On the Nature of Fluorescence Modification Induced by Deformation in Regenerated Silk Fibroin.

ABSTRACT: The mechanical deformation of regenerated silk fibroin (RSF) films induces notable changes in their fluorescence properties, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this work, we investigate the interplay between mechanical, structural, and optical response of RSF films processed with glycerol (gly) and with polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a plasticizer. PEG-containing films exhibited enhanced ductility, a significant increase of the absorption coefficient in the UV spectral range and narrower fluorescence spectra, with reduced intensity at longer wavelengths, suggesting fewer cross-links. These differences in the mechanical and optical properties of the investigated polymers may be due to the higher amorphous phase content of the samples with PEG, as it is reveal

SUBMITTER: Santoro G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12541700 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature