Towards Non-stick Silk: Tuning the Hydrophobicity of Silk Fibroin Protein.

ABSTRACT: Silk fibroin protein is a biomaterial with excellent biocompatibility and low immunogenicity. These properties have catapulted the material as a leader for extensive use in stents, catheters, and wound dressings. Modulation of hydrophobicity of silk fibroin protein to further expand the scope and utility however has been elusive. We report that installing perfluorocarbon chains on the surface of silk fibroin transforms this water-soluble protein into a remarkably hydrophobic polymer that can be solvent-cast. A clear relationship emerged between fluorine content of the modified silk and film hydrophobicity. Water contact angles of the most decorated silk fibroin protein exceeded that of Teflon®. We further show that water uptake in prefabricated silk bars is dramatically reduced, extending

SUBMITTER: Fountain JN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9830957 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature