Electrospinning Equipment: Fractal network structure of silk fibroin molecules and its influence on silk spinning

Combination of fractal network structure of silk fibroin and electrospinning technology

Fractal network structure: The research of Ling Shengjie's team pointed out that silk fibroin (SF) molecules exist in a fractal network structure in aqueous solution, rather than a single chain structure. This fractal network structure has a low fractal dimension and exhibits high rigidity and stability, which is consistent with the strong toughness and brittle mechanical properties of natural silk.

Advantages of electrospinning technology: Electrospinning technology can use high voltage to stretch silk fibroin solution into ultrafine fibers to prepare nanofibers with high specific surface area and excellent mechanical properties. This technology can precisely control the diameter and porosity of the fiber, thereby optimizing the performance of silk fibroin materials.

Similarities between the spinning mechanism of silk fibroin and electrospinning technology

Natural spinning mechanism: The spinning process of natural silk achieves hierarchical self-assembly of silk fibroin by adjusting ion concentration, pH value and shear/stretching flow. This process does not require high temperature and high pressure, nor does it require complex chemical solvents. It is an efficient, low-energy "green" manufacturing process.

Simulation of electrospinning technology: Electrospinning technology can efficiently convert silk fibroin solution into ultrafine fibers by simulating the shear and tensile flow in the natural silk spinning process through the electric field force generated by high voltage. This technology can not only retain the natural structure of silk fibroin, but also optimize the performance of the fiber by adjusting the spinning parameters (such as voltage, flow rate, and receiving distance).

Mechanical properties of silk fibroin and application of electrospinning technology

Optimization of mechanical properties: Studies have found that the fractal network structure of silk fibroin gives it extremely high bending stiffness (2.58 × 10⁻²⁶ Nm²), showing extremely strong rigidity. This rigid network structure enables silk fibroin fibers to exhibit excellent mechanical properties under low energy consumption conditions.

Application of electrospinning technology: Electrospinning technology can use the fractal network structure of silk fibroin to prepare nanofibers with high specific surface area and uniform porosity. These fibers not only have excellent mechanical properties, but can also further enhance their stability and functionality through cross-linking technology.

Application cases of electrospinning technology in silk fibroin materials

Tissue engineering scaffolds: Silk fibroin nanofibers prepared by electrospinning technology can be used to construct high-performance tissue engineering scaffolds. These scaffolds not only have good cell adhesion, but also promote cell growth and differentiation.

Drug delivery system: Electrospinning technology can embed drugs into silk fibroin fibers to develop drug delivery systems with sustained release functions. This system can improve the stability and bioavailability of drugs.

Flexible electronic devices: Silk fibroin is widely used in flexible electronics and wearable devices due to its unique molecular structure and excellent mechanical properties. Silk fibroin nanofibers prepared by electrospinning technology can be used to construct high-performance triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG).

Future prospects

Technology promotion and large-scale production: Electrospinning technology is efficient and scalable, and is suitable for large-scale production of high-performance fiber materials. Combined with the fractal network structure of silk fibroin, it can further promote the industrial application of biomaterials, especially in the fields of tissue engineering and drug delivery.

Expanding material systems: Electrospinning technology can be used to prepare a variety of high-performance fiber materials, including polymers, ceramics and metals. Combined with the fractal network structure of silk fibroin, more multifunctional fiber materials with biocompatibility and environmental friendliness can be developed.

In-depth research and process optimization: Future research can focus on the formation mechanism and performance optimization of fibers during electrospinning, combining advanced characterization techniques (such as transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction) and theoretical simulation to further reveal the structure-performance relationship of fiber materials.

Electrospinning Nanofibers Article Source:

https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.3c00105