1H pulsed NMR study of bombyx mori silk fibroin: Dynamics of fibroin and of absorbed water

The dynamical behavior of the Bombyx mori silk fibroin chain and of absorbed water in silk fiber, film, and powder has been studied by ¹H pulsed nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Segmental motions do not occur and only the rapid rotation of the methyl groups of alanine residues is observed from ?120 to 130°C. This is independent of the conformation or form of the silk fibroin samples. Magnetization of dry silk fibroin by the solid-echo method shows a single Gaussian decay, while two components are observed in the solid-echo signals of films containing 6–10 w/w% water. An immobile component with a T₂ value of 11 μs is attributed to silk fibroin, and the mobile component to bound water. The T₂ of the latter varies from 50 to 200 μs, depending on the sample. The dynamical behavior of water trapped in the film is discussed on the basis of these T₂ values.     

Wet-spinning of Regenerated Silk Fiber fromAqueous Silk Fibroin Solutions: Influence ofCalcium Ion Addition in Spinning Dope on thePerformance of Regenerated Silk Fiber简

Ca（II） ions are added in the spinning dope to adjust the solidification rate of regenerated silk fibroin （RSF） solution during the wet-spinning process since Ca（II） ions are proved to be favorable to maintain the stable silk fibroin network in our previous work. The results show that when Ca（II）/RSF ratios are 1/50 and 1/20, the resulted RSF fibers exhibit good performance with the breaking energy more than 70 kJ/kg. However, higher Ca（II）/RSF ratio （for example, 1/10） hinders the solidification of spinning dope and results in poor RSF fibers. These observations together with earlier papers from this laboratory confirm that to produce tough silk fibers the spinning conditions must allow sufficient time for the adjustment of silk fibroin molecular chains.     

Investigation of the structure of silk film regenerated with lithium thiocyanate solution

The Silk fibers of the mulberry (Bombyx Mori) were dissolved in a 70% lithium thiocyanate solution. Dissolved silk was regenerated by casting the films from the solution after dialyzing. The films were investigated by infrared (IR) spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction analysis. It was found that the freshly prepared film was amorphous. The transformation to the β-form could be brought about by heating, solvent induced crystallization, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and prolonged storage. The mechanism of this transformation is discussed.     

Porous 3‐D scaffolds from regenerated Antheraea pernyi silk fibroin

In this study, porous three‐dimensional (3‐D) materials were prepared with the regenerated Antheraea pernyi (A. pernyi) silk fibroin by freeze‐drying from a lithium thiocyanate solution of its fibers. The relationship between preparation conditions and morphological structures of 3‐D materials was also studied. We concluded that with the decrease in A. pernyi silk fibroin solution concentration and the increase in the freezing temperature, the porosity and the average pore diameter of the 3‐D materials were increased while the pore density was decreased. By adjusting the freezing temperature and the silk fibroin solution concentration, the 3‐D materials having the average pore diameter of 75–260 µm and the porosity of 70–90% can efficiently be produced. As a kind of new material with excellent biocompatibility and bioactivity, the material is expected to be applied to tissue regeneration scaffolds. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Microrheological studies of regenerated silk fibroin solution by video microscopy

We have carried out studies on the rheological properties of regenerated silk fibroin (RSF) solution using video microscopy. The degummed silk from the Bombyx mori silkworm was used to prepare RSF solution by dissolving it in calcium nitrate tetrahydrate‐methanol solvent. Measurements were carried out by tracking the position of an embedded micron‐sized polystyrene bead within the RSF solution through video imaging. The time dependent mean squared displacement (MSD) of the bead in solution and hence the complex shear modulus of this solution was calculated from the bead's position information. We present here the results of rheological measurements of the silk polymer network in solution over a frequency range, whose upper limit is the frame capture rate of our camera at full resolution. By examining the distribution of MSD of beads at different locations within the sample volume, we demonstrate that this probe technique enables us to detect local inhomogeneities at nanometre length scales, not detectable either by a rheometer or from diffusing wave spectroscopy. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 2555–2562, 2007     

Atomic force microscopy: Bombyx mori silk fibroin molecules and their higher order structure

We performed atomic force microscopy measurements on fibroin molecules from the domestic silkworm, Bombyx mori. At low concentrations, we could observe single protein molecules. The shape of the observed molecules is a rod with long smaller chains extending from the ends. The size of the rod is 60 nm in length and 15 nm in width. At high concentrations, we observed long threadlike aggregates of fibroin molecules, their chains entangled with one another. These results provide insight into the microscopic mechanism of silk‐fiber formation. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 38: 1436–1439, 2000     

Nucleation of hydroxyapatite crystals by self-assembled Bombyx mori silk fibroin

Bombyx mori silk fibroin (SF) is known to be capable of facilitating nucleation of the hydroxyapatite crystals (HAps). To find out how SF mediates the nucleation of HAps, self-assembly of SF in 1.5 simulated body fluid (SBF) was observed in this study through design of a co-solution of SF and 1.5-times SBF (SF/1.5 SBF). After the co-solution of SF/1.5 SBF was incubated at 37.2 °C up to 7 days, SEM, X-ray, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) observations indicated that nucleation of HAps was increased. In addition, the structure of SF was transited from random coil into β-sheet indicated by FTIR spectra. The β-sheet assembly of SF in 1.5 SBF was also supported by CD spectra. Atomic force microscopy provided detailed progress of the self-assembly that SF incubated in 1.5 SBF was self-assembled in the form from dot, through rod to final net. Therefore, this study suggested that nucleation of HAps of SF was controlled by its molecular self-assembly. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2013     

Entrapment of both glucose oxidase and peroxidase in regenerated silk fibroin membrane

Two enzmyes, glucose oxidase and peroxidase, were for the first time simultaneously immobilized in regenerated silk fibroin membrane. The structure and morphology of the regenerated silk fibroin membrane containing both glucose oxidase and peroxidase were investigated with IR spectra and SEM. The bienzymes do not change the structures of the regenerated silk fibroin in the membrane, which has an islands-sea structure. For the first time, an amperometric methylene green mediating sensor for glucose based on co-immobilization of both glucose oxidase and peroxidase in regenerated silk fibroin was constructed. Cyclic voltammetry and amperometry were used to test the suitability of methylene green shuttling electrons between peroxidase and the glassy carbon electrode. The bienzyme-based system offers fast response and high sensitivity of the sensor to glucose. The effects of pH, temperature, and the concentration of the mediator on the response current were evaluated, and the dependence of the Michaelis-Menten constant K(m)(app) on the concentration of the mediator was investigated.     

Entrapment of both glucose oxidase and peroxidase in regenerated silk fibroin membrane

Two enzmyes, glucose oxidase and peroxidase, were for the first time simultaneously immobilized in regenerated silk fibroin membrane. The structure and morphology of the regenerated silk fibroin membrane containing both glucose oxidase and peroxidase were investigated with IR spectra and SEM. The bienzymes do not change the structures of the regenerated silk fibroin in the membrane, which has an islands-sea structure. For the first time, an amperometric methylene green mediating sensor for glucose based on co-immobilization of both glucose oxidase and peroxidase in regenerated silk fibroin was constructed. Cyclic voltammetry and amperometry were used to test the suitability of methylene green shuttling electrons between peroxidase and the glassy carbon electrode. The bienzyme-based system offers fast response and high sensitivity of the sensor to glucose. The effects of pH, temperature, and the concentration of the mediator on the response current were evaluated, and the dependence of the Michaelis-Menten constant K_m^app on the concentration of the mediator was investigated.     

Influence of an iodine treatment on the structure and physical properties of Bombyx mori silk fibroin fiber

Silk fibroin (SF) fiber from the Bombyx mori silkworm was treated with a 1.23 N iodine/potassium iodide (I₂–KI) aqueous solution, and the structure and physical properties were investigated to elucidate the effects of the iodine treatment. The SF fiber absorbed polyiodide ions such as I and I by immersion in the I₂–KI solution, and the weight gain of the SF fiber increased with the treatment time; it became saturated at about 20 wt % after 40 h. The results of the weight gain, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction measurements suggested that polyiodide ions mainly entered the amorphous region. Moreover, a new sharp reflection in the meridional direction, corresponding to a period of 7.0 Å, was observed and indicated the possibility of the formation of a mesophase structure of β‐conformation chains. Dynamic viscoelastic measurements showed that the molecular motion of the crystalline regions at about 220 °C was enhanced and shifted to lower temperature by the introduction of polyiodide ions. This indicated that the iodine component weakened the hydrogen bonding between the SF molecules forming the β‐sheet structure and caused molecular motion of the crystal to occur more easily with heating. With heating above 270 °C, the iodine component introduced intermolecular crosslinking to SF, and the melt flow of the sample was inhibited. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 3418–3426, 2006     

Salt-catalyzed addition reaction of monoepoxides with philosamia cynthia ricini and bombyx mori silk fibroins

The heterogeneous addition reaction of various monoepoxides with silk fibroins of Philosamia cynthia ricini and Bombyx mori was investigated at 45–75°C by use of aqueous solutions of various salts as padding catalysts. The effects of salt on the epoxide–silk fibroin reactions were attributed mainly to the nucleophilicity of the anions and also to the acidity or the electronegativity of the cations. The effect of the substituent of the epoxide on the add-ons was elucidated by the modified Taft equation, (log W ? log W₀)/σ* = ρ_p + ρ_sE_s/σ*, where W₀ and W are the add-ons for the reaction of a given compound and of its substituted derivatives, σ* and E_s are the polar and the steric substituent constants, ρ_p and ρ_s are the polar and the steric reaction constants, respectively. Histidine, lysine, arginine, tyrosine, serine, and acidic amino acids were found to react. The reactivity difference between Philosamia cynthia ricini and Bombyx mori fibroins towards the epoxide was discussed in the light of the observed phenomena.     

Dissolution and regeneration of Bombyx mori silk fibroin using ionic liquids

In this work, the suitability of imidazolium-based ionic liquid solvents is investigated for the dissolution and regeneration of silkworm (Bombyx mori) silk. Within an ionic liquid the anion plays a larger role in dictating the ultimate solubility of the silk. The dissolution of the silk in the ionic liquid is confirmed using wide-angle X-ray scattering. The dissolved silk is also processed into 100 mum-thick, two-dimensional films, and the structure of these films is examined. The rinse solvent, acetonitrile or methanol, has a profound impact on both the topography of the films and the secondary structure of the silk protein. The image depicts a silkworm cocoon dissolved in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride and then regenerated as a film with birefringence.     

Physical properties and phase separation structure of Antheraea pernyi/Bombyx mori silk fibroin blend films

The physical structure and compatibility of solution-cast Antheraea pernyi/Bombyx mori silk fibroin blend films were stuided by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermomechanical (TMA) and thermogravimetric (TGA) analysis, dynamic viscoelastic measurement, infrared spectroscopy, and x-ray diffractometry. The DSC curves of the blend films showed independent endotherms at 280 and 358°C, corresponding to the thermal decomposition of B. mori and A. pernyi silk fibroins with random coil conformation. The intensity was roughly proportionate to the amount of each component in the blend. The thermal behavior corresponding to the conformational transitions induced by heating on A. pernyi and B. mori silk fibroins overlapped in the temperature range 190–230°C. Thermal expansion and contraction properties, as well as weight retention behavior of the blend films were intermediate between the pure components, as shown by the TMA and TGA curves. The onset temperature of the storage modulus curve decreased markedly, approaching that of B. mori silk fibroin film when the amount of this component in the blend increased. The loss modulus curve of the blend films showed two peaks at ca. 190 and 210°C, the former corresponding to B. mori, and the latter to A. pernyi silk fibroin. Infrared spectra of the blends exhibited absorption bands characteristic of the pure components overlapping in the spectral region 2000–400 cm^?1. The x-ray diffraction peaks at 23 and 21.5°, attributed to the crystalline spacings of A. pernyi and B. mori fibroins, respectively, overlapped in the diffraction curves of the blends, while the peak at 11.4°, of A. pernyi, increased as the content of this fibroin in the blend increased. The degree of crystallinity, calculated from the x-ray diffraction curves, diminished as the amount of B. mori silk fibroin decreased. A low degree of compatibility exists between the two fibroins when they are cast from aqueous solution in the experimental conditions adopted in this work. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Controlling molecular conformation of regenerated wild silk fibroin by aqueous ethanol treatment

Regenerated Antheraea pernyi silk fibroin film was prepared by dissolution of native silk fiber in aqueous lithium thiocyanate. The influence of aqueous ethanol treatment of the dried regenerated film on molecular conformation was studied by X‐ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. While the initial regenerated film consisted of α‐helix and random coil components, aqueous ethanol treatment of the film resulted in significant increase in β‐sheet component and improvement of water resistance of the film. This effect was strongly dependent on ethanol concentration, and 40–60% (w/w) ethanol was most effective due to balance of hydrophilic/hydrophobic action of the solvent. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Thermal properties of bombyx mori and several wild silkworm silks Phase transition of liquid silk

The thermal properties of liquid silk from domestic and wild silkworms are investigated. Liquid silks obtained from the silk gland of the domesticated silkworm, Bombyx mori and four wild silkworms, Samia cynthia ricini, Dictyoploca japonica, Antheraea pernyi and Antheraea yamamai were used. The DSC curves for the liquid silk from the domestic silkworm have weak endothermic peaks corresponding to the breaking of hydrogen bonds in the β-form or to the untangling of physical network. The DSC curves for the wild silkworm silks, however, show clear exothermic peaks corresponding to a phase transition from the α-helix conformation to the β-form. Liquid silk from all the different silkworms undergoes a characteristic irreversible phase transition. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Self-assembly of a peptide amphiphile based on hydrolysed Bombyx mori silk fibroin

An octapeptide, GAGAGAGY, was obtained by a novel method, i.e. hydrolysing Bombyx mori silk fibroin. Afterward, a dodecanoic acid-peptide conjugation was synthesized. This amphiphile assembled into cylindrical nanofibers of planar β-sheets at pH 9 and twisted β-sheets at pH 4.