Electrospinning Device: Incorporation of quantum dots into silk fibroin biomaterials for fluorescence imaging

Background

In this study, cadmium telluride quantum dots (QDs) coated with 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) were incorporated into silk fibroin materials, and the strong interaction between quantum dots and silk fibroin was used to achieve stable doping of quantum dots in silk fibroin materials. This provides a basis for tracking the distribution and degradation of biomaterials in the body through fluorescence imaging technology.

Preparation of silk fibroin fibers by electrospinning technology

Electrospinning technology can produce silk fibroin fibers with specific structures and properties. By adjusting the composition, concentration, viscosity and other parameters of the spinning solution, as well as process conditions such as electric field intensity and nozzle design, the diameter, pore structure and morphology of the fiber can be precisely controlled, thereby preparing silk fibroin fibers suitable for different application requirements.

Fluorescence properties of quantum dot-doped silk fibroin fibers

Incorporating quantum dots into silk fibroin fibers prepared by electrospinning can give the fibers fluorescent properties. The study found that the fluorescence of QD-doped silk hydrogels and microspheres remained stable for more than 4 days in PBS at pH=7.4, indicating that quantum dots have good stability in silk protein materials.

Advantages of electrospinning equipment in the preparation of biomaterials

Electrospinning equipment has the advantages of high efficiency, low cost, and easy operation, and can produce silk protein fibers on a large scale. In addition, electrospinning technology can also be combined with other technologies, such as electrospinning after mixing quantum dots with silk protein to prepare composite fibers with specific functions.

Application prospects of quantum dot-doped silk protein fibers

Quantum dot-doped silk protein fibers prepared by electrospinning technology can not only be used in fields such as tissue engineering and drug delivery, but can also be used as fluorescent probes for tracking the degradation and distribution of biomaterials, providing important tools for biomedical research.

Summary

In summary, the study of quantum dots doped into silk protein materials provides a new idea for tracking the degradation and distribution of biomaterials, while electrospinning technology provides an effective means for preparing silk protein fibers with specific structures and properties. The combination of the two is expected to play a greater role in the biomedical field and promote the development of related research.

Electrospinning Nanofibers Article Source:

https://doi.org/10.1039/C5TB00326A