Flexible bio-composites based on silks and celluloses

J Nanosci Nanotechnol. 2012 Jan;12(1):811-4. doi: 10.1166/jnn.2012.5369.

Abstract

Biomaterials have attracted worldwide attention due to the concerns regarding health and the environment. Silk, a natural protein produced by several species of insects, has been examined as a potential material for applications in many biotechnological and biomedical fields. However, regenerated silk fibroin has poor ductility and mechanical properties. Therefore, in this study, silk fibroin-cellulose composite films were prepared in an aqueous system to increase the ductility of regenerated silk fibroin. The morphology of the silk fibroin-cellulose composite film was observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy. The structure of the silk fibroin-cellulose composite films was examined by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy. The flexibility was analyzed using a bending test.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cellulose / chemistry*
  • Elastic Modulus
  • Fibroins / chemistry*
  • Materials Testing
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Nanostructures / ultrastructure*
  • Particle Size
  • Silk / chemistry*

Substances

  • Silk
  • Cellulose
  • Fibroins