Utilizing conformational changes for patterning thin films of recombinant spider silk proteins

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Seth L. Young - , Georgia Institute of Technology (Author)
  • Maneesh Gupta - , Georgia Institute of Technology (Author)
  • Christoph Hanske - , University of Bayreuth (Author)
  • Andreas Fery - , University of Bayreuth (Author)
  • Thomas Scheibel - , University of Bayreuth (Author)
  • Vladimir V. Tsukruk - , Georgia Institute of Technology (Author)

Abstract

Recombinant spider silk proteins mimicking the properties of dragline silk proteins represent a class of materials that hold great potential for future high-performance applications. Here we explore the self-assembly behavior of a recombinantly produced spider silk protein based on the dragline silk of the Araneus diadematus, eADF4 (C16), by selectively patterning its secondary structure using capillary transfer lithography and solvent-assisted microcontact molding. Two conformational transitions were observed, influenced by initial solvent composition: α-helix/random coil conformation to a more densely packed β-sheet conformation (by casting from 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro- propanol) and moderate initial β-sheet content to higher β-sheet content (casting from formic acid). Furthermore, by using the solvent-assisted microcontact molding technique, we were able to achieve a submicrometer spatial resolution and reveal fine details of morphological and mechanical changes in patterned regions and at interfaces.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3189-3199
Number of pages11
JournalBiomacromolecules
Volume13
Issue number10
Publication statusPublished - 8 Oct 2012
Peer-reviewedYes
Externally publishedYes

External IDs

PubMed 22947370