A biomimetic composite from solution self-assembly of chitin nanofibers in a silk fibroin matrix

Adv Mater. 2013 Aug 27;25(32):4482-7. doi: 10.1002/adma.201301429. Epub 2013 Jun 21.

Abstract

A chitin nanofiber-silk biomimetic nanocomposite with enhanced mechanical properties is self-assembled from solution to yield ultrafine chitin nanofibers embedded in a silk matrix.

Keywords: biomimetics; chitin; nanocomposite; self-assembly; silk.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomimetic Materials / chemistry*
  • Biomimetics
  • Bombyx / chemistry*
  • Chitin / chemistry*
  • Fibroins / chemistry*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Nanocomposites / chemistry
  • Nanocomposites / ultrastructure
  • Nanofibers / chemistry*
  • Nanofibers / ultrastructure
  • Solutions

Substances

  • Solutions
  • Chitin
  • Fibroins