into materials with attractive properties (e.g., biocompatibility and degradability) for use in a multitude of technical and medical applications (including textiles, sutures, drug delivery devices, tissue scaffolds, etc.). Utilizing the information from experimental and computational SF studies, a simplified SF model has been produced (alanine-glycine [Ala-Gly] n crystal structure), enabling the application of both molecular dynamic and density functional theory techniques to offer a unique insight into SF-based materials. The secondary structure of the computational model has been evaluated using Ramachandran plots under different environments (e.g., different temperatures and ensembles). In addition, the mean square displacement of water incorporated into the SF model was investigated: the diffusion coefficients, activation energies, most and least favorable positions of water, and trajectory of water diffusion through the SF model are obtained. With further computational study and in combination with experimental data, the behavior/degradation of SF (and similar biomaterials) can be elucidated. Consequently, greater control of the aforementioned technologies may be achieved and positively affect their potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathew
John Haskew
- Department
of Engineering, Lancaster University, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4YW, U.K.
- Department
of Chemistry, Lancaster University, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4YB, U.K.
| | - Benjamin Deacon
- Department
of Engineering, Lancaster University, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4YW, U.K.
| | - Chin Weng Yong
- Scientific
Computing Department, Science and Technology Facilities Council, Daresbury Laboratory, Warrington WA4 4AD, U.K.
| | - John George Hardy
- Department
of Chemistry, Lancaster University, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4YB, U.K.
- Materials
Science Institute, Lancaster University, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4YB, U.K.
| | - Samuel Thomas Murphy
- Department
of Engineering, Lancaster University, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4YW, U.K.
- Materials
Science Institute, Lancaster University, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4YB, U.K.
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7
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Schaefer C, Laity PR, Holland C, McLeish TCB. Stretching of Bombyx mori Silk Protein in Flow. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26061663. [PMID: 33809814 PMCID: PMC8002474 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26061663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The flow-induced self-assembly of entangled Bombyx mori silk proteins is hypothesised to be aided by the ‘registration’ of aligned protein chains using intermolecularly interacting ‘sticky’ patches. This suggests that upon chain alignment, a hierarchical network forms that collectively stretches and induces nucleation in a precisely controlled way. Through the lens of polymer physics, we argue that if all chains would stretch to a similar extent, a clear correlation length of the stickers in the direction of the flow emerges, which may indeed favour such a registration effect. Through simulations in both extensional flow and shear, we show that there is, on the other hand, a very broad distribution of protein–chain stretch, which suggests the registration of proteins is not directly coupled to the applied strain, but may be a slow statistical process. This qualitative prediction seems to be consistent with the large strains (i.e., at long time scales) required to induce gelation in our rheological measurements under constant shear. We discuss our perspective of how the flow-induced self-assembly of silk may be addressed by new experiments and model development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charley Schaefer
- Department of Physics, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, UK;
- Correspondence:
| | - Peter R. Laity
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The University of Sheffield, Sir Robert Hadfield Building, Mappin Street, Sheffield S1 3JD, UK; (P.R.L.); (C.H.)
| | - Chris Holland
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The University of Sheffield, Sir Robert Hadfield Building, Mappin Street, Sheffield S1 3JD, UK; (P.R.L.); (C.H.)
| | - Tom C. B. McLeish
- Department of Physics, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, UK;
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8
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Gordon CK, Luu R, Lynn D. Capturing nested information from disordered peptide phases. Pept Sci (Hoboken) 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/pep2.24215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Regina Luu
- Departments of Chemistry and Biology Emory University Atlanta Georgia USA
| | - David Lynn
- Departments of Chemistry and Biology Emory University Atlanta Georgia USA
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9
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Lv Z, Ren J, Lin S, Pei Y, Shao Z, Ling S. Understanding the Continuous Dynamic Mechanical Behavior of Animal Silk. Macromolecules 2020. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.0c02492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhuochen Lv
- 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
| | - Shihui Lin
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Ying Pei
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Zhengzhong Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Laboratory of Advanced Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Shengjie Ling
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai 201210, China
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10
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Xiao Y, Liu Y, Zhang W, Qi P, Ren J, Pei Y, Ling S. Formation, Structure, and Mechanical Performance of Silk Nanofibrils Produced by Heat-Induced Self-Assembly. Macromol Rapid Commun 2020; 42:e2000435. [PMID: 33196127 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202000435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The heat-induced self-assembly of silk fibroin (SF) is studied by combing fluorescence assessment, infrared nanospectroscopy, wide-angle X-ray scattering, and Derjaguin-Muller-Toporov coupled with atomic force microscopy. Several fundamental issues regarding the formation, structure, and mechanical performance of silk nanofibrils (SNFs) under heat-induced self-assembly are discussed. Accordingly, SF in aqueous solution is rod-like in shape and not micellar. The formation of SNFs occurs through nucleation-dependent aggregation, but the assembly period is variable and irregular. SF shows inherent fractal growth, and this trend is critical for the short-term assembly. The long-term assembly of SF, however, mainly involves an elongation growth process. SNFs produced by different methods, such as ethanol treatment and heat incubation, have similar secondary structure and mechanical properties. These investigations improve the in-depth understanding of fundamental issues related to self-assembly of SNFs, and thus provide inspiration and guidance in designing of silk nanomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuelong Xiao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Yawen Liu
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Wenwen Zhang
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Ping Qi
- 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
| | - Ying Pei
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Shengjie Ling
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai, 201210, China
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11
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Craig HC, Piorkowski D, Nakagawa S, Kasumovic MM, Blamires SJ. Meta-analysis reveals materiomic relationships in major ampullate silk across the spider phylogeny. J R Soc Interface 2020; 17:20200471. [PMID: 32993436 PMCID: PMC7536055 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2020.0471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Spider major ampullate (MA) silk, with its combination of strength and extensibility, outperforms any synthetic equivalents. There is thus much interest in understanding its underlying materiome. While the expression of the different silk proteins (spidroins) appears an integral component of silk performance, our understanding of the nature of the relationship between the spidroins, their constituent amino acids and MA silk mechanics is ambiguous. To provide clarity on these relationships across spider species, we performed a meta-analysis using phylogenetic comparative methods. These showed that glycine and proline, both of which are indicators of differential spidroin expression, had effects on MA silk mechanics across the phylogeny. We also found serine to correlate with silk mechanics, probably via its presence within the carboxyl and amino-terminal domains of the spidroins. From our analyses, we concluded that the spidroin expression shifts across the phylogeny from predominantly MaSp1 in the MA silks of ancestral spiders to predominantly MaSp2 in the more derived spiders' silks. This trend was accompanied by an enhanced ultimate strain and decreased Young's modulus in the silks. Our meta-analysis enabled us to decipher between real and apparent influences on MA silk properties, providing significant insights into spider silk and web coevolution and enhancing our capacity to create spider silk-like materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamish C. Craig
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre and School of Biological Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Shinichi Nakagawa
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre and School of Biological Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michael M. Kasumovic
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre and School of Biological Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sean J. Blamires
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre and School of Biological Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
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12
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Fraternali F, Stehling N, Amendola A, Tiban Anrango BA, Holland C, Rodenburg C. Tensegrity Modelling and the High Toughness of Spider Dragline Silk. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 10:E1510. [PMID: 32752054 PMCID: PMC7466511 DOI: 10.3390/nano10081510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
This work establishes a tensegrity model of spider dragline silk. Tensegrity systems are ubiquitous in nature, being able to capture the mechanics of biological shapes through simple and effective modes of deformation via extension and contraction. Guided by quantitative microstructural characterization via air plasma etching and low voltage scanning electron microscopy, we report that this model is able to capture experimentally observed phenomena such as the Poisson effect, tensile stress-strain response, and fibre toughness. This is achieved by accounting for spider silks' hierarchical organization into microfibrils with radially variable properties. Each fibril is described as a chain of polypeptide tensegrity units formed by crystalline granules operating under compression, which are connected to each other by amorphous links acting under tension. Our results demonstrate, for the first time, that a radial variability in the ductility of tensegrity chains is responsible for high fibre toughness, a defining and desirable feature of spider silk. Based on this model, a discussion about the use of graded tensegrity structures for the optimal design of next-generation biomimetic fibres is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Fraternali
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy
| | - Nicola Stehling
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sir Robert Hadfield Building, Mappin Street, Sheffield S1 3JD, UK
| | - Ada Amendola
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy
| | - Bryan Andres Tiban Anrango
- Centre for Biomedical and Chemical Science School of Science, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Chris Holland
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sir Robert Hadfield Building, Mappin Street, Sheffield S1 3JD, UK
| | - Cornelia Rodenburg
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sir Robert Hadfield Building, Mappin Street, Sheffield S1 3JD, UK
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13
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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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14
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Li S, Hang Y, Ding Z, Lu Q, Lu G, Chen H, Kaplan DL. Microfluidic Silk Fibers with Aligned Hierarchical Microstructures. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2020; 6:2847-2854. [PMID: 33463289 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.0c00060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The hierarchical structure of the ECM provides specific niches for tissues to regulate cell behavior, yet the challenge remains to design biomaterial systems for tissue regeneration to recreate such features in vitro. Here, we achieved this goal through the use of aligned hierarchical structures of native silk fibers, generated through the integration of "bottom-up" and "top-down" strategies to generate regenerated silk fibers with aligned nano- to micro-hierarchical structures. To achieve these designs, we assembled and dispersed silk nanofibers (SNF) in formic acid and spun them into fibers using bioinspired microfluidic chips with a geometry mimicking the native silk gland. The fibers generated using this device exhibited aligned hierarchical structure with fiber mechanical properties superior to fibers derived from more traditional spinning approaches with regenerated silk solutions. Besides the improved mechanical properties, Raman spectroscopic results indicated similarly aligned structures to native fibers and active control of cell proliferation, migration, and aggregate orientation. The results indicate the feasibility of developing bioactive silk fiber materials with hierarchical structures to facilitate utility in a range of cell and tissue regeneration scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Li
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214041, China.,College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yingjie Hang
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Zhaozhao Ding
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214041, China
| | - Qiang Lu
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214041, China.,National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk & Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Guozhong Lu
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214041, China
| | - Hong Chen
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - David L Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
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15
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Xu L, Weatherbee-Martin N, Liu XQ, Rainey JK. Recombinant Silk Fiber Properties Correlate to Prefibrillar Self-Assembly. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2019; 15:e1805294. [PMID: 30756524 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201805294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Spider silks are desirable materials with mechanical properties superior to most synthetic materials coupled with biodegradability and biocompatibility. In order to replicate natural silk properties using recombinant spider silk proteins (spidroins) and wet-spinning methods, the focus to date has typically been on modifying protein sequence, protein size, and spinning conditions. Here, an alternative approach is demonstrated. Namely, using the same ≈57 kDa recombinant aciniform silk protein with a consistent wet-spinning protocol, fiber mechanical properties are shown to significantly differ as a function of the solvent used to dissolve the protein at high concentration (the "spinning dope" solution). A fluorinated acid/alcohol/water dope leads to drastic improvement in fibrillar extensibility and, correspondingly, toughness compared to fibers produced using a previously developed fluorinated alcohol/water dope. To understand the underlying cause for these mechanical differences, morphology and structure of the two classes of silk fiber are compared, with features tracing back to dope-state protein structuring and preassembly. Specifically, distinct classes of spidroin nanoparticles appear to form in each dope prior to fiber spinning and these preassembled states are, in turn, linked to fiber morphology, structure, and mechanical properties. Tailoring of dope-state spidroin nanoparticle assembly, thus, appears a promising strategy to modulate fibrillar silk properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Xu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Nathan Weatherbee-Martin
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Xiang-Qin Liu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Jan K Rainey
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada
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16
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Wirth M, Wolff JO, Appel E, Gorb SN. Ultrastructure of spider thread anchorages. J Morphol 2019; 280:534-543. [DOI: 10.1002/jmor.20962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Revised: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Wirth
- Functional Morphology and Biomechanics; Zoological Institute, University of Kiel, Am Botanischen Garten 9; Kiel Germany
| | - Jonas O. Wolff
- Functional Morphology and Biomechanics; Zoological Institute, University of Kiel, Am Botanischen Garten 9; Kiel Germany
- Department of Biological Sciences; Macquarie University; Sydney Australia
| | - Esther Appel
- Functional Morphology and Biomechanics; Zoological Institute, University of Kiel, Am Botanischen Garten 9; Kiel Germany
| | - Stanislav N. Gorb
- Functional Morphology and Biomechanics; Zoological Institute, University of Kiel, Am Botanischen Garten 9; Kiel Germany
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17
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Liu X, Liu D, Lee JH, Zheng Q, Du X, Zhang X, Xu H, Wang Z, Wu Y, Shen X, Cui J, Mai YW, Kim JK. Spider-Web-Inspired Stretchable Graphene Woven Fabric for Highly Sensitive, Transparent, Wearable Strain Sensors. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2019; 11:2282-2294. [PMID: 30582684 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b18312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Advanced wearable strain sensors with high sensitivity and stretchability are an essential component of flexible and soft electronic devices. Conventional metal- and semiconductor-based strain sensors are rigid, fragile, and opaque, restricting their applications in wearable electronics. Graphene-based percolative structures possess high flexibility and transparency but lack high sensitivity and stretchability. Inspired by the highly flexible spider web architecture, we propose semitransparent, ultrasensitive, and wearable strain sensors made from an elastomer-filled graphene woven fabric (E-GWF) for monitoring human physiological signals. The highly flexible elastomer microskeleton and the hierarchical structure of a graphene tube offer the strain sensor with both excellent sensing and switching capabilities. Two different types of E-GWF sensors, including freestanding E-GWF and E-GWF/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composites, are developed. When their structure is controlled and optimized, the E-GWF strain sensors simultaneously exhibit extraordinary characteristics, such as a high gauge factor (70 at 10% strain, which ascends to 282 at 20%) in respect to other semitransparent or transparent strain sensors, a broad sensing range up to 30%, and excellent linearity. The E-GWF/PDMS composite sensor shows a unique reversible switching behavior at a high strain level of 30-50%, making it a suitable material for fast and reversible strain switching required in many early warning systems. With a view to real-world applications of these sensors and switches, we demonstrate human motion detection and switch controls of light-emitting-diode lamps and liquid-crystal-display circuits. Their unique structure and capabilities can find a wide range of practical applications, such as health monitoring, medical diagnosis, early warning systems for structural failure, and wearable displays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Liu
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering , The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology , Clear Water Bay , Kowloon , Hong Kong
| | - Dan Liu
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering , The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology , Clear Water Bay , Kowloon , Hong Kong
| | - Jeng-Hun Lee
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering , The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology , Clear Water Bay , Kowloon , Hong Kong
| | - Qingbin Zheng
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering , The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology , Clear Water Bay , Kowloon , Hong Kong
- Institute for Advanced Study , The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology , Clear Water Bay , Hong Kong
| | - Xiaohan Du
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering , The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology , Clear Water Bay , Kowloon , Hong Kong
| | - Xinyue Zhang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering , The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology , Clear Water Bay , Kowloon , Hong Kong
| | - Hongru Xu
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering , The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology , Clear Water Bay , Kowloon , Hong Kong
| | - Zhenyu Wang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering , The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology , Clear Water Bay , Kowloon , Hong Kong
| | - Ying Wu
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering , The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology , Clear Water Bay , Kowloon , Hong Kong
| | - Xi Shen
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering , The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology , Clear Water Bay , Kowloon , Hong Kong
| | - Jiang Cui
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering , The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology , Clear Water Bay , Kowloon , Hong Kong
| | - Yiu-Wing Mai
- Centre for Advanced Materials Technology, School of Aerospace, Mechanical & Mechatronic Engineering , The University of Sydney , Sydney , NSW 2006 , Australia
| | - Jang-Kyo Kim
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering , The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology , Clear Water Bay , Kowloon , Hong Kong
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18
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Wang Y, Guo J, Zhou L, Ye C, Omenetto FG, Kaplan DL, Ling S. Design, Fabrication, and Function of Silk-Based Nanomaterials. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2018; 28:1805305. [PMID: 32440262 PMCID: PMC7241600 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201805305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Animal silks are built from pure protein components and their mechanical performance, such as strength and toughness, often exceed most engineered materials. The secret to this success is their unique nanoarchitectures that are formed through the hierarchical self-assembly of silk proteins. This natural material fabrication process in sharp contrast to the production of artificial silk materials, which usually are directly constructed as bulk structures from silk fibroin (SF) molecular. In recent years, with the aim of understanding and building better silk materials, a variety of fabrication strategies have been designed to control nanostructures of silks or to create functional materials from silk nanoscale building blocks. These emerging fabrication strategies offer an opportunity to tailor the structure of SF at the nanoscale and provide a promising route to produce structurally and functionally optimized silk nanomaterials. Here, we review the critical roles of silk nanoarchitectures on property and function of natural silk fibers, outline the strategies of utilization of these silk nanobuilding blocks, and we provide a critical summary of state of the art in the field to create silk nanoarchitectures and to generate silk-based nanocomponents. Further, such insights suggest templates to consider for other materials systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, MA 02155, USA
| | - Jin Guo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, MA 02155, USA; Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Tufts University, MA 02155, USA
| | - Liang Zhou
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, AnHui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Chao Ye
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | | | - David L Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, MA 02155, USA
| | - Shengjie Ling
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
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19
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Ling S, Chen W, Fan Y, Zheng K, Jin K, Yu H, Buehler MJ, Kaplan DL. Biopolymer nanofibrils: structure, modeling, preparation, and applications. Prog Polym Sci 2018; 85:1-56. [PMID: 31915410 PMCID: PMC6948189 DOI: 10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2018.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Biopolymer nanofibrils exhibit exceptional mechanical properties with a unique combination of strength and toughness, while also presenting biological functions that interact with the surrounding environment. These features of biopolymer nanofibrils profit from their hierarchical structures that spun angstrom to hundreds of nanometer scales. To maintain these unique structural features and to directly utilize these natural supramolecular assemblies, a variety of new methods have been developed to produce biopolymer nanofibrils. In particular, cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs), chitin nanofibrils (ChNFs), silk nanofibrils (SNFs) and collagen nanofibrils (CoNFs), as the four most abundant biopolymer nanofibrils on earth, have been the focus of research in recent years due to their renewable features, wide availability, low-cost, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. A series of top-down and bottom-up strategies have been accessed to exfoliate and regenerate these nanofibrils for versatile advanced applications. In this review, we first summarize the structures of biopolymer nanofibrils in nature and outline their related computational models with the aim of disclosing fundamental structure-property relationships in biological materials. Then, we discuss the underlying methods used for the preparation of CNFs, ChNFs, SNF and CoNFs, and discuss emerging applications for these biopolymer nanofibrils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengjie Ling
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Wenshuai Chen
- Key Laboratory of Bio-based Material Science & Technology, Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Yimin Fan
- College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ke Zheng
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Kai Jin
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Haipeng Yu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-based Material Science & Technology, Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Markus J. Buehler
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - David L. Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
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20
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Zhang W, Ye C, Zheng K, Zhong J, Tang Y, Fan Y, Buehler MJ, Ling S, Kaplan DL. Tensan Silk-Inspired Hierarchical Fibers for Smart Textile Applications. ACS NANO 2018; 12:6968-6977. [PMID: 29932636 PMCID: PMC6501189 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.8b02430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Tensan silk, a natural fiber produced by the Japanese oak silk moth ( Antherea yamamai, abbreviated to A. yamamai), features superior characteristics, such as compressive elasticity and chemical resistance, when compared to the more common silk produced from the domesticated silkworm, Bombyx mori ( B. mori). In this study, the "structure-property" relationships within A. yamamai silk are disclosed from the different structural hierarchies, confirming the outstanding toughness as dominated by the distinct mesoscale fibrillar architectures. Inspired by this hierarchical construction, we fabricated A. yamamai silk-like regenerated B. mori silk fibers (RBSFs) with mechanical properties (extensibility and modulus) comparable to natural A. yamamai silk. These RBSFs were further functionalized to form conductive RBSFs that were sensitive to force and temperature stimuli for applications in smart textiles. This study provides a blueprint in exploiting rational designs from A. yamanmai, which is rare and expensive in comparison to the common and cost-effective B. mori silk to empower enhanced material properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Zhang
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Jiangsu Key Lab of Biomass-Based Green Fuel & Chemicals, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Chao Ye
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Ke Zheng
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Jiajia Zhong
- Shanghai Advanced Research Institute (Zhangjiang Lab), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Yuzhao Tang
- Shanghai Advanced Research Institute (Zhangjiang Lab), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Yimin Fan
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Jiangsu Key Lab of Biomass-Based Green Fuel & Chemicals, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Markus J. Buehler
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Shengjie Ling
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai 201210, China
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - David L. Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
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21
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Puglisi G, De Tommasi D, Pantano MF, Pugno NM, Saccomandi G. Micromechanical model for protein materials: From macromolecules to macroscopic fibers. Phys Rev E 2018; 96:042407. [PMID: 29347475 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.96.042407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
We propose a model for the mechanical behavior of protein materials. Based on a limited number of experimental macromolecular parameters (persistence and contour length) we obtain the macroscopic behavior of keratin fibers (human, cow, and rabbit hair), taking into account the damage and residual stretches effects that are fundamental in many functions of life. We also show the capability of our approach to describe the main dissipation and permanent strain effects observed in the more complex spider silk fibers. The comparison between our results and the data obtained experimentally from cyclic tests demonstrates that our model is robust and is able to reproduce with a remarkable accuracy the experimental behavior of all protein materials we tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Puglisi
- Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Ingegneria Civile e dell'Architettura, Via Re David 200, 700126, Politecnico di Bari, Italy
| | - D De Tommasi
- Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Ingegneria Civile e dell'Architettura, Via Re David 200, 700126, Politecnico di Bari, Italy
| | - M F Pantano
- Laboratory of Bio-Inspired and Graphene Nanomechanics, Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, University of Trento, Via Mesiano 77, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - N M Pugno
- Laboratory of Bio-Inspired and Graphene Nanomechanics, Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, University of Trento, Via Mesiano 77, 38123 Trento, Italy; Ket Lab, Edoardo Amaldi Foundation, Italian Space Agency, Via del Politecnico snc, 00133 Rome, Italy; and School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, United Kingdom
| | - G Saccomandi
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria, Universita degli Studi di Perugia, piazza Universita, 1, 06123 Perugia and School of Mathematics, Statistics and Applied Mathematics, NUI Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland
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22
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Wan Q, Abrams KJ, Masters RC, Talari ACS, Rehman IU, Claeyssens F, Holland C, Rodenburg C. Mapping Nanostructural Variations in Silk by Secondary Electron Hyperspectral Imaging. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2017; 29:1703510. [PMID: 29116662 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201703510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Revised: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Nanostructures underpin the excellent properties of silk. Although the bulk nanocomposition of silks is well studied, direct evidence of the spatial variation of nanocrystalline (ordered) and amorphous (disordered) structures remains elusive. Here, secondary electron hyperspectral imaging can be exploited for direct imaging of hierarchical structures in carbon-based materials, which cannot be revealed by any other standard characterization methods. Through applying this technique to silks from domesticated (Bombyx mori) and wild (Antheraea mylitta) silkworms, a variety of previously unseen features are reported, highlighting the local interplay between ordered and disordered structures. This technique is able to differentiate composition on the nanoscale and enables in-depth studies into the relationship between morphology and performance of these complex biopolymer systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan Wan
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sir Robert Hadfield Building, Mappin Street, Sheffield, S1 3JD, UK
| | - Kerry J Abrams
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sir Robert Hadfield Building, Mappin Street, Sheffield, S1 3JD, UK
| | - Robert C Masters
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sir Robert Hadfield Building, Mappin Street, Sheffield, S1 3JD, UK
| | - Abdullah C S Talari
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sir Robert Hadfield Building, Mappin Street, Sheffield, S1 3JD, UK
| | - Ihtesham U Rehman
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sir Robert Hadfield Building, Mappin Street, Sheffield, S1 3JD, UK
| | - Frederik Claeyssens
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sir Robert Hadfield Building, Mappin Street, Sheffield, S1 3JD, UK
| | - Chris Holland
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sir Robert Hadfield Building, Mappin Street, Sheffield, S1 3JD, UK
| | - Cornelia Rodenburg
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sir Robert Hadfield Building, Mappin Street, Sheffield, S1 3JD, UK
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23
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Ling S, Qin Z, Li C, Huang W, Kaplan DL, Buehler MJ. Polymorphic regenerated silk fibers assembled through bioinspired spinning. Nat Commun 2017; 8:1387. [PMID: 29123097 PMCID: PMC5680232 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-00613-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A variety of artificial spinning methods have been applied to produce regenerated silk fibers; however, how to spin regenerated silk fibers that retain the advantages of natural silks in terms of structural hierarchy and mechanical properties remains challenging. Here, we show a bioinspired approach to spin regenerated silk fibers. First, we develop a nematic silk microfibril solution, highly viscous and stable, by partially dissolving silk fibers into microfibrils. This solution maintains the hierarchical structures in natural silks and serves as spinning dope. It is then spun into regenerated silk fibers by direct extrusion in the air, offering a useful route to generate polymorphic and hierarchical regenerated silk fibers with physical properties beyond natural fiber construction. The materials maintain the structural hierarchy and mechanical properties of natural silks, including a modulus of 11 ± 4 GPa, even higher than natural spider silk. It can further be functionalized with a conductive silk/carbon nanotube coating, responsive to changes in humidity and temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengjie Ling
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Zhao Qin
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Chunmei Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Wenwen Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - David L Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA.
| | - Markus J Buehler
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
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24
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Liu B, Wang T, Xiao L, Zhang G, Li G, Luo J, Liu X. A directed self-assembly quasi-spider silk protein expressed in Pichia pastoris. BIOTECHNOL BIOTEC EQ 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/13102818.2017.1327823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bin Liu
- Department of Medicine, Jinggangshan University, Jian, P.R. China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Medicine, Jinggangshan University, Jian, P.R. China
| | - Liyan Xiao
- School of Foreign Languages, Jinggangshan University, Jian, P.R. China
| | - Guilan Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Jinggangshan University, Jian, P.R. China
| | - Guangshen Li
- Department of Medicine, Jinggangshan University, Jian, P.R. China
| | - Jingzhi Luo
- Department of Medicine, Jinggangshan University, Jian, P.R. China
| | - Xiaobing Liu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jinggangshan University, Jian, P.R. China
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25
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Mortimer B, Holland C, Windmill JFC, Vollrath F. Unpicking the signal thread of the sector web spider Zygiella x-notata. J R Soc Interface 2016; 12:20150633. [PMID: 26674191 PMCID: PMC4707845 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2015.0633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Remote sensing allows an animal to extend its morphology with appropriate conductive materials and sensors providing environmental feedback from spatially removed locations. For example, the sector web spider Zygiella x-notata uses a specialized thread as both a structural bridge and signal transmitter to monitor web vibrations from its retreat at the web perimeter. To unravel this model multifunctional system, we investigated Zygiella's signal thread structure with a range of techniques, including tensile testing, laser vibrometry, electron microscopy and behavioural analysis. We found that signal threads varied significantly in the number of filaments; a result of the spider adding a lifeline each time it runs along the bridge. Our mechanical property analysis suggests that while the structure varies, its normalized load does not. We propose that the signal thread represents a complex and fully integrated multifunctional structure where filaments can be added, thus increasing absolute load-bearing capacity while maintaining signal fidelity. We conclude that such structures may serve as inspiration for remote sensing design strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth Mortimer
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PS, UK
| | - Chris Holland
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 3JD, UK
| | - James F C Windmill
- Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XW, UK
| | - Fritz Vollrath
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PS, UK
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26
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Silk Spinning in Silkworms and Spiders. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17081290. [PMID: 27517908 PMCID: PMC5000687 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17081290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Revised: 07/31/2016] [Accepted: 08/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Spiders and silkworms spin silks that outcompete the toughness of all natural and manmade fibers. Herein, we compare and contrast the spinning of silk in silkworms and spiders, with the aim of identifying features that are important for fiber formation. Although spiders and silkworms are very distantly related, some features of spinning silk seem to be universal. Both spiders and silkworms produce large silk proteins that are highly repetitive and extremely soluble at high pH, likely due to the globular terminal domains that flank an intermediate repetitive region. The silk proteins are produced and stored at a very high concentration in glands, and then transported along a narrowing tube in which they change conformation in response primarily to a pH gradient generated by carbonic anhydrase and proton pumps, as well as to ions and shear forces. The silk proteins thereby convert from random coil and alpha helical soluble conformations to beta sheet fibers. We suggest that factors that need to be optimized for successful production of artificial silk proteins capable of forming tough fibers include protein solubility, pH sensitivity, and preservation of natively folded proteins throughout the purification and initial spinning processes.
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27
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Yigit S, Dinjaski N, Kaplan DL. Fibrous proteins: At the crossroads of genetic engineering and biotechnological applications. Biotechnol Bioeng 2015; 113:913-29. [PMID: 26332660 DOI: 10.1002/bit.25820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2015] [Revised: 07/27/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Fibrous proteins, such as silk, elastin and collagen are finding broad impact in biomaterial systems for a range of biomedical and industrial applications. Some of the key advantages of biosynthetic fibrous proteins compared to synthetic polymers include the tailorability of sequence, protein size, degradation pattern, and mechanical properties. Recombinant DNA production and precise control over genetic sequence of these proteins allows expansion and fine tuning of material properties to meet the needs for specific applications. We review current approaches in the design, cloning, and expression of fibrous proteins, with a focus on strategies utilized to meet the challenges of repetitive fibrous protein production. We discuss recent advances in understanding the fundamental basis of structure-function relationships and the designs that foster fibrous protein self-assembly towards predictable architectures and properties for a range of applications. We highlight the potential of functionalization through genetic engineering to design fibrous protein systems for biotechnological and biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sezin Yigit
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, 02155.,Department of Chemistry, Tufts University, Somerville, Massachusetts, 02145
| | - Nina Dinjaski
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, 02155.,Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139
| | - David L Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, 02155.
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28
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Rajkhowa R, Kaur J, Wang X, Batchelor W. Intrinsic tensile properties of cocoon silk fibres can be estimated by removing flaws through repeated tensile tests. J R Soc Interface 2015; 12:20150177. [PMID: 25948613 PMCID: PMC4590502 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2015.0177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2015] [Accepted: 04/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Silk fibres from silkworm cocoons have lower strength than spider silk and have received less attention as a source of high-performance fibres. In this work, we have used an innovative procedure to eliminate the flaws gradually of a single fibre specimen by retesting the unbroken portion of the fibre, after each fracture test. This was done multiple times so that the final test may provide the intrinsic fibre strength. During each retest, the fibre specimen began to yield once the failure load of the preceding test was exceeded. For each fibre specimen, a composite curve was constructed from multiple tests. The composite curves and analysis show that strengths of mass-produced Muga and Eri cocoon silk fibres increased from 446 to 618 MPa and from 337 to 452 MPa, respectively. Similarly, their toughness increased from 84 to 136 MJ m(-3) and from 61 to 104 MJ m(-3), respectively. Composite plots produced significantly less inter-specimen variations compared to values from single tests. The fibres with reduced flaws as a result of retests in the tested section have a tensile strength and toughness comparable to naturally spun dragline spider silk with a reported strength of 574 MPa and toughness of 91-158 MJ m(-3), which is used as a benchmark for developing high-performance fibres. This retesting approach is likely to provide useful insights into discrete flaw distributions and intrinsic mechanical properties of other fatigue-resistant materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rangam Rajkhowa
- Australian Future Fibres Research and Innovation Centre, Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3216, Australia
| | - Jasjeet Kaur
- CSIRO Manufacturing Flagship, Geelong Technology Precinct, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3216, Australia
| | - Xungai Wang
- Australian Future Fibres Research and Innovation Centre, Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3216, Australia School of Textile Science and Engineering, Wuhan Textile University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Warren Batchelor
- Australian Pulp and Paper Institute, Department of Chemical Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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Manca F, Giordano S, Palla PL, Cleri F. Stochastic mechanical degradation of multi-cracked fiber bundles with elastic and viscous interactions. THE EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL. E, SOFT MATTER 2015; 38:131. [PMID: 25998172 DOI: 10.1140/epje/i2015-15044-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2015] [Revised: 03/20/2015] [Accepted: 03/23/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The mechanics of fiber bundles has been largely investigated in order to understand their complex failure modes. Under a mechanical load, the fibers fail progressively while the load is redistributed among the unbroken fibers. The classical fiber bundle model captures the most important features of this rupture process. On the other hand, the homogenization techniques are able to evaluate the stiffness degradation of bulk solids with a given population of cracks. However, these approaches are inadequate to determine the effective response of a degraded bundle where breaks are induced by non-mechanical actions. Here, we propose a method to analyze the behavior of a fiber bundle, undergoing a random distribution of breaks, by considering the intrinsic response of the fibers and the visco-elastic interactions among them. We obtain analytical solutions for simple configurations, while the most general cases are studied by Monte Carlo simulations. We find that the degradation of the effective bundle stiffness can be described by two scaling regimes: a first exponential regime for a low density of breaks, followed by a power-law regime at increasingly higher break density. For both regimes, we find analytical effective expressions described by specific scaling exponents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Manca
- Institute of Electronics, Microelectronics and Nanotechnology (IEMN UMR CNRS 8520), 59652, Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
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30
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Meyer A, Pugno NM, Cranford SW. Compliant threads maximize spider silk connection strength and toughness. J R Soc Interface 2015; 11:20140561. [PMID: 25008083 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2014.0561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Millions of years of evolution have adapted spider webs to achieve a range of functionalities, including the well-known capture of prey, with efficient use of material. One feature that has escaped extensive investigation is the silk-on-silk connection joints within spider webs, particularly from a structural mechanics perspective. We report a joint theoretical and computational analysis of an idealized silk-on-silk fibre junction. By modifying the theory of multiple peeling, we quantitatively compare the performance of the system while systematically increasing the rigidity of the anchor thread, by both scaling the stress-strain response and the introduction of an applied pre-strain. The results of our study indicate that compliance is a virtue-the more extensible the anchorage, the tougher and stronger the connection becomes. In consideration of the theoretical model, in comparison with rigid substrates, a compliant anchorage enormously increases the effective adhesion strength (work required to detach), independent of the adhered thread itself, attributed to a nonlinear alignment between thread and anchor (contact peeling angle). The results can direct novel engineering design principles to achieve possible load transfer from compliant fibre-to-fibre anchorages, be they silk-on-silk or another, as-yet undeveloped, system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avery Meyer
- Laboratory for Nanotechnology in Civil Engineering (NICE), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northeastern University, 400 Snell Engineering, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Nicola M Pugno
- Laboratory of Bio-Inspired and Graphene Nanomechanics, Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, Università di Trento, via Mesiano 77, 38123 Trento, Italy Center for Materials and Microsystems, Fondazione Bruno Kessler, Via Sommarive 18, 38123 Povo (Trento), Italy
| | - Steven W Cranford
- Laboratory for Nanotechnology in Civil Engineering (NICE), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northeastern University, 400 Snell Engineering, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Manca F, Giordano S, Palla PL, Cleri F. Scaling shift in multicracked fiber bundles. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2014; 113:255501. [PMID: 25554893 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.113.255501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Bundles of fibers, wires, or filaments are ubiquitous structures in both natural and artificial materials. We investigate the bundle degradation induced by an external damaging action through a theoretical model describing an assembly of parallel fibers, progressively damaged by a random population of cracks. Fibers in our model interact by means of a lateral linear coupling, thus retaining structural integrity even after substantial damage. Monte Carlo simulations of the Young's modulus degradation for increasing crack density demonstrate a remarkable scaling shift between an exponential and a power-law regime. Analytical solutions of the model confirm this behavior, and provide a thorough understanding of the underlying physics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Manca
- Institute of Electronics, Microelectronics and Nanotechnology (IEMN, UMR 8520), 59652 Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
| | - Stefano Giordano
- Institute of Electronics, Microelectronics and Nanotechnology (IEMN, UMR 8520), 59652 Villeneuve d'Ascq, France and International Associated Laboratory LIA LEMAC/LICS, ECLille, 59652 Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
| | - Pier Luca Palla
- Institute of Electronics, Microelectronics and Nanotechnology (IEMN, UMR 8520), 59652 Villeneuve d'Ascq, France and University of Lille I, 59652 Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
| | - Fabrizio Cleri
- Institute of Electronics, Microelectronics and Nanotechnology (IEMN, UMR 8520), 59652 Villeneuve d'Ascq, France and University of Lille I, 59652 Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
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