Silk leather and related materials and methods of making and using same

Abstract

A large number of novel silk material forms are disclosed that are all prepared from an initial liquid composition comprising both silk fibroin and xanthan gum. In some cases, particularly preferred material properties are obtained by adding glycerol. These different forms include liquids, whipped silk creams, silk creams, and compressed / hot pressed creams. One of the useful end uses of these materials is silk leather that mimics the feel of conventional leather. Other applications include heat insulation, adsorption / gas sensitivity, biological scaffolds and the like. A material having unexpectedly similar material properties to mycelia is also disclosed.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is related to, claims priority from, and is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 387,066, filed December 12, 2022; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 495,729, filed April 21, 2023. Background Art

[0003] Material sustainability is an area of ​​growing concern. Leather is a sustainable material in the sense that it can be grown and reproduced from animals. However, from an animal welfare perspective, it is unsustainable. For decades, alternatives to leather have been sought, but these have primarily been unsustainable.

[0004] There is a need for an alternative to conventional leather as a material for use in a range of applications where conventional leather is used. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a liquid composition comprising a mixture of silk fibroin and xanthan gum.

[0006] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a whipped silk cream comprising silk fibroin and xanthan gum.

[0007] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a silk protein cream comprising silk fibroin and xanthan gum.

[0008] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides a compressed or hot-pressed silk fibroin cream comprising silk fibroin and xanthan gum.

[0009] On the other hand, the present disclosure provides a method for preparing a composition. In order to prepare a whipped silk cream, the method involves whipping a liquid composition comprising silk fibroin and xanthan gum (and optionally glycerol) for a predetermined whipping time to form the whipped silk cream. In order to prepare a silk protein cream, the method involves baking the whipped silk cream. In order to prepare a compressed silk protein cream, the method involves compressing the silk protein cream. In order to prepare a hot-pressed silk protein cream, the method involves hot-pressing the silk protein cream.

[0010] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides a silk leather having a layered structure, comprising a first fabric layer and a second material layer disposed adjacent to the first fabric layer. The second material layer is or includes the compressed or heat-pressed silk protein cream disclosed herein.

[0011] On the one hand, a method for preparing a whipped silk cream having a desired whipped silk cream form, a silk protein cream having a desired silk protein cream form, a compressed silk protein cream having a desired compressed silk protein cream form, or a hot-pressed silk protein cream having a desired hot-pressed silk protein cream form may include: selecting silk concentration, silk molecular weight distribution, polysaccharide type, polysaccharide concentration, plasticizer type, plasticizer concentration, whipping speed, optional silk protein cream baking temperature, optional compressed silk protein cream compression force, optional hot pressure and temperature of hot-pressed silk protein cream; and using the silk concentration, the silk molecular weight distribution, the polysaccharide type, the polysaccharide concentration, the plasticizer type, the plasticizer concentration, the whipping speed, optional silk protein cream baking temperature, optional compressed silk protein cream compression force, and optional hot pressure and temperature of hot-pressed silk protein cream to prepare the whipped silk cream, the silk protein cream, the compressed silk protein cream, or the hot-pressed silk protein cream.

[0012] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a liquid composition comprising a mixture of silk fibroin, xanthan gum, and a plasticizer.

[0013] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a whipped silk cream comprising silk fibroin, xanthan gum, and a plasticizer.

[0014] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a silk protein cream comprising silk fibroin, xanthan gum, and a plasticizer.

[0015] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a compressed silk protein cream comprising silk fibroin, xanthan gum, and a plasticizer.

[0016] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a heat-pressed silk protein cream comprising silk fibroin, xanthan gum, and a plasticizer.

[0017] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method of preparing a composition, the method comprising whipping a liquid comprising silk fibroin, xanthan gum, and a plasticizer for a predetermined whipping time to form a whipped silk cream.

[0018] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to liquid compositions comprising a mixture of silk fibroin, xanthan gum, and a functionalizing agent.

[0019] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to whipped silk creams comprising silk fibroin, xanthan gum, and a functionalizing agent.

[0020] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a silk protein cream comprising silk fibroin, xanthan gum, and a functionalizing agent.

[0021] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a compressed silk protein cream comprising silk fibroin, xanthan gum, and a functionalizing agent.

[0022] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a heat-pressed silk protein cream comprising silk fibroin, xanthan gum, and a functionalizing agent.

[0023] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method of preparing a composition comprising whipping a liquid comprising silk fibroin, xanthan gum, and a functionalizing agent for a predetermined whipping time to form a whipped silk cream.

[0024] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to liquid compositions comprising a mixture of silk fibroin, xanthan gum, a plasticizer, and a functionalizing agent.

[0025] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to whipped silk creams comprising silk fibroin, xanthan gum, a plasticizer, and a functionalizing agent.

[0026] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a silk protein cream comprising silk fibroin, xanthan gum, a plasticizer, and a functionalizing agent.

[0027] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a compressed silk protein cream comprising silk fibroin, xanthan gum, a plasticizer, and a functionalizing agent.

[0028] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a heat-pressed silk protein cream comprising silk fibroin, xanthan gum, a plasticizer, and a functionalizing agent.

[0029] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method of preparing a composition, the method comprising whipping a liquid comprising silk fibroin, xanthan gum, a plasticizer, and a functionalizing agent for a predetermined whipping time to form a whipped silk cream.

[0030] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a conductive silk leather.

[0031] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a magnetic silk leather.

[0032] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a scented silk leather.

[0033] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an insulated silk leather having thermochromic reporting properties throughout the interior volume of the body.

[0034] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a pH-responsive leather comprising a pH-responsive chemical distributed throughout a compressed silk protein cream or a heat-pressed silk protein cream of the pH-responsive leather.

[0035] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a moisture-sensing leather comprising a pH-responsive chemical and a pH adjuster distributed throughout a compressed silk protein cream or a heat-pressed silk protein cream of the pH-responsive leather, wherein a measurable amount of moisture causes at least a portion of the pH adjuster to dissolve, thereby lowering the pH, thereby providing a measurable moisture report.

[0036] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a patterned silk leather.

[0037] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an electronic leather having electronic components embedded therein.

[0038] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to the electronic silk leather according to the preceding claim, wherein the power source is a rechargeable battery, a wired disposable battery holder, or a combination thereof.

[0039] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a semiconductor device-embedded silk leather having a semiconductor device embedded therein.

[0040] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a haptic silk leather having tactile switches embedded therein.

[0041] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a tanned silk leather having a bulk volume of compressed silk protein cream or heat-compressed silk protein cream and a surface layer of compressed silk protein cream or heat-pressed silk protein cream, wherein the surface layer is formed from the same chemical composition as the bulk volume but includes at least one different structural, mechanical or chemical feature relative to the bulk volume.

[0042] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a whipped silk cream or silk protein cream having fibers distributed throughout.

[0043] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a whipped silk cream or silk protein cream having electronics distributed throughout.

[0044] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an ultralight silk down substitute comprising a silk protein cream.

[0045] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an impact-dispersing foam comprising a silk protein cream.

[0046] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a protected item comprising: an item to be protected; and a protective shell comprising silk protein cream, cured silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, or heat-compressed silk protein cream, wherein the protective shell is formed by surrounding and contacting the item to be protected with a precursor of the protective shell and curing the precursor to form the protective shell, wherein the surrounding includes complete encapsulation or encapsulation against a surface.

[0047] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an open-cell silk foam prepared by whipping a liquid silk composition comprising silk fibroin and xanthan gum beyond a first overrun value and not reaching a second overrun value to form a silk whipping cream having an open structure; and subsequently baking the silk whipping cream to prepare the open-cell silk foam.

[0048] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a closed-cell silk foam prepared by whipping a liquid silk composition comprising silk fibroin and xanthan gum to less than a first overrun value or to more than a second overrun value to form a silk whipping cream having a closed structure; and subsequently baking the silk whipping cream to prepare the closed-cell silk foam.

[0049] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a liquid composition comprising a mixture of a protein, a polysaccharide, and a plasticizer.

[0050] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a whipped silk cream comprising silk fibroin, a polysaccharide, and a plasticizer.

[0051] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a silk protein cream comprising silk fibroin, a polysaccharide, and a plasticizer.

[0052] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a compressed silk protein cream comprising silk fibroin, a polysaccharide, and a plasticizer.

[0053] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a heat-pressed silk protein cream comprising silk fibroin, a polysaccharide, and a plasticizer.

[0054] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method of preparing a composition comprising whipping a liquid composition comprising a protein, a polysaccharide, and a plasticizer for a predetermined whipping time to form a whipped silk cream.

[0055] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a liquid composition comprising a mixture of silk fibroin, alginate, and a plasticizer.

[0056] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a whipped silk cream comprising silk fibroin, alginate, and a plasticizer.

[0057] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a silk protein cream comprising silk fibroin, alginate, and a plasticizer.

[0058] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a compressed silk protein cream comprising silk fibroin, alginate, and a plasticizer.

[0059] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a heat-pressed silk protein cream comprising silk fibroin, alginate, and a plasticizer.

[0060] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method of preparing a composition comprising: whipping a liquid comprising silk fibroin, alginate, and a plasticizer for a predetermined whipping time to form a whipped silk cream. 363. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0061] The present disclosure and the following detailed description of certain aspects thereof may be understood with reference to the following drawings:

[0062] Figure 1A and 1B The silk leather of the present disclosure is depicted.

[0063] Figure 1C The CO2 sensing reaction is depicted.

[0064] Figure 2 A mechanical comparison between mycelium and mycelium-like structures is depicted.

[0065] Figure 3 The mechanical properties of the composite mycelium-like materials and related textiles were characterized.

[0066] Figure 4 Cream density is depicted.

[0067] Figure 5 Cream water content is depicted.

[0068] Figure 6 Depicts the density of meringue.

[0069] Figure 7 Shown are the solid compositions of meringues obtained by varying the mass of SF and assuming complete removal of water during cooking.

[0070] Figure 8 Data are provided on various compositions and the ratios of SF, Gly and XG in each composition.

[0071] Figure 9a Depicts Figure 8 The cream density of the composition identified in.

[0072] Figure 9b Depicts Figure 8 The water content of the cream of the composition identified in.

[0073] Figure 10a Depicts Figure 8 The syneresis (%) of the composition identified in Figure 10b The density, moisture content and syneresis are plotted as a function of solids content.

[0074] Figure 11a depicts the change in cream density as a function of whipping time.

[0075] Figure 11b The mechanical properties of the creams and their resistance to compression (firmness) are depicted as a function of whipping time.

[0076] Figure 12 Depicted are the overrun rates of creams measured at different whipping times and using different plasticizers.

[0077] Figure 13 The density of the cream is depicted to decrease and can be controlled by the whipping time.

[0078] Figure 14 The transition from random coil to β-sheet structure upon whipping is depicted.

[0079] Figure 15 The relationship between bubble size and expansion rate is depicted.

[0080] Figure 16 a Photograph depicting the dried foam of SF:XG:Gly; Figure 16 b depicts the density; Figure 16 C depicts the compressive strength; and Figure 16 D depicts the yield point of dried foams using different ratios of SF:XG:Gly.

[0081] Figure 17 A depicts the comparison of mechanical properties of xanthan gum and alginate-based silk foams; Figure 17 B depicts the comparison of firmness of xanthan gum and alginate-containing silk creams; Figure 17 C depicts an experimental setup; and Figure 17 D depicts temperature versus time for alginate foam and polystyrene.

[0082] Figure 18 Depicted are photos (A) and densities (B) of SF:XG:Gly 20:20:60 foam at different whipping times.

[0083] Figure 19A Photographs depicting details of the foam surface morphology, and Figure 19BThe changes in the internal structure of the foam as a function of whipping time, obtained by fluorescent staining with Rhodamine 6G, are depicted.

[0084] Figure 20 Depicted is a fluorescent stain (ThT) of foam used to analyze internal foam structure.

[0085] Figure 21A The spectral characteristics of free ThT in solution when excited at 365 nm are depicted, and Figure 21B Depicted are the spectral features of ThT bound to the β-sheet structure when excited at 365 nm.

[0086] Figure 22 The emission of the foam excited at 365 nm is depicted, showing the color change during the initial whipping stage.

[0087] Figure 23 A, 23B, and 23C depict the use of foam materials as substrates for algae growth. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0088] Before describing the present invention in further detail, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described. It should also be understood that the terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to be restrictive. The scope of the present invention will be limited only by the claims. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a / an" and "the" may include plural embodiments.

[0089] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, without departing from the present invention, in addition to the modification already described, many other modifications are possible. When explaining the present disclosure, all terms should be interpreted in a manner as broad as possible consistent with the context. The variation of the term "comprise / comprising (comprising)" should be interpreted as referring to key element, assembly or step in a non-exclusive manner, so the key element, assembly or step cited can be combined with other key elements, assemblies or steps that are not clearly quoted. The embodiment that is called "comprise / comprising (comprising)" some key element is also considered to be "essentially composed of those key elements" and "composed of those key elements". When enumerating two or more scopes of a specific value, the present disclosure covers all combinations of the upper and lower limits of those scopes that are not clearly enumerated. For example, enumerating a value between 1 and 10 or between 2 and 9 also covers a value between 1 and 9 or between 2 and 10.

[0090] definition

[0091] As used herein, "low molecular weight" silk fibroin refers to silk fibroin that has been boiled for a period of at least 30 minutes during degumming or other processing steps, thereby reducing the average molecular weight of the protein fragments. Examples of low molecular weight silk fibroin can be found in WO 2014 / 145002, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0092] As used herein, mysilkium-like refers to a material composed of at least 20% silk fibroin and having one or more of the following material properties: within 50%, within 25%, within 20%, within 15%, or within 10% of natural mycelium.

[0093] As used herein, "fibroin" refers to silk fibroin produced by silkworms, spiders or other insects, or produced in other ways (Lucas et al., Adv. Protein Chem., 13: 107-242 (1958)). Any type of silk fibroin can be used in the different embodiments described herein. Silk fibroin produced by silkworms (such as Bombyx mori) is the most common and is a renewable resource that is friendly to the earth. For example, the silk fibroin used in silk films can be obtained by extracting sericin from Bombyx mori cocoons. Organic silkworm cocoons are also commercially available. However, there are many different silks that can be used, including spider silk (for example, obtained from Nephila clavipes), transgenic silk, genetically engineered silk (such as silk from bacteria, yeast, mammalian cells, transgenic animals or transgenic plants), and variants thereof. See, for example, WO 97 / 08315 and U.S. Patent No. 5,245,012, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0094] Liquid composition

[0095] The present disclosure provides a liquid composition. The composition disclosed herein may include protein, at least one polysaccharide and a plasticizer. In an embodiment, the protein may be fibroin. In an embodiment, the polysaccharide may be xanthan gum, alginate or other high molecular weight sugar, cellulose derivative, a combination thereof, etc. The liquid composition containing xanthan gum may be the best in obtaining silk leather. However, it should be understood that the examples and embodiments citing xanthan gum as a component in this specification may include different polysaccharides such as alginate instead of xanthan gum or in addition to xanthan gum. In some embodiments, the selection of the specific polysaccharide or polysaccharide combination used in the liquid composition may depend on the desired final material properties. For example, in some aspects, if an independent leather material is desired, alginate may be preferred. It is clearly envisioned that certain applications may require different polysaccharides to be combined in the same composition, such as a specific application that requires a whipped silk cream comprising fibroin, glycerol, xanthan gum and alginate as the main components.

[0096] In some aspects, the weight ratio of silk fibroin, polysaccharide, and plasticizer may affect one or more of the mechanical properties, density, or water content of the resulting material prepared from the composition. Without wishing to be bound by a particular theory, changes in the weight of the plasticizer may preferentially affect the mechanical properties, changes in the weight of the polysaccharide or combination of polysaccharides may preferentially affect the density, and changes in the weight of the silk fibroin may preferentially affect the water content.

[0097] In some embodiments, the liquid composition comprises the mixture of silk fibroin and xanthan gum. In some aspects, the liquid composition comprises the mixture of silk fibroin, xanthan gum and plasticizer. In some aspects, the liquid composition comprises the mixture of silk fibroin, xanthan gum and glycerol. In some aspects, the liquid composition comprises the mixture of silk fibroin, xanthan gum and functionalizing agent. In some aspects, the liquid composition comprises the mixture of silk fibroin, xanthan gum, plasticizer and functionalizing agent. In some aspects, the liquid composition comprises the mixture of silk fibroin, xanthan gum, glycerol and functionalizing agent. In some aspects, the liquid composition comprises the mixture of silk fibroin and high molecular weight sugar (for example xanthan gum), and can optionally further comprise at least one plasticizer (for example glycerol) or functionalizing agent.

[0098] The liquid composition may comprise other components that those skilled in the art will recognize as valuable in certain cases. In certain cases, the liquid composition may further comprise glycerol. In certain cases, the liquid composition may further comprise a sensing agent. In certain cases, the liquid composition may further comprise a therapeutically active agent. In certain cases, the liquid composition may comprise a compound that provides fragrance.

[0099] The mixture of silk fibroin and xanthan gum comprises a weight ratio of silk fibroin to xanthan gum between 1:4 and 20:1 or between 1:2 and 10:1. For example, the mixture of silk fibroin and xanthan gum can comprise a weight ratio of silk fibroin to xanthan gum of at least 1:4, at least 1:3 or at least 1:2. For example, the mixture of silk fibroin and xanthan gum can comprise a weight ratio of silk fibroin to xanthan gum of at most 20:1, at most 19:1, at most 18:1, at most 16:1, at most 15:1, at most 14:1, at most 12:1, at most 11:1 or at most 10:1.

[0100] The silk fibroin can be present in the liquid composition in an amount between 1% and 10% or between 3% and 7% by weight. Without wishing to be bound by a particular theory, it is believed that the concentration of the silk fibroin may affect the structural integrity of the resulting product. If the concentration is too low, the final product may not be able to coalesce into a single physical structure, thereby making it impossible to prepare the product. If the concentration is too high, the final product may be formed in a manner that is visible as a defect, crack, or other imperfection. For example, the silk fibroin can be present in the liquid composition in an amount of at least 1%, at least 2%, at least 3%, at least 4%, at least 5%, or at least 6% by weight. For example, the silk fibroin can be present in the liquid composition in an amount of at most 10%, at most 9%, at most 8%, at most 7%, at most 6%, or at most 5% by weight.

[0101] The xanthan gum can be present in the liquid composition in an amount between 0.1% and 10.0% by weight. For example, the xanthan gum can be present in the liquid composition in an amount of at least 0.1%, at least 0.3%, at least 0.5%, at least 1.0%, at least 1.5%, at least 2.0%, at least 2.5%, at least 3.0%, at least 3.5%, at least 4.0%, at least 4.5%, at least 5.0%, at least 5.5%, at least 6.0%, at least 6.5%, at least 7.0%, at least 7.5%, at least 8.0%, at least 8.5%, at least 9.0%, or at least 9.5% by weight. For example, the xanthan gum may be present in the liquid composition in an amount of up to 10.0%, up to 9.5%, up to 9.0%, up to 8.5%, up to 8.0%, up to 7.5%, up to 7.0%, up to 6.5%, up to 6.0%, up to 5.5%, up to 5.0%, up to 4.5%, up to 4.0%, up to 3.5%, up to 3.0%, up to 2.5%, up to 2.0%, up to 1.5% or up to 1.0% by weight.

[0102] The plasticizer can be present in the fluid composition in an amount between 0.5% and 20.0% by weight. For example, the plasticizer can be present in the fluid composition in an amount of at least 0.5%, at least 1.0%, at least 1.5%, at least 2.0%, at least 2.5%, at least 3.0%, at least 3.5%, at least 4.0%, at least 4.5%, at least 5.0%, at least 5.5%, at least 6.0%, at least 6.5%, at least 7.0%, at least 7.5%, at least 8.0%, at least 8.5%, at least 9.0%, at least 9.5%, at least 10.0%, at least 12.0% or at least 15.0% by weight. For example, the plasticizer can be present in the liquid composition in an amount of up to 20.0%, up to 18.5%, up to 17.5%, up to 16.0%, up to 15.0%, up to 14.0%, up to 13.0%, up to 12.5%, up to 11.0%, up to 10.0%, up to 8.0% or up to 5.0% by weight.

[0103] The plasticizer can be present in the fluid composition with the amount by weight between 20.0% and 75.0%.For example, the plasticizer can be present in the fluid composition with the amount by weight at least 20.0%, at least 25.0%, at least 30.0%, at least 35.0%, at least 40.0%, at least 45.0%, at least 50.0%, at least 55.0%, at least 60.0%, at least 65.0% or at least 70.0%.For example, the plasticizer can be present in the fluid composition with the amount by weight at most 75.0%, at most 70.0%, at most 65.0%, at most 60.0%, at most 55.0%, at most 50.0%, at most 45.0%, at most 40.0%, at most 35.0%, at most 30.0%, at most 25.0% or at most 20.0%

[0104] The plasticizer may include at least one of a polyol, an ester, a phthalate, a terephthalate, a trimellitate, an adipate, a sebacate, an organophosphate, an ethanolamine, or glycerol. The plasticizer may be selected from the group consisting of glycerol, 1,2-pentanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, and mixtures thereof. In some cases, the plasticizer is glycerol. In some cases, the plasticizer is 1,2-pentanediol. In some cases, the plasticizer is 1,5-pentanediol. In some cases, the plasticizer is 1,2,6-hexanetriol.

[0105] Without wishing to be bound by a particular theory, it is believed that the number of-OH substituents and / or the spacing therebetween may seriously affect the material properties of the resulting composition. In some cases, the plasticizer comprises at least one-OH substituent. In some cases, the plasticizer comprises at least two-OH substituents, at least 3-OH substituents or more-OH substituents. In some cases, the at least two-OH substituents, the at least 3-OH substituents or the more-OH substituents are spaced at least 2 carbon atoms, at least 3 carbon atoms or at least 4 carbon atoms from each other on the plasticizer.

[0106] In some cases, the plasticizer may partially or completely evaporate during processing. In some cases, the plasticizer remains in the composition during processing.

[0107] The amount of sensing agent can be selected according to the property of the sensing agent and the property of expected sensing performance. Similarly, the amount of therapeutically active agent can be selected according to the property of the therapeutically active agent and the property of expected treatment results. Similarly, the amount of colorant can be selected according to the property of the coloring ability of the colorant and the property of expected colored. Similarly, the amount of the compound providing fragrance can be selected according to the property of the ability to provide fragrance of the compound and the property of expected fragrance performance. Those skilled in the art will recognize that based on the property of medicament, the lower limit and upper limit of the amount of the sensing agent, therapeutically active agent, colorant and / or the compound providing fragrance will be different. Aforesaid additives, medicaments, colorants etc. can optionally be generally considered to be safe food safety versions identified according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (US Food and Drug Administration). The additive can be inorganic, and purposes such as fluorescent material, laser material / medium, adsorption / light response material, temperature sensitive material, electrochemical material or its combination.

[0108] In some aspects of the liquid compositions, or any downstream products or articles disclosed herein, 3% to 72% of the total weight of the silk fibroin, the xanthan gum, and the glycerin is the silk fibroin. In some aspects of the liquid compositions, or any downstream products or articles disclosed herein, 3% to 32% of the total weight of the silk fibroin, the xanthan gum, and the glycerin is the xanthan gum. In some aspects of the liquid compositions, or any downstream products or articles disclosed herein, 25% to 94% of the total weight of the silk fibroin, the xanthan gum, and the glycerin is the glycerin. In some aspects of the liquid compositions, or any downstream products or articles disclosed herein, 3% to 32% of the total weight of the silk fibroin, the xanthan gum, and the glycerin is the xanthan gum, and 25% to 94% of the total weight of the silk fibroin, the xanthan gum, and the glycerin is the glycerin.

[0109] In some aspects of the liquid composition, or any downstream product or article disclosed herein, 15% to 25% of the total weight of the silk fibroin, the xanthan gum, and the glycerin is the silk fibroin, 50% to 70% of the total weight of the silk fibroin, the xanthan gum, and the glycerin is the glycerin, and 15% to 25% of the total weight of the silk fibroin, the xanthan gum, and the glycerin is the xanthan gum.

[0110] In some aspects of the liquid composition or any downstream product or article disclosed herein, 15% to 25% of the total weight of the silk fibroin and the glycerol is the silk fibroin, and 75% to 85% of the total weight of the silk fibroin and the glycerol is the glycerol.

[0111] In some aspects of the liquid composition, or any downstream product or article disclosed herein, 30% to 35% of the total weight of the silk fibroin, the xanthan gum, and the glycerin is the silk fibroin, 30% to 35% of the total weight of the silk fibroin, the xanthan gum, and the glycerin is the glycerin, and 30% to 35% of the total weight of the silk fibroin, the xanthan gum, and the glycerin is the xanthan gum.

[0112] In some aspects of the liquid composition, or any downstream product or article disclosed herein, 35% to 45% of the total weight of the silk fibroin, the xanthan gum, and the glycerin is the silk fibroin, 15% to 25% of the total weight of the silk fibroin, the xanthan gum, and the glycerin is the glycerin, and 35% to 45% of the total weight of the silk fibroin, the xanthan gum, and the glycerin is the xanthan gum.

[0113] In some aspects of the liquid composition, or any downstream product or article disclosed herein, 15% to 25% of the total weight of the silk fibroin, the xanthan gum, and the glycerin is the silk fibroin, 35% to 45% of the total weight of the silk fibroin, the xanthan gum, and the glycerin is the glycerin, and 35% to 45% of the total weight of the silk fibroin, the xanthan gum, and the glycerin is the xanthan gum.

[0114] In some aspects of the liquid composition, or any downstream product or article disclosed herein, 35% to 45% of the total weight of the silk fibroin, the xanthan gum, and the glycerin is the silk fibroin, 35% to 45% of the total weight of the silk fibroin, the xanthan gum, and the glycerin is the glycerin, and 15% to 25% of the total weight of the silk fibroin, the xanthan gum, and the glycerin is the xanthan gum.

[0115] In some aspects of the liquid composition or any downstream product or article disclosed herein, 45% to 55% of the total weight of the silk fibroin and the xanthan gum is the silk fibroin, and 45% to 55% of the total weight of the silk fibroin and the xanthan gum is the xanthan gum.

[0116] In some aspects of the liquid composition or any downstream product or article disclosed herein, 75% to 85% of the total weight of the silk fibroin and the xanthan gum is the silk fibroin, and 15% to 25% of the total weight of the silk fibroin and the xanthan gum is the xanthan gum.

[0117] In some aspects of the liquid composition, or any downstream product or article disclosed herein, 15% to 25% of the total weight of the silk fibroin, the xanthan gum, and the glycerin is the silk fibroin, 15% to 25% of the total weight of the silk fibroin, the xanthan gum, and the glycerin is the glycerin, and 55% to 65% of the total weight of the silk fibroin, the xanthan gum, and the glycerin is the xanthan gum.

[0118] The liquid composition has a high water content. In some cases, the water content of the liquid composition is between 89% and 99%.

[0119] Whipped silk cream

[0120] Just as dairy products have the ability to form emulsions due to their high fat content and can be whipped into cream, surprisingly, silk fibroin solutions can be whipped into foam in the presence of high molecular weight sugars (such as xanthan gum or alginate). The foams obtained in this way can be brittle and may exhibit high wettability to organic solvents. Adding plasticizers to the composition can eliminate brittleness and make the foam more hydrophilic, and promote its sponge-like behavior in aqueous environments.

[0121] The present disclosure provides a kind of silk cream that comprises fibroin and xanthan gum.In some respects, the silk cream that is beaten comprises fibroin, xanthan gum and plasticizer.In some respects, the silk cream that is beaten comprises fibroin, xanthan gum and glycerol.In some respects, the silk cream that is beaten comprises fibroin, xanthan gum, plasticizer and functionalizing agent.In some respects, the silk cream that is beaten comprises fibroin, xanthan gum, glycerol and functionalizing agent.In some respects, the silk cream that is beaten comprises fibroin, xanthan gum and functionalizing agent.In some respects, the silk cream that is beaten comprises fibroin and a mixture of high molecular weight sugar (such as xanthan gum), and can optionally further comprise at least one plasticizer (such as glycerol) or functionalizing agent.

[0122] Compositionally, the whipped silk cream may contain the same components in the same amounts as the liquid composition, wherein the liquid composition is converted into the whipped silk cream through a whipping process.

[0123] The whipped silk cream may have irregular porosity.

[0124] In some cases, the expansion ratio of the whipped silk cream can be comparable to that of dairy whipped cream. Certain characteristics of the whipped silk cream may be associated with specific expansion ratio values. In some aspects, the characteristics of the whipped silk cream under a specific expansion ratio value may vary based on whether the specific expansion ratio value is reached before or after the maximum expansion ratio value is reached. The maximum expansion ratio value may depend on at least one of the following: the components included in the liquid composition, the weight ratio of one or more components in the liquid composition, the weight % of one or more components in the liquid composition, the whipping time, or the temperature during whipping. In an example, a liquid composition comprising a plasticizer may exhibit a greater expansion ratio relative to a composition that does not contain or has a reduced amount of plasticizer.

[0125] The whipped silk cream may exhibit an overrun of between 10% and 550%, between 20% and 550%, between 50% and 300%, between 10% and 100%, between 10% and 150%, between 10% and 300%, or between 100% and 300%. The whipped silk cream may exhibit an overrun of at least 10%, at least 50%, at least 100%, at least 200%, at least 300%, at least 400%, or at least 500%.

[0126] Given that the whipped silk cream is a downstream product of the liquid composition, the whipped silk cream may include any components or features of the liquid composition unless the context clearly dictates otherwise (e.g., if the feature specifically relates to a liquid rather than a whip).

[0127] The water content of the whipped silk cream can be adjusted according to the specific application. In some cases, the water content of the whipped silk cream is between 50% and 95%, including but not limited to between 75% and 93%, between 87% and 92%, or between 88.5% and 91%, including non-recited combinations of the upper and lower limits of these ranges (e.g., between 88.5% and 95%, etc.).

[0128] Silk protein cream

[0129] The present disclosure provides a kind of silk protein cream comprising fibroin and xanthan gum.In some respects, described silk protein cream comprises fibroin, xanthan gum and plasticizer.In some respects, described silk protein cream comprises fibroin, xanthan gum and glycerol.In some respects, described silk protein cream comprises fibroin, xanthan gum, plasticizer and functionalizing agent.In some respects, described silk protein cream comprises fibroin, xanthan gum, glycerol and functionalizing agent.In some respects, described silk protein cream comprises fibroin, xanthan gum and functionalizing agent.In some respects, described silk protein cream comprises fibroin and the mixture of high molecular weight sugar (such as xanthan gum), and can optionally further comprise at least one plasticizer (such as glycerol) or functionalizing agent.

[0130] The silk protein cream is a whipped silk cream that has been baked. The silk protein cream may alternatively be described herein as a foam. Compositionally, the silk protein cream may contain the same components as the liquid composition and the whipped silk cream in the same amounts, with significantly less water / moisture. Without wishing to be bound by a particular theory, it is believed that both the whipping process and the baking process can impart different properties to the silk protein cream disclosed herein, wherein unique pore structures and sizes can be produced by varying the composition and / or processing parameters.

[0131] Given that silk protein cream is a downstream product of whipped silk cream, silk protein cream can contain any component or feature of whipped silk cream, unless the context clearly states otherwise (e.g., the water content in silk protein cream is much lower). Similarly, since silk protein cream and whipped silk cream are both derived from liquid compositions, silk protein cream can contain any component or feature of liquid compositions, unless the context clearly states otherwise.

[0132] The water content of silk protein cream can be adjusted according to the specific application. The water content of silk protein cream can be between 5% and 70%.

[0133] Compressed Silk Protein Cream

[0134] The present disclosure provides a kind of compressed silk protein frost comprising silk fibroin and xanthan gum and comprising glycerol in many cases.In some respects, the described compressed silk protein frost comprises silk fibroin, xanthan gum and plasticizer.In some respects, the described compressed silk protein frost comprises silk fibroin, xanthan gum and glycerol.In some respects, the described compressed silk protein frost comprises silk fibroin, xanthan gum, plasticizer and functionalizing agent.In some respects, the described compressed silk protein frost comprises silk fibroin, xanthan gum, glycerol and functionalizing agent.In some respects, the described compressed silk protein frost comprises silk fibroin, xanthan gum and functionalizing agent.In some respects, the described compressed silk protein frost comprises silk fibroin and high molecular weight sugar (such as xanthan gum), and can optionally further comprise at least one plasticizer (such as glycerol) or functionalizing agent.

[0135] From the composition point of view, the compressed silk protein cream is generally the same as the silk protein cream. From the structural point of view, the pore structure of the compressed silk protein cream is reduced and / or compressed and / or damaged when compared with the silk protein cream.

[0136] Many of the most preferred compressed silk protein creams contain glycerol because the inclusion of glycerol provides excellent ductility, thereby allowing compression while retaining the general material and pore structure of the silk protein cream. Specifically, in some cases where glycerol is present, the compressed silk protein cream is a mycelium-like material. Specifically, in some cases where glycerol is present, the compressed silk protein cream can be or can form a part of silk leather (e.g., one or two layers adhered to a fabric substrate). In one embodiment, the protein cream disclosed herein can be used as a substitute for the polyurethane foam used in artificial leather.

[0137] Given that compressed silk protein cream is a downstream product of silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream may include any component or feature of silk protein cream, unless the context clearly states otherwise (e.g., the porosity in the compressed silk protein cream is reduced). Similarly, since compressed silk protein cream, silk protein cream, and whipped silk cream are all derived from upstream entities, compressed silk protein cream may include any component or feature of silk protein cream, whipped silk cream, or liquid composition, unless the context clearly states otherwise.

[0138] The water content of the compressed silk protein cream can be adjusted according to specific applications. The water content of the compressed silk protein cream is between 2% and 50%.

[0139] Hot pressed silk protein cream

[0140] The present disclosure provides a kind of through hot pressing silk protein frost that comprises silk fibroin and xanthan gum and comprises glycerol in many cases.In some respects, described through hot pressing silk protein frost comprises silk fibroin, xanthan gum and glycerol.In some respects, described through hot pressing silk protein frost comprises silk fibroin, xanthan gum and glycerol.In some respects, described through hot pressing silk protein frost comprises silk fibroin, xanthan gum and glycerol.In some respects, described through hot pressing silk protein frost comprises silk fibroin, xanthan gum, plasticizer and functionalizing agent.In some respects, described through hot pressing silk protein frost comprises silk fibroin, xanthan gum, glycerol and functionalizing agent.In some respects, described through hot pressing silk protein frost comprises silk fibroin, xanthan gum and functionalizing agent.In some respects, described through hot pressing silk protein frost comprises the mixture of silk fibroin and high molecular weight sugar (such as xanthan gum), and can optionally further comprise at least one plasticizer (such as glycerol) or functionalizing agent.

[0141] From the perspective of composition, the hot-pressed silk protein cream is generally the same as the silk protein cream. From the perspective of structure, the hot-pressed silk protein cream has a reduced and / or compressed and / or damaged pore structure when compared to the silk protein cream.

[0142] Many of the most preferred heat-pressed silk protein creams all include glycerol, because including glycerol can provide excellent ductility, thereby allowing compression while retaining the general material and pore structure of the silk protein cream. Specifically, in some cases where there is glycerol, the heat-pressed silk protein cream is a mycelium-like material. Specifically, in some cases where there is glycerol, the heat-pressed silk protein cream can be or can form a part for silk leather (for example, one or two layers adhered to a fabric substrate). In one embodiment, the protein cream disclosed herein can be used as a substitute for the polyurethane foam adopted by artificial leather.

[0143] Without wishing to be bound by a particular theory, it is believed that the most effective bonding between layers of materials disclosed herein involves interconnection with mechanical structures (eg, fibers in a woven fabric).

[0144] In many cases, the hot-pressed silk protein cream (or other material forms disclosed herein) can be interconnected with fabrics, but in other cases, the hot-pressed silk protein cream is interconnected with metal meshes, conductive meshes, electronic components, active interfaces, insulating interfaces, or simple coatings.

[0145] Given that hot-pressed silk protein cream is a downstream product of silk protein cream, hot-pressed silk protein cream may include any component or feature of silk protein cream, unless the context clearly states otherwise (e.g., the porosity in hot-pressed silk protein cream is reduced). Similarly, since hot-pressed silk protein cream, silk protein cream, and whipped silk cream all originate from upstream entities, hot-pressed silk protein cream may include any component or feature of silk protein cream, whipped silk cream, or liquid composition, unless the context clearly states otherwise.

[0146] The water content of the hot-pressed silk protein cream can be adjusted according to specific applications. The water content of the hot-pressed silk protein cream is between 2% and 50%.

[0147] Preparation method

[0148] The present disclosure provides methods of making the various compositions, materials, and articles described herein.

[0149] In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for preparing a composition such as a whipped silk cream. The method for preparing a whipped silk cream can include whipping a liquid comprising silk fibroin and xanthan gum (and in many cases, a plasticizer or functionalizing agent) for a predetermined whipping time to form the whipped silk cream. The predetermined whipping time can be between 5 minutes and 30 minutes, including but not limited to at least 5 minutes, at least 6 minutes, at least 7 minutes, at least 8 minutes, at least 9 minutes, or at least 10 minutes and at most 30 minutes, at most 25 minutes, at most 20 minutes, at most 15 minutes, or at most 10 minutes.

[0150] Whipping can be achieved by a mechanical stirring action associated with air mixing, as generally understood from the background of food preparation involving various dairy products and egg products, etc. In some cases, the whipping is carried out with a stirrer. Whipping can also be optionally carried out manually, but automatic whipping may be advantageous, such as being faster, more durable, etc. Whipping can be carried out using conventional whipping equipment, such as a stand mixer. The stirrer itself can be made of metal, or the stirrer can be non-metallic (or in some cases, a metal stirrer coated with a non-metallic material). Whipping can be carried out in a mixing bowl, such as a metal mixing bowl, for example a stainless steel mixing bowl.

[0151] In one specific instance, the whipping involves whipping a heterogeneous solution wherein water and glycerin are in liquid phase and silk fibroin and xanthan gum are in powder form.

[0152] In some cases, the whipping temperature is maintained at room temperature or lower, including refrigerated temperatures between 1°C and 25°C.

[0153] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for preparing a composition such as a silk protein cream. The method for preparing a silk protein cream may include baking a whipped silk cream (optionally and any method steps related to preparing the whipped silk cream itself) at a temperature between 30°C and 150°C or between 50°C and 80°C for a period of time between 2 hours and 24 hours to form a silk protein cream. In one example, the baking is performed at a temperature between 40°C and 150°C for a period of time between 5 minutes and 24 hours.

[0154] In some cases, the present disclosure provides a method for preparing an article, such as a compressed silk protein cream. The method for preparing a compressed silk protein cream may include compressing the silk protein cream with a force between 0.25MPa and 25MPa, for a time length between 15 minutes and 6 hours. In some cases, the compression may be a hot press, which is carried out at a high temperature between 80°C and 200°C. In some cases, the compression may be carried out with a roller press. The method for preparing a compressed silk protein cream may include compressing the silk protein cream with a force between 0.25MPa and 25MPa, for a time length between 5 minutes and 6 hours.

[0155] In some cases, the methods disclosed herein can further comprise embossing the article.The appearance of the embossed article (eg, embossed silk leather) is very similar to that of embossed conventional leather.

[0156] The properties of silk cream, silk meringue, silk foam (baked silk cream) and products prepared from or including the silk cream, meringue, foam can be adjusted by selecting the weight ratio of the starting materials, the identification of the starting materials, the conditions for preparing the cream, meringue and foam, etc.

[0157] In some aspects, a method for preparing a whipped silk cream having a desired whipped silk cream form, a silk protein cream having a desired silk protein cream form, a compressed silk protein cream having a desired compressed silk protein cream form, or a hot-pressed silk protein cream having a desired hot-pressed silk protein cream form can include selecting a silk concentration, a silk molecular weight distribution, a polysaccharide type, a polysaccharide concentration, a plasticizer type, a plasticizer concentration, a whipping speed, optionally a silk protein cream baking temperature, optionally a compressed silk protein cream compression force, optionally a hot-pressed silk protein cream heat pressure and temperature. The method can further include using the silk concentration, the silk molecular weight distribution, the polysaccharide type, the polysaccharide concentration, the plasticizer type, the plasticizer concentration, the whipping speed, optionally a silk protein cream baking temperature, optionally a compressed silk protein cream compression force, and optionally a hot-pressed silk protein cream heat pressure and temperature to prepare the whipped silk cream, the silk protein cream, the compressed silk protein cream, or the hot-pressed silk protein cream.

[0158] For example, the density, water content, and syneresis of a cream can vary based on the selected weight ratios of silk fibroin, polysaccharide, and plasticizer in the composition. For example, a composition for use in the food or pharmaceutical industry can be adjusted to exhibit low syneresis, while a composition for use in a dry foam that favors mechanical stability can be adjusted to exhibit a higher amount of syneresis. In some aspects, polysaccharides may have the greatest impact on overall density, silk fibroin may have the greatest impact on water content, and plasticizers may have the greatest impact on syneresis. The discovery of these differential impacts enables the composition to be adjusted according to desired applications or desired properties.

[0159] In another example, the density, firmness, and overrun properties of a cream may vary with whipping time. For example, depending on the application, a greater or lesser firmness may be desired, and the whipping time may be used to adjust the cream for the desired application.

[0160] In another example, the density or expansion rate of the cream can be adjusted by selecting a specific type of plasticizer. On the one hand, the number of -OH groups in plasticizers (such as glycerol and 1-3-6 hexanetriol) is relatively large, which effectively promotes the hydrogen bonding network between silk fibroin and polysaccharides, reducing the whipping time to the expansion plateau. On the other hand, the distance between the -OH groups in the plasticizer affects the air capacity of the foam - when the OH groups are farther apart, plasticizers such as diols (such as 1,2 and 1,5 pentanediol) show slower cream growth and significantly higher expansion rate.

[0161] In some respects, the characteristic of the silk foam prepared by emulsifiable paste and / or meringue also can be adjusted by composition ratio.For example, the amount of changing plasticizer may affect the compressive strength and / or the yield point of foam.In another example, changing polysaccharide species or polysaccharide combination can be used for adjusting foam for some application.For example, xanthan gum can be used for the compressed application (for example silk leather) of foam, and wherein alginate can be more suitable for the foam of using under expanded state.

[0162] In some aspects, the properties of silk foams prepared from creams and / or meringues may also be influenced by additives such as borate ions that improve mechanical properties while providing flame retardant and antifungal properties.

[0163] In some aspects, varying the whipping time may affect the resulting dry foam, such as through the distribution of cell size or open / closed cell morphology. For example, longer whipping times may produce denser foam. As whipping time increases, the cell structure may shift from closed to open. This change in the foam's internal structure may impact performance in certain applications, such as leather.

[0164] Products

[0165] The present disclosure provides articles comprising or made from one or more of the liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, or hot-pressed silk protein cream disclosed herein.

[0166] Silk leather

[0167] The present disclosure provides a silk leather. The silk leather is a layered structure, comprising a first fabric layer and a second material layer disposed adjacent to the first fabric layer. The second material layer comprises the compressed silk protein cream or the hot-pressed silk protein cream disclosed herein. The silk leather optionally comprises a third material layer, which is disposed adjacent to the first fabric layer on a surface opposite to the surface adjacent to the second material layer. The third material layer comprises the compressed silk protein cream or the hot-pressed silk protein cream disclosed herein. In fact, the compressed or hot-pressed silk protein cream forms a "sandwich" around the first fabric layer. Referring to Figure 1, the silk leather 100 comprises a first fabric layer 102 and a second material layer 104 disposed adjacent to the first fabric layer 102 (see Figure 1A In various aspects, the silk leather 108 optionally includes a third material layer 110 disposed adjacent to the first fabric layer 102 on a surface opposite to a surface adjacent to the second material layer 104 (see Figure 1B ).

[0168] The first fabric layer can be made of cotton fabric including but not limited to cotton knitted fabric, cotton canvas, etc.; silk fabric; synthetic fabric including but not limited to polyester fabric, rayon fabric, nylon fabric, etc.; linen fabric; organza, etc.; and combinations thereof.

[0169] In various aspects described herein, the integral portion of the silk leather may exhibit a property or function uniformly throughout the silk leather, or it may non-uniformly include individual portions that exhibit one or more properties or functions (e.g., conductive, magnetic, coloring, fragrance, tanned, patterned / embossed / textured, sensing / responsiveness (e.g., gas, humidity, thermochromic, pH), adsorption, thermal insulator, bio-scaffold, electronic device, semiconductor device embedding, tactile, impact resistance, heat resistance, cold resistance, etc.).

[0170] Silk leather can be colored to imitate colorless natural leather. In some cases, silk leather can be colored to imitate artificially colored natural leather. In one specific case, artificial leather color can be produced by polymerizing phloroglucinol.

[0171] In some cases, using very cold water to prepare the whipped silk cream used to make silk leather can form a thin "skin" on the surface, providing a wrinkled texture that mimics the grain of leather.

[0172] The present disclosure provides a thermal insulator. The thermal insulator comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of the silk protein cream disclosed herein. The thermal insulator can be prepared by any of the methods disclosed herein. In various aspects, the thermally insulated silk leather can have thermochromic properties within the body's internal volume.

[0173] The present disclosure provides an adsorbent and / or gas-sensitive material. The adsorbent and / or gas-sensitive material may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of the silk protein cream described herein. The adsorbent and / or gas-sensitive material may further include a sensing agent that undergoes a measurable change when exposed to a gas of interest. The adsorbent and / or gas-sensitive material may include a dye that changes color when exposed to the gas of interest as a sensing agent. The adsorbent and / or gas-sensitive material may be prepared by any of the methods disclosed herein.

[0174] The present disclosure provides a bioscaffold. Generally, a bioscaffold is intended to house a cell population for growth, proliferation, differentiation, carbon dioxide capture, biomineralization, biosynthesis, fermentation, or a combination thereof.

[0175] In one embodiment, the bioscaffolds disclosed herein are particularly conducive to algae growth. Specifically, marine algae and freshwater algae were inoculated and successfully grown on the scaffolds for at least one month under 90% relative humidity and sufficient light conditions.

[0176] In a specific embodiment, the present disclosure provides a mycelium-like material having material properties very similar to those of mycelium, and can be used in applications where mycelium is currently used.

[0177] Conductive silk leather

[0178] The present disclosure provides a conductive silk leather. The conductive silk leather can be used to power embedded lights, centrally process distributed sensors, and serve as a component of a circuit system. In some aspects, the entire silk leather can include a conductive portion and a non-conductive portion.

[0179] Conductive silk leather can be used with any other product or article described herein. For example, conductive silk leather can also include adsorbents and / or gas-sensitive materials, such as providing safety clothing with embedded powered lights and gas-sensitive functions for hazardous environments. In another example, conductive silk leather can be used with magnetic silk leather described elsewhere in this article to form a multifunctional item with magnetic and conductive properties. In some aspects, the conductive silk leather may also contain materials such as magnetic particles or chromium oxide to make it both conductive and magnetic. Conductive silk leather can be used with or include thermal insulators to provide conductive and thermal insulating properties to the item.

[0180] The conductive silk leather can comprise any silk protein cream in the silk protein cream described herein, be essentially composed of it or be composed of it. In various aspects, at least one of a plurality of graphite flakes or graphene powders is distributed in the compressed silk protein cream or the hot-pressed silk protein cream of the conductive silk leather. Graphite flakes or graphene powders can be added before or during the whipping process or after whipping. In an example, when the whipped silk cream reaches a specific expansion rate value, graphite flakes or graphene powders are added. Graphite flakes or graphene powders can be added before or during the formation of the protein cream, or can be added before or during the compression or hot pressing of the protein cream.

[0181] In some aspects, the conductive silk leather comprises a conductive ink. For example, the conductive ink is printed on the surface of a compressed silk protein cream or a heat-pressed silk protein cream. In another example, the conductive ink is printed between layers of the compressed silk protein cream or the heat-pressed silk protein cream, or printed and subsequently embedded within the compressed silk protein cream or the heat-pressed silk protein cream. In yet another example, the conductive ink is printed between the compressed silk protein cream or the heat-pressed silk protein cream and a fabric layer. The conductivity is patterned into an electronic circuit. The resistivity of the conductive silk leather is at most 1 kΩ, at most 0.7 kΩ, at most 0.5 kΩ, or at most 0.1 kΩ.

[0182] For the avoidance of doubt, the conductive silk leather described herein may fully include or include the features of the silk leather disclosed elsewhere herein. Similarly, the conductive silk leather described herein may be made from the liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, hot-pressed silk protein cream, or method disclosed elsewhere herein, including, fully including, or including the features of the foregoing.

[0183] Magnetic Silk Leather

[0184] The present disclosure provides a magnetic silk leather. The magnetic silk leather may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of any of the silk protein creams described herein. In various aspects, at least one of a plurality of magnetic particles or a plurality of chromium oxide particles is distributed within the compressed silk protein cream or the hot-pressed silk protein cream. The plurality of magnetic particles or a plurality of chromium oxide particles may be added before, during, or after the whipping process. In one example, a plurality of magnetic particles or a plurality of chromium oxide particles are added when the whipped silk cream reaches a specific expansion rate value. The plurality of magnetic particles or a plurality of chromium oxide particles may be added before or during the formation of the protein cream, or may be added before or during the compression or hot-pressing of the protein cream. On the one hand, a magnetic field may be applied at any point during the processing of the liquid composition into the silk whipped cream and the silk protein cream. The magnetic silk leather may block RFID signals or serve as a building block for products such as robots, games, and home organization / decoration.

[0185] The magnetic silk leather can be customized to have a specific polarity at the surface of the magnetic silk leather. In some cases, the polarity is north pole. In some cases, the polarity is south pole.

[0186] In some cases, the magnetic material can be manipulated before curing to lock a specific magnetic configuration into the magnetic silk leather. Conceptually, applications involving ferrofluids (such as generating different patterns) can be applied to make magnetic silk foam / protein cream / leather. Generally, a magnetic field can be applied at any step of the method disclosed herein to manipulate the magnetic particles within one or more compositions disclosed herein.

[0187] In some cases, the magnetic silk leather can be used as the outer surface of a robot (eg, a "robot skin").

[0188] For the avoidance of doubt, the magnetic silk leather described herein may fully include or include the features of the silk leather disclosed elsewhere herein. Similarly, the magnetic silk leather described herein may be made from the liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, hot-pressed silk protein cream or method disclosed elsewhere herein, including, fully including or including the features of the foregoing.

[0189] Scented Silk Leather

[0190] The present disclosure provides a scented silk leather. The scented silk leather can comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of any of the silk protein creams described herein. In various aspects, a plurality of aromatic compounds are distributed throughout the compressed or heat-pressed silk protein cream of the scented silk leather.

[0191] The aromatic compound may include emulsions, oils, alcohols, powders, and the like. The properties of the aromatic compound may affect processing, and the methods disclosed herein may meet different processing requirements. During whipping, both oils and alcohols may be freely incorporated into the cream, especially if the fragrance is concentrated (e.g., if the oil / alcohol is less than 5% of the total volume). In order to adsorb fragrances onto dry materials (e.g., meringue or leather), both oils and alcohols may be useful, but the permeability of the material will be controlled by the properties and content of the plasticizer. For example, glycerol-free foams (e.g., pure silk fibroin and xanthan gum) exhibit higher oil absorption capacity.

[0192] Applying an additional volume of fragrance compound to the surface of the scented silk leather, such as by spraying, wiping, immersing or other application methods, can at least partially replenish the scented silk leather, thereby extending the life of the fragrance release. In some cases, alcohol-based fragrance compounds can be particularly effective for replenishing scented silk leather.

[0193] The aromatic compound can be added before, during, or after the whipping process. In one embodiment, the aromatic compound is added when the whipped silk cream reaches a specific overrun value. The aromatic compound can be added before, during, or after the meringue is formed, or before, during, or after the meringue is compressed or hot-pressed.

[0194] Silk foam can exhibit heterogeneous aroma domains, allowing aroma intensity to be distributed across the foam particles. Compression can generate aroma gradients. Furthermore, scented silk leather exhibits pressure-sensitive aroma release.

[0195] The ability of the silk leather to become scented, retain scent, release / distribute / disperse scent and / or replenish scent may depend on factors such as the composition of the liquid composition, density, water content, the presence of other agents / additives in the silk leather, etc. Likewise, the release characteristics of the scent may depend on similar factors.

[0196] For the avoidance of doubt, the scented silk leather described herein may fully comprise or include the features of silk leather disclosed elsewhere herein. Similarly, the scented silk leather described herein may be made from a liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, hot-pressed silk protein cream, or method disclosed elsewhere herein, comprising, fully comprising, or including the features of the foregoing.

[0197] pH-responsive silk leather

[0198] The present disclosure provides a pH-responsive silk leather. The pH-responsive silk leather may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of any of the silk protein creams described herein. In various aspects, pH-responsive chemicals are distributed throughout the compressed silk protein cream or the hot-pressed silk protein cream of the pH-responsive silk leather. The pH-responsive chemicals may be added before, during, or after the whipping process. In one example, the pH-responsive chemicals are added when the whipped silk cream reaches a specific expansion rate value. The pH-responsive chemicals may be added before or during the formation of the protein cream, or may be added before or during the compression or hot-pressing of the protein cream. pH-responsive silk leather may be used for wearable clothing, such as to remind the wearer of certain environmental or precipitated pollutants.

[0199] For the avoidance of doubt, the pH-responsive silk leather described herein may fully comprise or include the features of the silk leather disclosed elsewhere herein. Similarly, the pH-responsive silk leather described herein may be made from a liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, hot-pressed silk protein cream, or method disclosed elsewhere herein, comprising, fully comprising, or including the features of the foregoing.

[0200] Moisture Sensing Silk Leather

[0201] The present disclosure provides a kind of humidity sensing silk leather. The humidity sensing silk leather can comprise any silk protein cream in the silk protein cream described herein, be basically composed of it or be composed of it. In various aspects, pH responsive chemical substance (for example, o-cresolphthalein) and pH adjusting agent (for example, sodium carbonate) are distributed in the compressed silk protein cream or the hot pressed silk protein cream of the humidity sensing silk leather. In various aspects, the humidity of measurable amount dissolves at least a portion of pH adjusting agent, thereby reducing pH, thereby providing measurable humidity report. At least one of the pH responsive chemical substance or the pH adjusting agent can be added before or during or after the whipping process. In one example, when the whipped silk cream reaches a specific expansion rate value, at least one of the pH responsive chemical substance or the pH adjusting agent is added. At least one of the pH responsive chemical substance or the pH adjusting agent can be added before or during the formation of protein cream, or can be added before or during the compression or hot pressing of protein cream. Humidity sensing silk leather can be useful, for example, as a component of a moisturizing box.

[0202] For the avoidance of doubt, the moisture-sensing silk leather described herein may entirely comprise or include the features of the silk leather disclosed elsewhere herein. Similarly, the moisture-sensing silk leather described herein may be made from the liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, hot-pressed silk protein cream, or method disclosed elsewhere herein, comprising, entirely comprising, or including the features of the foregoing.

[0203] Patterned silk leather

[0204] The present disclosure provides a patterned silk leather. The patterned silk leather may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of any of the silk protein creams described herein. The patterned silk leather may exhibit any pattern or texture, for example, to mimic the appearance and / or feel of reptile skin. Certain patterns or textures may provide aesthetics and / or functionalities / properties to the silk leather, such as improved grip, antibacterial properties, antifouling properties, waterproof properties, and dustproof properties. The pattern may be nanometer, micrometer, or macroscale in size.

[0205] Examples of suitable surface patterns include, but are not limited to: imitation leather patterns that simulate a variety of leathers, including alligator, crocodile, snake, cowhide, stingray, ostrich; inlaid patterns; optically active patterns such as diffraction patterns; botanical patterns, geometric patterns, letters and numbers, etc.

[0206] For the avoidance of doubt, the patterned silk leather described herein may fully comprise or include the features of the silk leather disclosed elsewhere herein. Similarly, the patterned silk leather described herein may be made from the liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, hot-pressed silk protein cream, or method disclosed elsewhere herein, comprising, fully comprising, or including the features of the foregoing.

[0207] Electronically embedded silk leather

[0208] The present disclosure provides an electronic silk leather in which electronic components are embedded. The electronic silk leather may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of any of the silk protein creams described herein. In various aspects, an electronic component or a second electronic component is embedded between the silk layer and the fabric layer in the electronic silk leather. In various aspects, an electronic component or a third electronic component is embedded within the silk layer in the electronic silk leather. In various aspects, the electronic silk leather further includes a power source coupled to the electronic component. For example, the power source may be a rechargeable battery, a wired disposable battery holder, a fiber-shaped solar cell (e.g., a perovskite solar cell) or a combination thereof. In various aspects, the electronic component includes an RFID tag. In various aspects, the electronic component includes wiring. The present disclosure provides a silk cream or silk protein cream with electronic devices distributed throughout. In various aspects, the silk cream or silk protein cream may be a variable density filling material with electronic functionalization. In an embodiment, the electronic component may include a light-emitting device, such as an LED or an electroluminescent wire. Such components can be used in fashion and design applications as well as power sensing applications.

[0209] For the avoidance of doubt, the electronic silk leather described herein may fully include or include the features of silk leather disclosed elsewhere herein. Similarly, the electronic silk leather described herein may be made from a liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, hot-pressed silk protein cream, or method disclosed elsewhere herein, including, fully including, or including the features of the foregoing.

[0210] Silk leather with embedded semiconductor devices

[0211] The present disclosure provides a semiconductor device embedded silk leather in which a semiconductor device is embedded. The semiconductor device embedded silk leather may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of any of the silk protein creams described herein. The semiconductor device or the second semiconductor device may be embedded in the surface of the compressed silk protein cream or the hot-pressed silk protein cream. The semiconductor device or the third semiconductor device may be embedded in the compressed silk protein cream or the hot-pressed silk protein cream. The semiconductor device or the fourth semiconductor device may be embedded between the first fabric layer and the compressed silk protein cream or the hot-pressed silk protein cream. In various aspects, the semiconductor device embedded silk further includes a power supply coupled to the semiconductor device, as described elsewhere herein. In various aspects, the semiconductor device may communicate with one or more electronic components in the silk leather.

[0212] For the avoidance of doubt, the semiconductor device embedded silk leather described herein may fully comprise or include the features of the silk leather disclosed elsewhere herein. Similarly, the semiconductor device embedded silk leather described herein may be made from the liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, hot-pressed silk protein cream, or method disclosed elsewhere herein, and may comprise, fully comprise, or include the features of the foregoing.

[0213] Tactile Silk Leather

[0214] The present disclosure provides a tactile silk leather having a tactile switch embedded therein. The tactile silk leather may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of any of the silk protein creams described herein. The tactile switch or the second tactile switch may be embedded at the surface of the silk leather. The tactile switch or the third tactile switch may be embedded in the compressed silk protein cream or the heat-pressed silk protein cream. The tactile switch or the fourth tactile switch may be embedded between the first fabric layer and the compressed silk protein cream or the heat-pressed silk protein cream. In various aspects, the tactile silk further includes a power source coupled to the tactile switch, as described elsewhere herein. In various aspects, the tactile switch may communicate with one or more electronic components or semiconductor devices in the silk leather.

[0215] For the avoidance of doubt, the tactile silk leather described herein may entirely comprise or include the features of silk leather disclosed elsewhere herein. Similarly, the tactile silk leather described herein may be made from a liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, heat-pressed silk protein cream, or method disclosed elsewhere herein, comprising, entirely comprising, or including the features of the foregoing.

[0216] Tanned silk leather

[0217] The present disclosure provides a tanned silk leather. The tanned silk leather may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of any of the silk protein creams described herein. The tanned silk leather may have a bulk volume of compressed silk protein cream or heat-pressed silk protein cream and a surface layer of compressed silk protein cream or heat-pressed silk protein cream. The surface layer may be formed from the same chemical composition as the bulk volume, but includes at least one different structural, mechanical, or chemical characteristic relative to the bulk volume. In one aspect, the surface layer comprises a dye.

[0218] In one aspect, the surface layer comprises a material, such as a precursor material, that can mimic a tanning product (e.g., adsorbing aniline / dye). In various aspects, the surface layer can be modified / reshaped relative to the bulk, such as by surface patterning, to provide material differentiation in the surface layer. Silk leather subjected to a process similar to tanning (e.g., chemically treated with aniline) may produce a relatively hard material that, for example, may be relatively easier to process for the fashion industry.

[0219] For the avoidance of doubt, the tanned silk leather described herein may entirely comprise or include the features of the silk leather disclosed elsewhere herein. Similarly, the tanned silk leather described herein may be made from the liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, heat-pressed silk protein cream or method disclosed elsewhere herein, comprising, entirely comprising or including the features of the foregoing.

[0220] Fiber-reinforced silk cream / protein cream

[0221] The present disclosure provides a silk cream or silk protein cream having fibers distributed throughout, such as the fibers / textiles described herein. In some aspects, the woven fabric can be penetrated by a liquid composition or any downstream product described herein.

[0222] For the avoidance of doubt, the fiber-reinforced silk cream / silk protein cream may completely include or include the features of the whipped silk cream or silk protein cream disclosed elsewhere herein. Similarly, the reinforced cream / protein cream described herein may be made from a liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, hot-pressed silk protein cream, or method disclosed elsewhere herein, including, completely including, or including the features of the foregoing.

[0223] Ultralight silk down alternative

[0224] The present disclosure provides an ultralight silk down substitute comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of any of the silk protein creams described herein. The ultralight silk down substitute is made from a regenerated silk fibroin solution prepared from recycled regenerated silk fibroin products or waste silk fabrics. The ultralight silk down substitute may further include a plurality of heat-reflective particles and / or have thermochromic reporting capabilities.

[0225] Impact dispersion foam

[0226] The present disclosure provides an impact dispersing foam comprising silk protein cream. The impact dispersing foam has one or more impact and / or strain sensors located within the impact dispersing foam. The one or more impact and / or strain sensors are selected from the group consisting of: a PDA sensor, an accelerometer, a piezoelectric sensor, a vibration sensor, a piezoresistive sensor, or a strain gauge sensor. The impact dispersing foam has one or more strain sensors located within the impact dispersing foam. The density of the foam may be between 0.1 g / cm 3 and 0.2g / cm 3 Between, or between 0.01g / cm 3 and 0.05g / cm 3 Between, or between 0.05g / cm 3 and 0.25g / cm 3 For example, the density of the foam is at least 0.01 g / cm 3 , at least 0.05g / cm 3 , at least 0.1g / cm 3 , at least 0.2g / cm 3 or at least 0.25g / cm 3 The density of the foam can be adjusted by one or more factors, such as the components included in the liquid composition, the weight ratio of one or more components in the liquid composition, the weight % of one or more components in the liquid composition, the amount of whipping time, or the temperature during whipping.

[0227] The foam described herein simultaneously serves two related but distinct functional purposes. On the one hand, the foam protects underlying items from impact forces. On the other hand, the foam can protect embedded sensors from environmental influences. This allows for the use of a variety of impact force sensors that would otherwise be inaccessible due to stability issues.

[0228] Protected items

[0229] The present disclosure provides a protected article, comprising: an article to be protected; and a protective shell, the protective shell comprising silk protein cream, solidified silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, or heat-compressed silk protein cream. The protective shell is formed by surrounding and contacting the article to be protected with a precursor of the protective shell and solidifying the precursor to form the protective shell, wherein the surrounding includes complete encapsulation or surface encapsulation. For example, the article to be protected can be at least one of an electronic component, an aerospace component, a semiconductor chip, a semiconductor device, or a three-dimensional printed structure.

[0230] The protective shell enables the article to be protected to resist an impact force between 100 Newtons (N) and 25,000 N, between 200 N and 15,000 N, between 500 N and 10,000 N, or between 1,000 N and 5,000 N. The impact resistance level of the protective shell can be adjusted by one or more factors, such as the components included in the liquid composition, the weight ratio of one or more components in the liquid composition, the weight % of one or more components in the liquid composition, the amount of whipping time, or the temperature during whipping. The impact resistance level of the protective shell can be adjusted to provide a substantially impact-resistant protective shell, a moderately impact-resistant protective shell (e.g., the protective shell is damaged, but the article is not damaged; the outer portion of the protective shell is severely damaged, while the inner portion is less damaged and the article is not damaged), or a minimally impact-resistant protective shell.

[0231] The item to be protected can withstand temperatures between 80°F and 500°F, between 100°F and 400°F, or between 150°F and 300°F. The item to be protected can withstand temperatures between 0°F and -500°F, between -50°F and -400°F, or between -150°F and -300°F.

[0232] For some items, the material properties of the application may be relevant, such as water content for applications involving electronics.

[0233] In the case where moisture sensitivity is an issue, the moisture content of the whipped silk cream or silk protein cream applied on the item can be below a threshold. In the case where low moisture is an issue, the moisture content of the whipped silk cream or silk protein cream applied on the item can be above a threshold.

[0234] In some cases, the protective shell, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, or hot-pressed silk protein cream can have one or more impact force sensors distributed throughout for reporting impact forces exceeding a given threshold. In some cases, the impact force sensor and / or strain sensor is a polydiacetylene (PDA)-based sensor.

[0235] Open-cell silk foam

[0236] The present disclosure provides an open-cell silk foam. The inventors have found that controlling whipping during the preparation of a silk cream can control the properties of the pores produced in the final silk cream / protein cream. If the whipping falls within a given whipping window (i.e., exceeding a first whipping threshold but not exceeding a second whipping threshold), an open-cell structure is formed in the whipped silk cream, thereby producing an open-cell silk foam / protein cream when baked. The open-cell foam is generally lighter, whiter, more reflective, and more permeable to organic solvents. In some embodiments, the open-cell foam may be preferred for flavor release or other applications including loading baked foam.

[0237] Open-cell foams can be used in sensor applications where the sensor must interact with its environment, such as gas, humidity, or pH sensors.

[0238] Closed-cell silk foam

[0239] The present disclosure provides a closed-cell silk foam. The inventors have discovered that controlling whipping during the preparation of a silk cream can control the properties of the pores produced in the final silk cream / protein cream. If the whipping falls outside a given whipping window (i.e., not exceeding a first whipping threshold or exceeding a second, higher whipping threshold), a closed-cell structure is formed in the whipped silk cream, thereby producing a closed-cell silk foam / protein cream when baked. The closed-cell morphology can be used in applications where elements are added to the foam during whipping and it is desired to retain the elements (e.g., living organisms or mechanical / thermal sensors).

[0240] It should be understood that the materials described herein have a wide variety of end uses. Examples include, but are not limited to, bioresponsive chairs, body monitors, leather wristbands as health indicators, enzyme wristbands, fragrance wristbands, sensory sofas, fluorescent foams, microelectronic heat sinks, fuel cell electrode matrices, food flavorings, water purifiers, swimming pool purifiers, offshore oil capture, ultralight insulation substitutes (e.g., goose down substitutes), leather-like impact force monitors, gas-sensitive personal protective equipment (PPE), and the like.

[0241] Example

[0242] Example 1. 4 mL of a 3-7% silk solution (boiled for 30-180 minutes) was mixed with 100 mg of xanthan gum and blended with a blender for approximately ten minutes to produce a silk cream, which was then simmered overnight at 60°C to produce a foam. The foam had irregular porosity, was brittle, had excellent buoyancy, low hydrophilicity, and a high affinity for organic solvents. The foam could be used in several applications, such as thermal insulators, matrices for gas sensing, and bioscaffolds. To demonstrate this concept, a sponge was used to remove an organic phase (hexane) dyed with a dye (Oil Red O) from a stirred aqueous phase. The sponge was tested as a matrix for gas sensing. A pH sensor (2 mg of bromothymol blue) and triethanolamine were dissolved in 1 mL of chloroform at varying ratios to create a CO2 sensor. The sponge was dried and placed in a desiccator filled with gaseous CO2. After a short period of time (e.g., several minutes), a color change appeared on the sponge, the rate of which depended on the amount of triethanolamine (TEA). The reversible CO2 sensing reaction is depicted in Figure 1C Furthermore, the sensor is reversible, partially returning to its original color when exposed to air. Different porosity levels within the SF:XG foam can modulate sensitivity / responsiveness. Furthermore, the amount of TEA can influence the speed of the color change and its partial recovery.

[0243] Example 2. Artificial leather: By adding glycerol to the composition and following the same process (e.g. as detailed in Example 1), the foam obtained after cooking becomes a soft material. By hot pressing the foam (0.5-3 MPa, 150°C, 30 minutes), a material with properties similar to those of mycelium is obtained, and therefore, this material is called "mycelium-like". Under these conditions, the foam also exhibits self-healing capabilities, as sheets can be prepared from separated foam fragments. The foam was mechanically tested to compare its properties with those of the mycelium. In some instances, polyphenols were added to the composition, but these did not cause significant changes in the mechanical properties under these conditions. The Young's modulus and tensile strength of the mycelium are at least one order of magnitude higher than those of the mycelium-like, while the elongation is roughly the same ( Figure 2 ).

[0244] To improve the mechanical properties of the cream, a composite material was created by adding fabric between two layers of cream before cooking, creating a "layer cake." The composite foam was then pressed and heated as previously described. This strategy resulted in a material that is aesthetically and tactilely reminiscent of mycelium or artificial skin, but with mechanical properties similar to those of the added fabric / tissue. Figure 3 ).

[0245] Example 3. Additional Characterization

[0246] Density of cream and meringue: In 35 mL of double distilled water, 3 mL of glycerol (gly), 1 gram of xanthan gum (XG), and 250 mg, 1.25 g, 2.5 g, and 3.75 g of silk fibroin (SF) powder were added (boiled for 220 minutes). Controls were prepared with only XG (1 g) and gly (3 mL), and only SF (1 g) and gly (3 mL). All samples were whipped for 12 minutes to obtain the "cream". The cream was poured into a 7.5 mL petri dish and weighed to measure the density of the cream ( Figure 4 ).

[0247] The control using only XG did not whip into a cream but formed a thick mucus. The control using only SF and Gly whipped into a less uniform cream with a density between 0.1-0.15 g / cm 3 Adding XG increases the density of the obtained cream by about 0.3 g / cm 3 Variations in cream density may be more influenced by the amount of water used for whipping or the whipping time.

[0248] The creams were then baked overnight at 60°C and the weight was measured again. This allowed an estimate of the water content of the different creams, assuming that glycerol (boiling point 290°C) does not escape during the baking process and that all water in the cream is removed.

[0249] Silk cream had the highest water content (73%), while the addition of XG decreased the water content (46-58%) ( Figure 5 This may be due to the higher porosity achieved with XG. By increasing the amount of silk, the water content of the cream increased slightly compared to XG.

[0250] Generally speaking, the density of meringue cream will be reduced by 10 times after being boiled overnight. The density of meringue cream prepared with SF is very low (less than 0.02g / cm 3 In the case of SF and XG combination, the density of meringue with solid silk content below 34% is increased by about 0.05 g / cm 3 , and the density of the meringue with a solid SF content of 44% reaches 0.06g / cm 3 (See Figure 7 ). Figure 7 The solid composition of the meringue obtained by varying the mass of SF and assuming complete removal of water during cooking is shown. Creams that can be cooked in meringue are obtained for all compositions except the XG control and then processed using a hot press (150°C, 30 minutes) at the "mycelium-like" site.

[0251] As the SF content increases, the meringue gradually hardens, and the resulting mycelium-like material also gradually hardens. The tactile feel of the material is comparable to that of artificial leather. Qualitatively, the mycelium-like material obtained with the composition SF21:Gly63:XG17 exhibits the best tactile properties in terms of softness, flexibility, elasticity, and uniformity. Samples with SF contents of 34% and higher tend to deform over time after being pressed into mycelium-like materials, while samples with SF contents less than 34% remain flat indefinitely.

[0252] Example 4: Substitutes for Silk or Xanthan Gum

[0253] The ingredients used to prepare the foam were varied while maintaining a solids ratio of 20 protein: 60 glycerol: 20 gelatin. Silk Alternative: The composition was mixed, baked, and pressed according to the same process as above. A "mycelium-like" foam was obtained using gelatin, soy protein, and casein as protein substitutes, and pluronics and PEG (65 kDa) as synthetic substitutes. Gelatin failed to form a cream. Soy protein formed a very liquid film exhibiting high water content and viscosity after the hot pressing process. Casein was the only protein substitute capable of forming a mycelium-like foam, but the uniformity, softness, and aesthetics were much lower than those of silk. PEG failed to form a cream. Pluronic (65 kDa) formed a "mycelium-like" foam, but the uniformity, softness, and aesthetics were still far inferior to those achieved with silk. Pluronic was chosen as a substitute because, like SF, it is a polymer composed of alternating hydrophobic and hydrophilic domains.

[0254] Gum substitutes: Xanthan gum was replaced with rosin gum, gum arabic, and gum tragacanth. None of these are suitable for obtaining creams or meringues with properties similar to mycelium-like properties. Guar gum can be used as a xanthan gum substitute, but when compared to xanthan gum, it exhibits inferior performance in the specific applications pursued in this disclosure (e.g., obtaining silk creams that can be compressed into other interesting material forms such as silk leather).

[0255] Example 5. Composition-related properties: Density, water content and syneresis of whipped creams using different compositions with some parameters adjustable were characterized. Figure 8 Data are provided for various compositions and different weight ratios of SF, Gly and XG in each composition. Figure 9a In g / cm 3 Depicted for the unit Figure 8 The cream density of the composition identified in. Figure 9b Depicts Figure 8 The water content of the cream of the composition identified in. Figure 10a Depicts Figure 8Syneresis (%) of the compositions identified in Figure 10b depicts the correlations of density, water content, and syneresis with solids content. Density (important for thermal and mechanical properties), water content (narrow range but important for cell culture), and syneresis can be adjusted, all of which affect the stability of the cream over time.

[0256] Different combinations of SF, XG, and Gly result in different densities, water contents, and syneresis, indicating that the components have different effects on the overall properties of the mixture.

[0257] The Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated for each component and each variable, showing that the content of XG (r = 0.82) is the component most closely correlated with an increase in density, which can range between 0.09 - 0.28 g / cm 3 between. The water content shows low variability (88.5% < x < 91%) as the composition changes, and SF (r = 0.40) is correlated with the water content.

[0258] Syneresis refers to the spontaneous expulsion of water from a colloidal system, causing the material to shrink or contract. As Figure 10a shown, the water loss for each composition is small, with the water loss for each combination being less than 3%. This low syneresis ensures stability and consistency, making this material particularly attractive for the food or pharmaceutical industries.

[0259] Finally, Gly is the component most closely correlated with syneresis. While high syneresis can have a negative impact on foam stability, creams with low glycerol content may initially seem more desirable. However, it is worth noting that, as disclosed herein, the glycerol content is important for the mechanical properties of dried foams.

[0260] Example 6: Cream firmness (20:60:20): Measure the mechanical property (compressibility) of the cream as it changes with whipping time. Figures 11a and 11b depict that the firmness increases with an increase in air content.

[0261] Example 7: Expansion ratio and baked cream characterization: Composition 20:20:60 (SF:XG:Gly) exhibits the lowest density, so a detailed analysis of the whipping time was conducted. Whipping was carried out using a 6 - wire whip at 200 rpm for a duration ranging from 0 minutes to 25 minutes to study the properties. In Figure 11A it, the change in cream density with whipping time is shown. The density fluctuations are due to changes in the amount of air incorporated into the foam during the whipping stage.

[0262] Additionally, the mechanical properties of the creams were measured by compression resistance (firmness) and its evolution with whipping time ( Figure 13 ). It was found that as density decreases or air content increases, firmness increases. The firmness of a cream generally indicates its texture or consistency, which is important not only in food applications, but also in various industries. This quality is particularly important in areas such as cosmetics and personal care products, pharmaceuticals, textiles and fabric processing, and art and craft supplies. When the firmness is controlled by whipping time, silk creams show a range of values ​​between 94 and 211 Pa, making them attractive substrates for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, textiles and fabric applications. In view of the mechanical properties of this silk foam, the incorporation of silk cream into 3D printer materials was evaluated. For example, the application of customized 3D food printing has attracted attention from the culinary community for the production of complex food designs and decorations. In order to indirectly measure the air content of the cream, the expansion rate, which represents the increase in volume when air is incorporated during whipping, was evaluated. For the 20:20:60 composition, the volume increased by up to 133% in 5 minutes (making the density lower), and then began to decrease after 10 minutes due to excessive whipping. Similar to regular whipped cream, over-whipping can cause the fat to separate from the liquid, resulting in butter and buttermilk instead of whipped cream. This means the silk plays a similar role in the process.

[0263] Another method for controlling the density / overrun of a cream is to use plasticizers other than glycerol. Overrun was measured using plasticizers with different numbers or distances between -OH groups. The results showed that the number of -OH groups affected the whipping time, while their distance affected the air volume of the foam ( Figure 12 This phenomenon occurs because a hydrogen bonding network forms between proteins and sugars during the whipping process, and plasticizers help connect these interactions. Therefore, a greater number of -OH functional groups (such as glycerol and 1-3-6 hexanetriol) results in faster interactions, reaching a swelling plateau within just a few minutes. On the other hand, diols (1,2 and 1,5 pentanediol) with larger -OH groups exhibit slower cream growth (15-20 minutes) and significantly higher swelling (150% vs. 500%).

[0264] Example 8: Foam FTIR Characterization: The unwhipped foam showed a large amount of random coils, but after a few minutes (e.g., 2.5 minutes) of whipping, the filaments transformed into β-sheet structures and did not change further with longer whipping times, as shown in Figure 8. Figure 14 This can be attributed to the shear thinning behavior of the silk.

[0265] Example 9: Optical characterization of foam: The average bubble size decreases during the initial phase (5-10 minutes) corresponding to the highest overrun values, then increases again during the long whipping period (20-25 minutes) and remains relatively stable, as shown in FIG. Figure 15 shown.

[0266] Example 10: Physical characterization of foam: Composition-related analysis: Foams obtained with different composition ratios (baked cream, Figure 16 The physical and mechanical properties of the foam were tested. Compared to the wet state of the foam, the density was reduced by a factor of 10 ( Figure 16 B). Regarding mechanical properties, the compressive strength and yield point of the foam ( Figure 16 C, D) were evaluated and found to be mainly affected by glycerol content.

[0267] In general, the foams obtained with SF, XG, and glycerin are very soft and deformable, especially the 20:20:60 composition, making them ideal for use with compressed materials (silk leather). However, the foams may not be very suitable for use in their expanded state, as silk and xanthan gum foams tend to collapse in on themselves within a few days.

[0268] To enhance the mechanical properties of dry foams for potential applications in their expanded state, alternative sugars can be considered. For example, the use of alginate instead of xanthan gum significantly improved the mechanical properties of dry foams ( Figure 17 A) and cream ( Figure 17 B) Mechanical properties. Alginate-based foams in the expanded state may have further applications, such as thermal insulation. Figure 17 In C, a device for measuring the thermal conductivity of foam materials is presented. Briefly, two thermocouples are placed—one in contact with a hot plate at a surface temperature of 60°C and the other 2 cm high, with a 20:20:60 silk-alginate foam or polystyrene in between—and the temperature is recorded in a time-resolved experiment. Figure 17 As shown in Figure D, silk-alginate foams exhibit very similar trends to polystyrene, which has a thermal conductivity between 0.034 and 0.038 W / mK. Additives such as borate ions can further enhance mechanical properties while also providing flame retardancy and antifungal properties.

[0269] Example 11: Whipping time correlation analysis: Subsequently, creams with various compositions (including 20:20:60 compositions obtained at different whipping times) were baked at 60°C overnight and their dried states were further characterized. Figure 18As depicted in Figure 19, the dry foam exhibits different whiteness depending on the whipping time. This difference may be attributed to the distribution of bubble size or open / closed cell morphology, which may vary based on the whipping time (see Figure 19). The density is again one-tenth of that in the wet state and can be adjusted by whipping time within a range of 0.009 g / cm 3 to 0.048g / cm 3 ( Figure 18 B). Compared to other protein-based foams, this value is significantly lower.

[0270] exist Figure 19A In [1], diagrams and images showing surface details are presented, illustrating the proposed changes in the internal structure of the foam at different whipping times. As mentioned earlier, the whiteness, as well as the reflective and scattering properties of the foam, change with whipping time. This aspect can be important for leather applications because it can affect the tactile feel of the compressed material.

[0271] exist Figure 19B Fluorescent staining was used to analyze the internal structure of the foam. It was observed that the bubble sizes were polydisperse, but the average diameter ranged between millimeters and micrometers, depending on the whipping duration. The changes in internal structure corresponded to the expansion trend (the expansion ratio values ​​remained stable between 5 and 10 minutes, as did the internal structure of the foam). The smallest bubbles (approximately 100 μm) were obtained after 7.5 minutes of stirring, and the cell structure shifted from a closed-cell structure at 2.5 minutes of stirring to an open-cell structure after 5 minutes of whipping.

[0272] Example 12: Fluorescent staining of foam (ThT): To better understand the internal foam structure, a fluorescent dye (ThT) (100 mM) was added during the whipping stage and the dry foam was analyzed in reflectance using BF and FITC filters ( Figure 20 ThT was chosen because it is a stain for β-amyloid and, when excited at 365 nm, exhibits different spectral characteristics if it is free in solution or bound to β-sheet structures ( Figure 21A and 21B ).

[0273] The emission of the foam excited at 365 nm shows a color change during the initial whipping stage ( Figure 22 This is likely due to differential binding of the dye to the increasing β-sheet content in the silk (due to its shear-thinning behavior) and is consistent with the FTIR of the baked foams.

[0274] Example 13: Algae Growth: The foam material in its wet state (cream) can be used as a substrate for algae growth, e.g. Figure 23 As shown. Using freshwater environment (Chlorella) ( Figure 23 A) and marine environments (coccolithophores) ( Figure 23 The cream was inoculated with two algae strains (B). The cream was stored in a greenhouse at 90% relative humidity and sunlight for 9 days, and cell growth was observed visually in both conditions. Global photosynthesis consumes ten times the net anthropogenic CO2 emissions, and microalgae account for nearly half of this consumption. The high efficiency of algal photosynthesis relies on a CO2-concentrating mechanism that increases the rate of CO2 fixation by 10-50 times compared to terrestrial plants. This high rate allows algae to convert up to 2.7 tons of CO2 per acre per day, making them a good candidate for agricultural use as a carbon-negative process that can also produce products. However, despite its potential benefits, the annual production of commercial microalgal biomass (13,600 tons) is low compared to global CO2 emissions (≈40 Gt / year). Therefore, new technologies are needed to increase productivity and make it economically viable. It has been reported that microalgae CO2 fixation may become economically viable when production costs fall below $500 / t / ha / year. A key factor in achieving this goal is to increase photosynthetic conversion efficiency, which currently ranges from 1.5% to 6%. Improving this efficiency will increase productivity and reduce costs.

[0275] There are many different types of microalgae, and developing a substance that promotes their growth could help develop new technologies for different purposes, such as direct carbon capture, hydrogen production, biofuels, human or livestock food, and biodegradation / bioremediation, each of which requires a specific strain of algae. For example, coccolithophores are an attractive choice for carbon capture applications. Coccolithophores are single-celled algae that have calcareous plates called coccoliths. These plates are formed through a biomineralization process in which CO2 is captured as calcium carbonate, providing a permanent carbon sink. This makes them important in the ocean carbon cycle and helps mitigate the effects of greenhouse gas emissions. Other algae species fix CO2 in organic polymers that can be converted back into CO2 in a short period of time, but coccolithophores offer a long-term solution for carbon storage. To improve the economics of algae and overcome current technological limitations, algae cultivation can be done using a foam substrate. This substrate has several advantages that can promote algae growth ( Figure 23 C). The foam's structural materials can be consumed by the algae, providing them with nutrients and other biomolecules. The foam's porous structure can also help distribute light and gases more evenly, a limiting factor in current algae cultivation techniques. Furthermore, photosynthesis can be enhanced by adding artificial antennae (fluorophores) to the foam structure, filling the orange light gap in chlorophyll and increasing the available solar spectrum. This approach also enables hydroponic cultivation, as it only requires a humid environment or greenhouse, potentially expanding the possibilities of a broader bioeconomy.

[0276] In addition to the features described above and elsewhere herein, this disclosure also includes the following provisions:

[0277] 1. A liquid composition comprising a mixture of silk fibroin and xanthan gum.

[0278] 2. A liquid composition according to claim 1, wherein the silk fibroin is present in the liquid composition in an amount between 1% and 10% or between 3% and 7% by weight, including but not limited to at least 1%, at least 2%, at least 3%, at least 4%, at least 5% or at least 6% and at most 10%, at most 9%, at most 8%, at most 7%, at most 6% or at most 5%.

[0279] 3. A liquid composition according to clause 1 or 2, wherein the xanthan gum is present in the liquid composition in an amount between 0.1% and 10.0% by weight, including but not limited to at least 0.1%, at least 0.5%, at least 1%, at least 2%, at least 3%, at least 4%, at least 5% or at least 6% and at most 10%, at most 9%, at most 8%, at most 7%, at most 6% or at most 5%.

[0280] 4. A whipped silk cream comprising silk fibroin and xanthan gum.

[0281] 5. A silk protein cream comprising silk fibroin and xanthan gum.

[0282] 6. A compressed silk protein cream comprising silk fibroin and xanthan gum.

[0283] 7. A hot-pressed silk protein cream comprising silk fibroin and xanthan gum.

[0284] 8. A method of preparing a composition, the method comprising whipping a liquid composition comprising silk fibroin and xanthan gum for a predetermined whipping time to form a whipped silk cream.

[0285] 9. The method according to the preceding clause, further comprising baking the whipped silk cream at a temperature between 30°C and 150°C or between 50°C and 80°C for a period of time between 2 hours and 24 hours to form a silk protein cream.

[0286] 10. The method according to the preceding clause, further comprising compressing the silk protein cream at a force between 0.25 MPa and 25 MPa for a period of time between 15 minutes and 6 hours to form a compressed silk protein cream.

[0287] 11. The method according to the preceding clause, wherein the compression is performed at an elevated temperature between 80°C and 200°C, and the compressed silk protein cream is a hot-pressed silk protein cream.

[0288] 12. A method according to any one of clauses 8 to the preceding clause, wherein the predetermined whipping time is between 5 minutes and 30 minutes, including but not limited to at least 5 minutes, at least 6 minutes, at least 7 minutes, at least 8 minutes, at least 9 minutes or at least 10 minutes and at most 30 minutes, at most 25 minutes, at most 20 minutes, at most 15 minutes or at most 10 minutes.

[0289] 13. The method according to any one of clauses 8 to the preceding clause, wherein the whipping is performed with a mixer.

[0290] 14. The method according to any one of clauses 8 to the preceding clause, wherein the whipping is performed manually.

[0291] 15. The method according to any one of clauses 8 to the preceding clause, wherein the whipping is performed by a machine, including but not limited to a stand mixer.

[0292] 16. The method according to any one of clauses 13 to the preceding clause, wherein the stirrer is a metal stirrer.

[0293] 17. The method according to any one of clauses 13 to the preceding clause, wherein the stirrer is a non-metallic stirrer.

[0294] 18. The method according to any one of clauses 8 to the preceding clause, wherein the whipping is performed in a mixing bowl.

[0295] 19. The method according to the preceding clause, wherein the mixing bowl is a metal mixing bowl, optionally a stainless steel mixing bowl.

[0296] 20. The method according to any one of clauses 8 to the preceding clause, further comprising baking the whipped silk cream to form a silk protein cream.

[0297] 21. The method according to the preceding clause, wherein the baking is carried out at a temperature between 40°C and 150°C for a length of time between 5 minutes and 24 hours.

[0298] 22. The method according to any one of clause 20 to the preceding clause, wherein the method comprises compressing the silk protein cream to form a compressed silk protein cream.

[0299] 23. The method according to the preceding clause, wherein compression involves applying a force between 0.25 MPa and 25 MPa for a length of time between 5 minutes and 6 hours.

[0300] 24. The liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, heat-pressed silk protein cream or method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the silk fibroin and the xanthan gum are present in a weight ratio between 1:4 and 20:1 or between 1:2 and 10:1, including but not limited to at least 1:4, at least 1:3 or at least 1:2 and at most 20:1, at most 19:1, at most 18:1, at most 16:1, at most 15:1, at most 14:1, at most 12:1, at most 11:1 or at most 10:1.

[0301] 25. The liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, hot-pressed silk protein cream or method according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the liquid composition, the whipped silk cream, the silk protein cream, the compressed silk protein cream or the hot-pressed silk protein cream further comprises a plasticizer.

[0302] 26. The liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, hot-pressed silk protein cream or method according to the preceding clause, wherein the plasticizer is present in the liquid composition, the whipped silk cream, the silk protein cream, the compressed silk protein cream or the hot-pressed silk protein cream in an amount between 0.5% and 20.0% by weight.

[0303] 27. The liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, hot-pressed silk protein cream or method of clause 25, wherein the plasticizer is present in the liquid composition, the whipped silk cream, the silk protein cream, the compressed silk protein cream or the hot-pressed silk protein cream in an amount between 20.0% and 75.0% by weight.

[0304] 28. The liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, hot-pressed silk protein cream or method according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the liquid composition, the whipped silk cream, the silk protein cream, the compressed silk protein cream or the hot-pressed silk protein cream further comprises a sensing agent.

[0305] 29. The liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, hot-pressed silk protein cream or method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the liquid composition, the whipped silk cream, the silk protein cream, the compressed silk protein cream or the hot-pressed silk protein cream further comprises a therapeutically active agent.

[0306] 30. The liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, hot-pressed silk protein cream or method according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the liquid composition, the whipped silk cream, the silk protein cream, the compressed silk protein cream or the hot-pressed silk protein cream further comprises a colorant.

[0307] 31. The liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, hot-pressed silk protein cream or method according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the liquid composition, the whipped silk cream, the silk protein cream, the compressed silk protein cream or the hot-pressed silk protein cream further comprises a compound that provides a fragrance.

[0308] 32. A whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, hot-pressed silk protein cream or method according to any one of clauses 4 to the preceding clause, wherein the whipped silk cream, the silk protein cream, the compressed silk protein cream or the hot-pressed silk protein cream has irregular porosity.

[0309] 33. A silk leather, which is a layered structure comprising a first fabric layer and a second material layer arranged adjacent to the first fabric layer, the second material layer comprising a compressed silk protein cream or a hot-pressed silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 6, 7 or 10 to 32 or prepared by a method according to any one of clauses 6, 7 or 10 to 32.

[0310] 34. The silk leather according to the preceding clause, further comprising a third material layer, wherein the third material layer is adjacent to the first fabric layer and is arranged on a surface opposite to a surface adjacent to the second material layer, and the third material layer comprises compressed silk protein cream or hot-pressed silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 6, 7 or 10 to 32 or prepared by a method according to any one of clauses 6, 7 or 10 to 32.

[0311] 35. The silk leather according to any one of the preceding two clauses, wherein the first fabric layer is composed of cotton fabric, including but not limited to cotton knitted fabric, cotton canvas, etc.; silk fabric; synthetic fabric, including but not limited to polyester fabric, rayon fabric, nylon fabric, etc.; linen; organza, etc.; and combinations thereof.

[0312] 36. A thermal insulator comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of a silk protein cream, a compressed silk protein cream or a heat-pressed silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 5 to 7 and 9 to 32 or prepared by a method according to any one of clauses 5 to 7 and 9 to 32.

[0313] 37. An adsorbent and / or gas-sensitive material comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 5 and 9 to 32 or prepared by the method according to any one of clauses 5 and 9 to 32.

[0314] 38. The adsorbent and / or gas-sensitive material according to the preceding clause, further comprising a sensing agent that undergoes a measurable change when exposed to a gas of interest.

[0315] 39. The adsorbent and / or gas-sensitive material according to the preceding clause, wherein the sensing agent is a dye that changes color when exposed to the gas of interest.

[0316] 40. A bioscaffold for accommodating a cell population for one or more of growth, proliferation, differentiation, carbon dioxide capture, biomineralization, biosynthesis, fermentation, etc. and combinations thereof, the bioscaffold comprising, essentially consisting of, consisting of or prepared from a liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, hot-pressed silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 1 to 32 or prepared by a method according to any one of clauses 1 to 32.

[0317] 41. A mycelium-like material comprising, consisting essentially of, consisting of or prepared from a liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, hot-pressed silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 1 to 32 or prepared by a method according to any one of clauses 1 to 32.

[0318] 42. A liquid composition comprising a mixture of silk fibroin, xanthan gum, and a plasticizer.

[0319] 43. A liquid composition according to clause 43, wherein the silk fibroin is present in the liquid composition in an amount between 1% and 10% or between 3% and 7% by weight, including but not limited to at least 1%, at least 2%, at least 3%, at least 4%, at least 5% or at least 6% and at most 10%, at most 9%, at most 8%, at most 7%, at most 6% or at most 5%.

[0320] 44. A liquid composition according to clause 43 or 44, wherein the xanthan gum is present in the liquid composition in an amount between 0.1% and 10.0% by weight, including but not limited to at least 0.1%, at least 0.5%, at least 1%, at least 2%, at least 3%, at least 4%, at least 5% or at least 6% and at most 10%, at most 9%, at most 8%, at most 7%, at most 6% or at most 5%.

[0321] 45. A whipped silk cream comprising silk fibroin, xanthan gum, and a plasticizer.

[0322] A silk protein cream comprising silk fibroin, xanthan gum and a plasticizer.

[0323] 47. A compressed silk protein cream comprising silk fibroin, xanthan gum and a plasticizer.

[0324] A hot-pressed silk protein cream comprising silk fibroin, xanthan gum and a plasticizer.

[0325] 49. A method of preparing a composition, the method comprising: whipping a liquid composition comprising silk fibroin, xanthan gum, and a plasticizer for a predetermined whipping time to form a whipped silk cream.

[0326] 50. The method according to the preceding clause, further comprising: baking the whipped silk cream at a temperature between 30°C and 150°C or between 50°C and 80°C for a period of time between 2 hours and 24 hours to form a silk protein cream.

[0327] 51. The method according to the preceding clause, further comprising: compressing the silk protein cream with a force between 0.25 MPa and 25 MPa for a period of time between 15 minutes and 6 hours.

[0328] 52. The method according to the preceding clause, wherein the compression is performed at an elevated temperature comprised between 80 and 200°C.

[0329] 53. A method according to any one of clauses 49 to the preceding clause, wherein the predetermined whipping time is between 5 minutes and 30 minutes, including but not limited to at least 5 minutes, at least 6 minutes, at least 7 minutes, at least 8 minutes, at least 9 minutes or at least 10 minutes and at most 30 minutes, at most 25 minutes, at most 20 minutes, at most 15 minutes or at most 10 minutes.

[0330] 54. The method according to any one of clauses 49 to the preceding clause, wherein the whipping is performed with a mixer.

[0331] 55. The method according to any one of clauses 49 to the preceding clause, wherein the whipping is performed manually.

[0332] 56. The method of any one of clauses 49 to the preceding clause, wherein the whipping is performed by a machine, including but not limited to a stand mixer.

[0333] 57. The method according to any one of clauses 54 to the preceding clause, wherein the stirrer is a metal stirrer.

[0334] 58. The method according to any one of clauses 54 to the preceding clause, wherein the stirrer is a non-metallic stirrer.

[0335] 59. The method according to any one of clauses 49 to the preceding clause, wherein the whipping is performed in a mixing bowl.

[0336] 60. The method according to the preceding clause, wherein the mixing bowl is a metal mixing bowl, optionally a stainless steel mixing bowl.

[0337] 61. The method according to any one of clauses 49 to the preceding clause, further comprising baking the whipped silk cream to form a silk protein cream.

[0338] 62. The method according to the preceding clause, wherein the baking is carried out at a temperature between 40°C and 150°C, for a length of time between 5 minutes and 24 hours.

[0339] 63. The method according to any one of clause 61 to the preceding clause, wherein the method comprises compressing the silk protein cream to form a compressed silk protein cream.

[0340] 64. The method according to the preceding clause, wherein compression involves applying a force between 0.25 MPa and 25 MPa for a length of time between 5 minutes and 6 hours.

[0341] 65. The liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, heat-pressed silk protein cream or method according to any one of clauses 42 to the preceding clause, wherein the silk fibroin and the xanthan gum are present in the liquid composition, the whipped silk cream, the silk protein cream, the compressed silk protein cream and / or the heat-pressed silk protein cream in a weight ratio between 1:4 and 20:1 or between 1:2 and 10:1, including but not limited to at least 1:4, at least 1:3 or at least 1:2 and at most 20:1, at most 19:1, at most 18:1, at most 16:1, at most 15:1, at most 14:1, at most 12:1, at most 11:1 or at most 10:1.

[0342] 66. A liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, heat-pressed silk protein cream or method according to any one of clauses 42 to the preceding clause, wherein the plasticizer is present in the liquid composition, the whipped silk cream, the silk protein cream, the compressed silk protein cream or the heat-pressed silk protein cream in an amount between 0.5% and 75.0% by weight.

[0343] 67. A liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, heat-pressed silk protein cream or method according to any one of clauses 42 to the preceding clause, wherein the plasticizer is present in the liquid composition, the whipped silk cream, the silk protein cream, the compressed silk protein cream or the heat-pressed silk protein cream in an amount between 0.5% and 20.0% by weight.

[0344] 68. A liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, heat-pressed silk protein cream or method according to any one of clauses 42 to the preceding clause, wherein the plasticizer is present in the liquid composition, the whipped silk cream, the silk protein cream, the compressed silk protein cream or the heat-pressed silk protein cream in an amount between 20.0% and 75.0% by weight.

[0345] 69. The liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, heat-pressed silk protein cream or method according to any one of clauses 42 to the preceding clause, wherein the liquid composition, the whipped silk cream, the silk protein cream, the compressed silk protein cream or the heat-pressed silk protein cream further comprises a sensing agent.

[0346] 70. The liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, hot-pressed silk protein cream or method according to any one of clauses 42 to the preceding clause, wherein the liquid composition, the whipped silk cream, the silk protein cream, the compressed silk protein cream or the hot-pressed silk protein cream further comprises a therapeutically active agent.

[0347] 71. The liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, hot-pressed silk protein cream or method according to any one of clauses 42 to the preceding clause, wherein the liquid composition, the whipped silk cream, the silk protein cream, the compressed silk protein cream or the hot-pressed silk protein cream further comprises a colorant.

[0348] 72. The liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, hot-pressed silk protein cream or method according to any one of clauses 42 to the preceding clause, wherein the liquid composition, the whipped silk cream, the silk protein cream, the compressed silk protein cream or the hot-pressed silk protein cream further comprises a compound that provides a fragrance.

[0349] 73. A whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, hot-pressed silk protein cream or method according to any one of clauses 45 to the preceding clause, wherein the whipped silk cream, the silk protein cream, the compressed silk protein cream or the hot-pressed silk protein cream has irregular porosity.

[0350] 74. A silk leather, which is a layered structure comprising a first fabric layer and a second material layer arranged adjacent to the first fabric layer, the second material layer comprising a compressed silk protein cream or a hot-pressed silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 47, 48 or 51 to 73 or prepared by a method according to any one of clauses 47, 48 or 51 to 73.

[0351] 75. The silk leather according to the preceding clause, further comprising a third material layer, wherein the third material layer is adjacent to the first fabric layer and is arranged on a surface opposite to a surface adjacent to the second material layer, and the third material layer comprises compressed silk protein cream or hot-pressed silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 47, 48 or 51 to 73 or prepared by a method according to any one of clauses 47, 48 or 51 to 73.

[0352] 76. The silk leather according to any one of the preceding two clauses, wherein the first fabric layer is composed of cotton fabric, including but not limited to cotton knitted fabric, cotton canvas, etc.; silk fabric; synthetic fabric, including but not limited to polyester fabric, rayon fabric, nylon fabric, etc.; linen; organza, etc.; and combinations thereof.

[0353] 77. A thermal insulator comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of a silk protein cream, a compressed silk protein cream or a heat-pressed silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 46 to 48 or 50 to 73 or prepared by a method according to any one of clauses 46 to 48 or 50 to 73.

[0354] 78. An adsorbent and / or gas-sensitive material comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of a silk protein cream, a compressed silk protein cream or a hot-pressed silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 46 to 48 or 50 to 73 or prepared by a method according to any one of clauses 46 to 48 or 50 to 73.

[0355] 79. The adsorbent and / or gas-sensitive material according to the preceding clause, further comprising a sensing agent that undergoes a measurable change when exposed to a gas of interest.

[0356] 80. The adsorbent and / or gas-sensitive material according to the preceding clause, wherein the sensing agent is a dye that changes color when exposed to the gas of interest.

[0357] 81. A bioscaffold for accommodating a cell population for one or more of growth, proliferation, differentiation, carbon dioxide capture, biomineralization, biosynthesis, fermentation, etc. and combinations thereof, the bioscaffold comprising, consisting essentially of, consisting of, or prepared from a liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, hot-pressed silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 42 to 73 or prepared by a method according to any one of clauses 42 to 73.

[0358] 82. A mycelium-like material comprising, consisting essentially of, consisting of or prepared from a liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, hot-pressed silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 42 to 73 or prepared by a method according to any one of clauses 42 to 73.

[0359] 83. A liquid composition comprising a mixture of silk fibroin, xanthan gum, and a functionalizing agent.

[0360] 84. A liquid composition according to claim 83, wherein the silk fibroin is present in the liquid composition in an amount between 1% and 10% or between 3% and 7% by weight, including but not limited to at least 1%, at least 2%, at least 3%, at least 4%, at least 5% or at least 6% and at most 10%, at most 9%, at most 8%, at most 7%, at most 6% or at most 5%.

[0361] 85. A liquid composition according to clause 83 or 84, wherein the xanthan gum is present in the liquid composition in an amount between 0.1% and 10.0% by weight, including but not limited to at least 0.1%, at least 0.5%, at least 1%, at least 2%, at least 3%, at least 4%, at least 5% or at least 6% and at most 10%, at most 9%, at most 8%, at most 7%, at most 6% or at most 5%.

[0362] 86. A whipped silk cream comprising silk fibroin, xanthan gum, and a functionalizing agent.

[0363] 87. A silk protein cream comprising silk fibroin, xanthan gum and a functionalizing agent.

[0364] 88. A compressed silk protein cream comprising silk fibroin, xanthan gum and a functionalizing agent.

[0365] 89. A heat-pressed silk protein cream comprising silk fibroin, xanthan gum and a functionalizing agent.

[0366] 90. A method of preparing a composition, the method comprising whipping a liquid composition comprising silk fibroin, xanthan gum, and a functionalizing agent for a predetermined whipping time to form a whipped silk cream.

[0367] 91. The method according to the preceding clause, further comprising baking the whipped silk cream at a temperature between 30°C and 150°C or between 50°C and 80°C for a period of time between 2 hours and 24 hours to form a silk protein cream.

[0368] 92. The method according to the preceding clause, further comprising compressing the silk protein cream with a force between 0.25 MPa and 25 MPa for a period of time between 15 minutes and 6 hours.

[0369] 93. Method according to the preceding clause, wherein the compression is carried out at an elevated temperature comprised between 80°C and 200°C.

[0370] 94. A method according to any one of clauses 90 to the preceding clause, wherein the predetermined whipping time is between 5 minutes and 30 minutes, including but not limited to at least 5 minutes, at least 6 minutes, at least 7 minutes, at least 8 minutes, at least 9 minutes or at least 10 minutes and at most 30 minutes, at most 25 minutes, at most 20 minutes, at most 15 minutes or at most 10 minutes.

[0371] 95. The method of any one of clause 90 to the preceding clause, wherein the whipping is performed with a blender.

[0372] 96. The method of any one of clause 90 to the preceding clause, wherein the whipping is performed manually.

[0373] 97. The method of any one of clause 90 to the preceding clause, wherein the whipping is performed by a machine, including but not limited to a stand mixer.

[0374] 98. A method according to any one of clauses 95 to the preceding clause, wherein the stirrer is a metal stirrer.

[0375] 99. A method according to any one of clauses 95 to the preceding clause, wherein the stirrer is a non-metallic stirrer.

[0376] 100. The method of any one of clause 90 to the preceding clause, wherein the whipping is performed in a mixing bowl.

[0377] 101. The method according to the preceding clause, wherein the mixing bowl is a metal mixing bowl, optionally a stainless steel mixing bowl.

[0378] 102. The method of clause 90, further comprising baking the whipped silk cream to form a silk protein cream.

[0379] 103. The method according to the preceding clause, wherein said baking is carried out at a temperature between 40°C and 150°C, for a length of time between 5 minutes and 24 hours.

[0380] 104. The method of any one of clause 102 to the preceding clause, comprising compressing the silk protein cream to form a compressed silk protein cream.

[0381] 105. The method according to the preceding clause, wherein compression involves applying a force between 0.25 MPa and 25 MPa for a period of time between 5 minutes and 6 hours.

[0382] 106. A liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, heat-pressed silk protein cream or method according to any one of clauses 83 to the preceding clause, wherein the silk fibroin and the xanthan gum are present in a weight ratio between 1:4 and 20:1 or between 1:2 and 10:1, including but not limited to at least 1:4, at least 1:3 or at least 1:2 and at most 20:1, at most 19:1, at most 18:1, at most 16:1, at most 15:1, at most 14:1, at most 12:1, at most 11:1 or at most 10:1.

[0383] 107. The liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, hot-pressed silk protein cream or method according to any one of clauses 83 to the preceding clause, wherein the liquid composition, the whipped silk cream, the silk protein cream, the compressed silk protein cream or the hot-pressed silk protein cream further comprises a plasticizer.

[0384] 108. A liquid composition, a whipped silk cream, a silk protein cream, a compressed silk protein cream, a heat-pressed silk protein cream or a method according to the preceding clause, wherein the plasticizer is present in the liquid composition, the whipped silk cream, the silk protein cream, the compressed silk protein cream or the heat-pressed silk protein cream in an amount between 0.5% and 20.0% by weight.

[0385] 109. A liquid composition, a whipped silk cream, a silk protein cream, a compressed silk protein cream, a heat-pressed silk protein cream or a method according to claim 107, wherein the plasticizer is present in the liquid composition, the whipped silk cream, the silk protein cream, the compressed silk protein cream or the heat-pressed silk protein cream in an amount between 20.0% and 75.0% by weight.

[0386] 110. The liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, heat-pressed silk protein cream or method according to any one of clauses 83 to the preceding clause, wherein the liquid composition, the whipped silk cream, the silk protein cream, the compressed silk protein cream or the heat-pressed silk protein cream further comprises a sensing agent.

[0387] 111. The liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, hot-pressed silk protein cream or method according to any one of clauses 83 to the preceding clause, wherein the liquid composition, the whipped silk cream, the silk protein cream, the compressed silk protein cream or the hot-pressed silk protein cream further comprises a therapeutically active agent.

[0388] 112. The liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, hot-pressed silk protein cream or method according to any one of clauses 83 to the preceding clause, wherein the liquid composition, the whipped silk cream, the silk protein cream, the compressed silk protein cream or the hot-pressed silk protein cream further comprises a colorant.

[0389] 113. A liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, hot-pressed silk protein cream or method according to any one of clauses 83 to the preceding clause, wherein the liquid composition, the whipped silk cream, the silk protein cream, the compressed silk protein cream or the hot-pressed silk protein cream further comprises a compound that provides a fragrance.

[0390] 114. A whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, hot-pressed silk protein cream or method according to any one of clauses 86 to the preceding clause, wherein the whipped silk cream, the silk protein cream, the compressed silk protein cream or the hot-pressed silk protein cream has irregular porosity.

[0391] 115. A silk leather, which is a layered structure comprising a first fabric layer and a second material layer arranged adjacent to the first fabric layer, the second material layer comprising compressed silk protein cream or hot-pressed silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 88, 89 or 92 to 114 or prepared by the method according to any one of clauses 88, 89 or 92 to 114.

[0392] 116. The silk leather according to the preceding clause, further comprising a third material layer, wherein the third material layer is adjacent to the first fabric layer and is arranged on a surface opposite to a surface adjacent to the second material layer, and the third material layer comprises compressed silk protein cream or hot-pressed silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 88, 89 or 92 to 114 or prepared by a method according to any one of clauses 88, 89 or 92 to 114.

[0393] 117. Silk leather according to any one of the preceding two clauses, wherein the first fabric layer is composed of cotton fabric, including but not limited to cotton knitted fabric, cotton canvas, etc.; silk fabric; synthetic fabric, including but not limited to polyester fabric, rayon fabric, nylon fabric, etc.; linen; organza, etc.; and combinations thereof.

[0394] 118. A thermal insulator comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of a silk protein cream, a compressed silk protein cream or a heat-pressed silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 87 to 89 or 91 to 114 or prepared by a method according to any one of clauses 87 to 89 or 91 to 114.

[0395] 119. An adsorbent and / or gas-sensitive material comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of a silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 87 or 91 to 114 or prepared by a method according to any one of clauses 87 or 91 to 114.

[0396] 120. The adsorbent and / or gas-sensitive material according to the preceding clause, further comprising a sensing agent that undergoes a measurable change when exposed to a gas of interest.

[0397] 121. The adsorbent and / or gas-sensitive material according to the preceding clause, wherein the sensing agent is a dye that changes color when exposed to the gas of interest.

[0398] 122. A bioscaffold for accommodating a cell population for one or more of growth, proliferation, differentiation, carbon dioxide capture, biomineralization, biosynthesis, fermentation, etc. and combinations thereof, the bioscaffold comprising, consisting essentially of, consisting of, or prepared from a liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, hot-pressed silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 86 to 114 or prepared by a method according to any one of clauses 86 to 114.

[0399] 123. A mycelium-like material comprising, consisting essentially of, consisting of or prepared from a liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, hot-pressed silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 86 to 114 or prepared by a method according to any one of clauses 86 to 114.

[0400] 124. A liquid composition comprising a mixture of silk fibroin, xanthan gum, a plasticizer, and a functionalizing agent.

[0401] 125. A liquid composition according to claim 124, wherein the silk fibroin is present in the liquid composition in an amount between 1% and 10% or between 3% and 7% by weight, including but not limited to at least 1%, at least 2%, at least 3%, at least 4%, at least 5% or at least 6% and at most 10%, at most 9%, at most 8%, at most 7%, at most 6% or at most 5%.

[0402] 126. A liquid composition according to clause 124 or 125, wherein the xanthan gum is present in the liquid composition in an amount between 0.1% and 10.0% by weight, including but not limited to at least 0.1%, at least 0.5%, at least 1%, at least 2%, at least 3%, at least 4%, at least 5% or at least 6% and at most 10%, at most 9%, at most 8%, at most 7%, at most 6% or at most 5%.

[0403] 127. A whipped silk cream comprising silk fibroin, xanthan gum, a plasticizer, and a functionalizing agent.

[0404] 128. A silk protein cream comprising silk fibroin, xanthan gum, a plasticizer and a functionalizing agent.

[0405] 129. A compressed silk protein cream comprising silk fibroin, xanthan gum, a plasticizer and a functionalizing agent.

[0406] 130. A hot-pressed silk protein cream comprising silk fibroin, xanthan gum, a plasticizer and a functionalizing agent.

[0407] 131. A method of preparing a composition, the method comprising: whipping a liquid composition comprising silk fibroin, xanthan gum, a plasticizer, and a functionalizing agent for a predetermined whipping time to form a whipped silk cream.

[0408] 132. The method according to the preceding clause, further comprising: baking the whipped silk cream at a temperature between 30°C and 150°C or between 50°C and 80°C for a period of time between 2 hours and 24 hours to form a silk protein cream.

[0409] 133. The method according to the preceding clause, further comprising: compressing the silk protein cream with a force between 0.25 MPa and 25 MPa for a time period between 15 minutes and 6 hours.

[0410] 134. Method according to the preceding clause, wherein the compression is carried out at an elevated temperature comprised between 80°C and 200°C.

[0411] 135. A method according to any one of clauses 131 to the preceding clause, wherein the predetermined whipping time is between 5 minutes and 30 minutes, including but not limited to at least 5 minutes, at least 6 minutes, at least 7 minutes, at least 8 minutes, at least 9 minutes or at least 10 minutes and at most 30 minutes, at most 25 minutes, at most 20 minutes, at most 15 minutes or at most 10 minutes.

[0412] 136. The method of any one of clause 131 to the preceding clause, wherein the whipping is performed with a blender.

[0413] 137. The method of any one of clause 131 to the preceding clause, wherein the whipping is performed manually.

[0414] 138. The method of any one of clauses 131 to the preceding clause, wherein the whipping is performed by a machine, including but not limited to a stand mixer.

[0415] 139. The method of any one of clauses 136 to the preceding clause, wherein the stirrer is a metal stirrer.

[0416] 140. The method of any one of clauses 136 to the preceding clause, wherein the stirrer is a non-metallic stirrer.

[0417] 141. The method of any one of clause 131 to the preceding clause, wherein the whipping is performed in a mixing bowl.

[0418] 142. The method according to the preceding clause, wherein the mixing bowl is a metal mixing bowl, optionally a stainless steel mixing bowl.

[0419] 143. The method of any one of clause 131 to the preceding clause, further comprising baking the whipped silk cream to form a silk protein cream.

[0420] 144. Method according to the preceding clause, wherein said baking is carried out at a temperature between 40°C and 150°C, for a length of time between 5 minutes and 24 hours.

[0421] 145. The method of any one of clause 143 to the preceding clause, comprising compressing the silk protein cream to form a compressed silk protein cream.

[0422] 146. A method according to the preceding clause, wherein compression involves applying a force between 0.25 MPa and 25 MPa for a period of time between 5 minutes and 6 hours.

[0423] 147. The liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, heat-pressed silk protein cream or method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the silk fibroin and the xanthan gum are present in a weight ratio between 1:4 and 20:1 or between 1:2 and 10:1, including but not limited to at least 1:4, at least 1:3 or at least 1:2 and at most 20:1, at most 19:1, at most 18:1, at most 16:1, at most 15:1, at most 14:1, at most 12:1, at most 11:1 or at most 10:1.

[0424] 148. A liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, heat-pressed silk protein cream or method according to any one of clauses 124 to the preceding clause, wherein the plasticizer is present in the liquid composition, the whipped silk cream, the silk protein cream, the compressed silk protein cream or the heat-pressed silk protein cream in an amount between 0.5% and 75.0% by weight.

[0425] 149. A liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, heat-pressed silk protein cream or method according to claim 148, wherein the plasticizer is present in the liquid composition, the whipped silk cream, the silk protein cream, the compressed silk protein cream or the heat-pressed silk protein cream in an amount between 0.5% and 20.0% by weight.

[0426] 150. A liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, heat-pressed silk protein cream or method according to claim 148, wherein the plasticizer is present in the liquid composition, the whipped silk cream, the silk protein cream, the compressed silk protein cream or the heat-pressed silk protein cream in an amount between 20.0% and 75.0% by weight.

[0427] 151. A liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, hot-pressed silk protein cream or method according to any one of clauses 124 to the preceding clause, wherein the liquid composition, the whipped silk cream, the silk protein cream, the compressed silk protein cream or the hot-pressed silk protein cream further comprises a sensing agent.

[0428] 152. A liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, hot-pressed silk protein cream or method according to any one of clauses 124 to the preceding clause, wherein the liquid composition, the whipped silk cream, the silk protein cream, the compressed silk protein cream or the hot-pressed silk protein cream further comprises a therapeutically active agent.

[0429] 153. The liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, hot-pressed silk protein cream or method according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the liquid composition, the whipped silk cream, the silk protein cream, the compressed silk protein cream or the hot-pressed silk protein cream further comprises a colorant.

[0430] 154. A liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, hot-pressed silk protein cream or method according to any one of clauses 124 to the preceding clause, wherein the liquid composition, the whipped silk cream, the silk protein cream, the compressed silk protein cream or the hot-pressed silk protein cream further comprises a compound that provides a fragrance.

[0431] 155. A whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, hot-pressed silk protein cream or method according to any one of clauses 127 to the preceding clause, wherein the whipped silk cream, the silk protein cream, the compressed silk protein cream or the hot-pressed silk protein cream has irregular porosity.

[0432] 156. A silk leather, which is a layered structure comprising a first fabric layer and a second material layer arranged adjacent to the first fabric layer, the second material layer comprising a compressed silk protein cream or a hot-pressed silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 129, 130 or 133 to 155 or prepared by a method according to any one of clauses 129, 130 or 133 to 155.

[0433] 157. The silk leather according to the preceding clause, further comprising a third material layer, wherein the third material layer is adjacent to the first fabric layer and is arranged on a surface opposite to a surface adjacent to the second material layer, and the third material layer comprises compressed silk protein cream or hot-pressed silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 129, 130 or 133 to 155 or prepared by a method according to any one of clauses 129, 130 or 133 to 155.

[0434] 158. Silk leather according to any one of the preceding two clauses, wherein the first fabric layer is composed of cotton fabric, including but not limited to cotton knitted fabric, cotton canvas, etc.; silk fabric; synthetic fabric, including but not limited to polyester fabric, rayon fabric, nylon fabric, etc.; linen; organza, etc.; and combinations thereof.

[0435] 159. A thermal insulator comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of a silk protein cream, a compressed silk protein cream or a heat-pressed silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 128 to 130 or 132 to 155 or prepared by a method according to any one of clauses 128 to 130 or 132 to 155.

[0436] 160. An adsorbent and / or gas-sensitive material comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of a silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 128 or 132 to 155, or prepared by a method according to any one of clauses 128 or 132 to 155.

[0437] 161. The adsorbent and / or gas-sensitive material according to the preceding clause, further comprising a sensing agent that undergoes a measurable change when exposed to a gas of interest.

[0438] 162. The adsorbent and / or gas-sensitive material according to the preceding clause, wherein the sensing agent is a dye that changes color when exposed to the gas of interest.

[0439] 163. A bioscaffold for accommodating a cell population for one or more of growth, proliferation, differentiation, carbon dioxide capture, biomineralization, biosynthesis, fermentation, the like and combinations thereof, the bioscaffold comprising, consisting essentially of, consisting of or prepared from a liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, hot-pressed silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 124 to 155 or prepared by a method according to any one of clauses 124 to 155.

[0440] 164. A mycelium-like material comprising, consisting essentially of, consisting of or prepared from a liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, hot-pressed silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 124 to 155 or prepared by a method according to any one of clauses 124 to 155.

[0441] 165. A whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, heat-pressed silk protein cream or method according to any one of clauses 4 to 32, 45 to 73, 86 to 114 or 127 to 155, wherein the overrun of the whipped silk cream is at least 100% or greater.

[0442] 166. A whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, heat-pressed silk protein cream or method according to clause 165, wherein the whipped silk cream has an overrun of at least 200%, at least 300%, at least 400%, at least 500% or greater.

[0443] 167. A whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, heat-pressed silk protein cream or method according to any one of clauses 4 to 32, 45 to 73, 86 to 114, 127 to 155, 165 or 166, wherein the whipped silk cream is whipped beyond peak overrun.

[0444] 168. A whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, heat-pressed silk protein cream or method according to any one of clauses 4 to 32, 45 to 73, 86 to 114, 127 to 155, 165 or 166, wherein the whipped silk cream is whipped without reaching peak overrun.

[0445] 169. A whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, heat-pressed silk protein cream or method according to any one of clauses 4 to 32, 45 to 73, 86 to 114, 127 to 155, 165 or 166, wherein the whipped silk cream is whipped to peak overrun.

[0446] 170. A liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, heat-pressed silk protein cream, silk leather, thermal insulator, adsorbent and / or gas-sensitive material, bioscaffold, mycelium-like material or method according to any one of clauses 25 to 82 or 107 to the preceding clause, wherein 3% to 72% of the total weight of the silk fibroin, the xanthan gum and the plasticizer is the silk fibroin, wherein 3% to 32% of the total weight of the silk fibroin, the xanthan gum and the plasticizer is the xanthan gum, or wherein 25% to 94% of the total weight of the silk fibroin, the xanthan gum and the plasticizer is the plasticizer.

[0447] 171. The liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, heat-pressed silk protein cream, silk leather, thermal insulator, adsorbent and / or gas-sensitive material, bioscaffold, mycelium-like material or method of clause 170, wherein 3% to 72% of the total weight of the silk fibroin, the xanthan gum and the plasticizer is the silk fibroin.

[0448] 172. A liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, heat-pressed silk protein cream, silk leather, thermal insulator, adsorbent and / or gas-sensitive material, bioscaffold, mycelium-like material or method according to any one of clauses 170 to the preceding clause, wherein 3% to 32% of the total weight of the silk fibroin, the xanthan gum and the plasticizer is the xanthan gum.

[0449] 173. A liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, heat-pressed silk protein cream, silk leather, thermal insulator, adsorbent and / or gas-sensitive material, bioscaffold, mycelium-like material or method according to any one of clauses 170 to the preceding clause, wherein 25% to 94% of the total weight of the silk fibroin, the xanthan gum and the plasticizer is the plasticizer.

[0450] 174. A liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, heat-pressed silk protein cream, silk leather, thermal insulator, adsorbent and / or gas-sensitive material, bioscaffold, mycelium-like material or method according to any one of clauses 170 to the preceding clause, wherein 3% to 72% of the total weight of the silk fibroin, the xanthan gum and the plasticizer is the silk fibroin, wherein 3% to 32% of the total weight of the silk fibroin, the xanthan gum and the plasticizer is the xanthan gum, and wherein 25% to 94% of the total weight of the silk fibroin, the xanthan gum and the plasticizer is the plasticizer.

[0451] 175. The liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, heat-pressed silk protein cream, silk leather, thermal insulator, adsorbent and / or gas-sensitive material, bioscaffold, mycelium-like material or method of the preceding clause, wherein 15% to 25% of the total weight of the silk fibroin, the xanthan gum and the plasticizer is the silk fibroin, wherein 15% to 25% of the total weight of the silk fibroin, the xanthan gum and the plasticizer is the xanthan gum, and wherein 50% to 70% of the total weight of the silk fibroin, the xanthan gum and the plasticizer is the plasticizer.

[0452] 176. A liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, heat-pressed silk protein cream, silk leather, thermal insulator, adsorbent and / or gas-sensitive material, bioscaffold, mycelium-like material or method according to any one of clauses 1 to the preceding clause, wherein the water content of the liquid composition is between 89% and 99%.

[0453] 177. A whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, heat-pressed silk protein cream, silk leather, thermal insulator, adsorbent and / or gas-sensitive material, bioscaffold, mycelium-like material or method according to any one of clauses 4, 9 to 41, 45, 50 to 82, 86, 91 to 123, 127 or 132 to the preceding clause, wherein the water content of the whipped silk cream is between 50% and 95%, between 75% and 93% or between 87% and 92% or between 88.5% and 91%.

[0454] 178. The silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, hot-pressed silk protein cream, silk leather, thermal insulator, adsorbent and / or gas-sensitive material, bioscaffold, mycelium-like material or method according to any one of clauses 5, 10 to 41, 46, 51 to 82, 87, 92 to 123, 128 or 133 to the preceding clause, wherein the water content of the silk protein cream is between 5% and 70%.

[0455] 179. A compressed silk protein cream, hot-pressed silk protein cream, silk leather, thermal insulator, adsorbent and / or gas-sensitive material, bioscaffold, mycelium-like material or method according to any one of clauses 6, 10 to 36, 40, 41, 47, 51 to 78, 81, 82, 88, 92 to 118, 122, 123, 129, 133 to 159 or 163 to the preceding clause, wherein the water content of the compressed silk protein cream is between 2% and 50%.

[0456] 180. A hot-pressed silk protein cream, silk leather, thermal insulator, bioscaffold, mycelium-like material or method according to any one of clauses 7, 11 to 36, 40, 41, 48, 52 to 77, 81, 82, 89, 93 to 118, 122, 123, 129, 133 to 159 or 163 to the preceding clause, wherein the water content of the hot-pressed silk protein cream is between 1% and 50%.

[0457] 181. A liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, heat-pressed silk protein cream, silk leather, thermal insulator, adsorbent and / or gas-sensitive material, bioscaffold, mycelium-like material or method according to any one of clauses 25 to 82 or 107 to the preceding clause, wherein the plasticizer comprises at least one -OH substituent.

[0458] 182. The liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, heat-pressed silk protein cream, silk leather, thermal insulator, adsorbent and / or gas-sensitive material, bioscaffold, mycelium-like material or method of the preceding clause, wherein the plasticizer comprises at least two -OH substituents, at least 3 -OH substituents, or more -OH substituents.

[0459] 183. The liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, heat-pressed silk protein cream, silk leather, thermal insulator, adsorbent and / or gas-sensitive material, bioscaffold, mycelium-like material or method of the preceding clause, wherein the at least two -OH substituents, the at least 3 -OH substituents or the more -OH substituents are separated from each other by at least 2 carbon atoms, at least 3 carbon atoms or at least 4 carbon atoms on the plasticizer.

[0460] 184. A liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, heat-pressed silk protein cream, silk leather, thermal insulator, adsorbent and / or gas-sensitive material, bioscaffold, mycelium-like material or method according to any one of clauses 25 to 82 or 107 to the preceding clause, wherein the plasticizer is selected from the group consisting of: glycerol, 1,2 pentanediol, 1,5 pentanediol, 1,2,6 hexanetriol and mixtures thereof.

[0461] 185. The liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, heat-pressed silk protein cream, silk leather, thermal insulator, adsorbent and / or gas-sensitive material, bioscaffold, mycelium-like material or method of clause 184, wherein the plasticizer is glycerol.

[0462] 186. The liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, heat-pressed silk protein cream, silk leather, thermal insulator, adsorbent and / or gas-sensitive material, bioscaffold, mycelium-like material or method of clause 184, wherein the plasticizer is 1,2-pentanediol.

[0463] 187. The liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, heat-pressed silk protein cream, silk leather, thermal insulator, adsorbent and / or gas-sensitive material, bioscaffold, mycelium-like material or method of clause 184, wherein the plasticizer is 1,5-pentanediol.

[0464] 188. The liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, heat-pressed silk protein cream, silk leather, thermal insulator, adsorbent and / or gas-sensitive material, bioscaffold, mycelium-like material or method of clause 184, wherein the plasticizer is 1,2,6-hexanetriol.

[0465] 189. A conductive silk leather.

[0466] 190. The conductive silk leather according to item 189, wherein a plurality of graphite flakes are distributed in the compressed silk protein cream or the heat-pressed silk protein cream.

[0467] 191. The conductive silk leather according to item 189, wherein graphene powder is distributed within the compressed silk protein cream of the heat-pressed silk protein cream.

[0468] 192. The conductive silk leather according to item 189, wherein conductive ink is printed on the surface of the compressed silk protein cream or the heat-pressed silk protein cream.

[0469] 193. Conductive silk leather according to item 189, wherein the conductive ink is printed between layers of the compressed silk protein cream or the heat-pressed silk protein cream, or printed and then embedded within the compressed silk protein cream or the heat-pressed silk protein cream.

[0470] 194. The conductive silk leather according to item 189, wherein conductive ink is printed between the compressed silk protein cream or the heat-pressed silk protein cream and the fabric layer.

[0471] 195. Conductive silk leather according to any one of clauses 189 to the preceding clause, wherein the conductivity is patterned into an electronic circuit.

[0472] 196. The conductive silk leather according to any one of clauses 189 to the preceding clause, wherein the resistivity of the conductive silk leather is at most 1 kΩ, at most 0.7 kΩ, at most 0.5 kΩ or at most 0.1 kΩ.

[0473] 197. The conductive silk leather according to any one of clauses 189 to the preceding clause, wherein the conductive silk leather is prepared from the liquid composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, 24 to 31, 42 to 44, 65 to 72, 83 to 85, 106 to 113, 124 to 126, 147 to 154, 170 to 176 or 181 to 188.

[0474] 198. Conductive silk leather according to any one of clauses 189 to the preceding clause, wherein the conductive silk leather is prepared from a whipped silk cream according to any one of clauses 4, 8 to 32, 45, 49 to 73, 86, 90 to 114, 127, 131 to 155 or 165 to 188 or by a method according to any one of clauses 4, 8 to 32, 45, 49 to 73, 86, 90 to 114, 127, 131 to 155 or 165 to 188.

[0475] 199. Conductive silk leather according to any one of clauses 189 to the preceding clause, wherein the conductive silk leather comprises or is prepared by a silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 5, 9 to 32, 46, 50 to 73, 87, 91 to 114, 128, 132 to 155 or 165 to 188 or by a method according to any one of clauses 5, 9 to 32, 46, 50 to 73, 87, 91 to 114, 128, 132 to 155 or 165 to 188.

[0476] 200. Conductive silk leather according to any one of clauses 189 to the preceding clause, wherein the conductive silk leather comprises or is prepared from the compressed silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 6, 10 to 32, 47, 51 to 73, 88, 92 to 114, 129, 133 to 155 or 165 to 188.

[0477] 201. Conductive silk leather according to any one of clauses 189 to the preceding clause, wherein the conductive silk leather comprises or is prepared from the hot-pressed silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 7, 11 to 32, 48, 52 to 73, 89, 93 to 114, 130, 134 to 155 or 165 to 188.

[0478] 202. The conductive silk leather according to any one of clauses 189 to the preceding clause, comprising the silk leather according to any one of clauses 33 to 35, 74 to 76, 115 to 117, 156 to 158 or 170 to 188.

[0479] 203. A magnetic silk leather.

[0480] 204. The magnetic silk leather according to item 203, wherein a plurality of magnetic particles are distributed in the compressed silk protein cream or the heat-pressed silk protein cream.

[0481] 205. The magnetic silk leather according to any one of clauses 203 to the preceding clause, wherein a plurality of chromium oxide particles are distributed within the compressed silk protein cream or the heat-pressed silk protein cream.

[0482] 206. The magnetic silk leather according to any one of clauses 203 to the preceding clause, wherein the magnetic silk leather blocks RFID signals.

[0483] 207. The magnetic silk leather according to any one of clauses 203 to the preceding clause, wherein the magnetic silk leather is prepared from a liquid composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, 24 to 31, 42 to 44, 65 to 72, 83 to 85, 106 to 113, 124 to 126, 147 to 154, 170 to 176 or 181 to 188.

[0484] 208. Magnetic silk leather according to any one of clauses 203 to the preceding clause, wherein the magnetic silk leather is prepared from a whipped silk cream according to any one of clauses 4, 8 to 32, 45, 49 to 73, 86, 90 to 114, 127, 131 to 155 or 165 to 188 or by a method according to any one of clauses 4, 8 to 32, 45, 49 to 73, 86, 90 to 114, 127, 131 to 155 or 165 to 188.

[0485] 209. Magnetic silk leather according to any one of clauses 203 to the preceding clause, wherein the magnetic silk leather comprises or is prepared by a silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 5, 9 to 32, 46, 50 to 73, 87, 91 to 114, 128, 132 to 155 or 165 to 188 or by a method according to any one of clauses 5, 9 to 32, 46, 50 to 73, 87, 91 to 114, 128, 132 to 155 or 165 to 188.

[0486] 210. Magnetic silk leather according to any one of clauses 203 to the preceding clause, wherein the magnetic silk leather comprises or is prepared from the compressed silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 6, 10 to 32, 47, 51 to 73, 88, 92 to 114, 129, 133 to 155 or 165 to 188.

[0487] 211. Magnetic silk leather according to any one of clauses 203 to the preceding clause, wherein the magnetic silk leather comprises or is prepared from the hot-pressed silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 7, 11 to 32, 48, 52 to 73, 89, 93 to 114, 130, 134 to 155 or 165 to 188.

[0488] 212. Magnetic silk leather according to any one of clauses 203 to the preceding clause, comprising silk leather according to any one of clauses 33 to 35, 74 to 76, 115 to 117, 156 to 158 or 170 to 188.

[0489] 213. A scented silk leather.

[0490] 214. The scented silk leather according to clause 213, wherein a plurality of aromatic compounds are distributed throughout the compressed silk protein cream or the heat-pressed silk protein cream of the scented silk leather.

[0491] 215. The scented silk leather of any one of clauses 213 to the preceding clause, wherein applying an additional volume of the aromatic compound to the surface of the scented silk leather at least partially replenishes the scented silk leather, thereby extending the life of the scent release.

[0492] 216. The scented silk leather according to any one of clauses 213 to the preceding clause, wherein the scented silk leather is prepared from a liquid composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, 24 to 31, 42 to 44, 65 to 72, 83 to 85, 106 to 113, 124 to 126, 147 to 154, 170 to 176 or 181 to 188.

[0493] 217. The scented silk leather according to any one of clauses 213 to the preceding clause, wherein the scented silk leather is prepared from a whipped silk cream according to any one of clauses 4, 8 to 32, 45, 49 to 73, 86, 90 to 114, 127, 131 to 155 or 165 to 188 or by a method according to any one of clauses 4, 8 to 32, 45, 49 to 73, 86, 90 to 114, 127, 131 to 155 or 165 to 188.

[0494] 218. The scented silk leather according to any one of clauses 213 to the preceding clause, wherein the scented silk leather comprises or is prepared from a silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 5, 9 to 32, 46, 50 to 73, 87, 91 to 114, 128, 132 to 155 or 165 to 188 or by a method according to any one of clauses 5, 9 to 32, 46, 50 to 73, 87, 91 to 114, 128, 132 to 155 or 165 to 188.

[0495] 219. The scented silk leather according to any one of clauses 213 to the preceding clause, wherein the scented silk leather comprises or is prepared from the compressed silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 6, 10 to 32, 47, 51 to 73, 88, 92 to 114, 129, 133 to 155 or 165 to 188.

[0496] 220. The scented silk leather according to any one of clauses 213 to the preceding clause, wherein the scented silk leather comprises or is prepared from the hot-pressed silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 7, 11 to 32, 48, 52 to 73, 89, 93 to 114, 130, 134 to 155 or 165 to 188.

[0497] 221. The scented silk leather according to any one of clauses 213 to the preceding clause, comprising the silk leather according to any one of clauses 33 to 35, 74 to 76, 115 to 117, 156 to 158 or 170 to 188.

[0498] 222. An insulated silk leather having thermochromic reporting properties within the interior volume of the body.

[0499] 223. The insulated silk leather according to any one of clauses 222 to the preceding clause, wherein the insulated silk leather is prepared from a liquid composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, 24 to 31, 42 to 44, 65 to 72, 83 to 85, 106 to 113, 124 to 126, 147 to 154, 170 to 176 or 181 to 188.

[0500] 224. The insulated silk leather according to any one of clauses 222 to the preceding clause, wherein the insulated silk leather is prepared from a whipped silk cream according to any one of clauses 4, 8 to 32, 45, 49 to 73, 86, 90 to 114, 127, 131 to 155 or 165 to 188 or by a method according to any one of clauses 4, 8 to 32, 45, 49 to 73, 86, 90 to 114, 127, 131 to 155 or 165 to 188.

[0501] 225. The insulated silk leather according to any one of clauses 222 to the preceding clause, wherein the insulated silk leather comprises or is prepared by a silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 5, 9 to 32, 46, 50 to 73, 87, 91 to 114, 128, 132 to 155 or 165 to 188 or by a method according to any one of clauses 5, 9 to 32, 46, 50 to 73, 87, 91 to 114, 128, 132 to 155 or 165 to 188.

[0502] 226. The insulated silk leather according to any one of clauses 222 to the preceding clause, wherein the insulated silk leather comprises or is prepared from the compressed silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 6, 10 to 32, 47, 51 to 73, 88, 92 to 114, 129, 133 to 155 or 165 to 188.

[0503] 227. The insulated silk leather according to any one of clauses 222 to the preceding clause, wherein the insulated silk leather comprises or is prepared from the hot-pressed silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 7, 11 to 32, 48, 52 to 73, 89, 93 to 114, 130, 134 to 155 or 165 to 188.

[0504] 228. The insulated silk leather according to any one of clauses 222 to the preceding clause, comprising the silk leather according to any one of clauses 33 to 35, 74 to 76, 115 to 117, 156 to 158 or 170 to 188.

[0505] 229. A pH responsive leather comprising pH responsive chemicals distributed throughout a compressed silk protein cream or a heat-pressed silk protein cream of the pH responsive leather.

[0506] 230. A pH-responsive silk leather according to any one of clauses 229 to the preceding clause, wherein the pH-responsive silk leather is prepared from a liquid composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, 24 to 31, 42 to 44, 65 to 72, 83 to 85, 106 to 113, 124 to 126, 147 to 154, 170 to 176 or 181 to 188.

[0507] 231. A pH-responsive silk leather according to any one of clauses 229 to the preceding clause, wherein the pH-responsive silk leather is prepared from a whipped silk cream according to any one of clauses 4, 8 to 32, 45, 49 to 73, 86, 90 to 114, 127, 131 to 155 or 165 to 188 or by a method according to any one of clauses 4, 8 to 32, 45, 49 to 73, 86, 90 to 114, 127, 131 to 155 or 165 to 188.

[0508] 232. A pH-responsive silk leather according to any one of clauses 229 to the preceding clause, wherein the pH-responsive silk leather comprises or is prepared from a silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 5, 9 to 32, 46, 50 to 73, 87, 91 to 114, 128, 132 to 155 or 165 to 188 or by a method according to any one of clauses 5, 9 to 32, 46, 50 to 73, 87, 91 to 114, 128, 132 to 155 or 165 to 188.

[0509] 233. A pH-responsive silk leather according to any one of clauses 229 to the preceding clause, wherein the compressed silk protein cream comprises or is prepared from the compressed silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 6, 10 to 32, 47, 51 to 73, 88, 92 to 114, 129, 133 to 155 or 165 to 188.

[0510] 234. A pH-responsive silk leather according to any one of clauses 229 to the preceding clause, wherein the hot-pressed silk protein cream comprises or is prepared from the hot-pressed silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 7, 11 to 32, 48, 52 to 73, 89, 93 to 114, 130, 134 to 155 or 165 to 188.

[0511] 235. The pH-responsive silk leather according to any one of clauses 229 to the preceding clause, comprising the silk leather according to any one of clauses 33 to 35, 74 to 76, 115 to 117, 156 to 158 or 170 to 188.

[0512] 236. A moisture sensing leather comprising a pH responsive chemical and a pH adjuster distributed throughout a compressed silk protein cream or a heat pressed silk protein cream of a pH responsive leather, wherein a measurable amount of moisture causes at least a portion of the pH adjuster to dissolve, thereby lowering the pH and providing a measurable moisture report.

[0513] 237. The moisture-sensing silk leather according to any one of clauses 236 to the preceding clause, wherein the moisture-sensing silk leather is prepared from a liquid composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, 24 to 31, 42 to 44, 65 to 72, 83 to 85, 106 to 113, 124 to 126, 147 to 154, 170 to 176 or 181 to 188.

[0514] 238. Moisture-sensing silk leather according to any one of clauses 236 to the preceding clause, wherein the moisture-sensing silk leather is prepared from a whipped silk cream according to any one of clauses 4, 8 to 32, 45, 49 to 73, 86, 90 to 114, 127, 131 to 155 or 165 to 188 or by a method according to any one of clauses 4, 8 to 32, 45, 49 to 73, 86, 90 to 114, 127, 131 to 155 or 165 to 188.

[0515] 239. Moisture-sensing silk leather according to any one of clauses 236 to the preceding clause, wherein the moisture-sensing silk leather comprises or is prepared by a silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 5, 9 to 32, 46, 50 to 73, 87, 91 to 114, 128, 132 to 155 or 165 to 188 or by a method according to any one of clauses 5, 9 to 32, 46, 50 to 73, 87, 91 to 114, 128, 132 to 155 or 165 to 188.

[0516] 240. Moisture-sensing silk leather according to any one of clauses 236 to the preceding clause, wherein the compressed silk protein cream comprises or is prepared from the compressed silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 6, 10 to 32, 47, 51 to 73, 88, 92 to 114, 129, 133 to 155 or 165 to 188.

[0517] 241. Moisture-sensing silk leather according to any one of clauses 236 to the preceding clause, wherein the hot-pressed silk protein cream comprises or is prepared from the hot-pressed silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 7, 11 to 32, 48, 52 to 73, 89, 93 to 114, 130, 134 to 155 or 165 to 188.

[0518] 242. Moisture-sensing silk leather according to any one of clauses 236 to the preceding clause, comprising the silk leather according to any one of clauses 33 to 35, 74 to 76, 115 to 117, 156 to 158 or 170 to 188.

[0519] 243. A patterned silk leather.

[0520] 244. The patterned silk leather of clause 237, comprising a surface pattern selected from the group consisting of: a simulated leather pattern; a waterproof or water-resistant pattern; an inlaid pattern; an optically active pattern; and combinations thereof.

[0521] 245. A patterned silk leather according to any one of clauses 237 to the preceding clause, wherein the patterned silk leather is prepared from a liquid composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, 24 to 31, 42 to 44, 65 to 72, 83 to 85, 106 to 113, 124 to 126, 147 to 154, 170 to 176 or 181 to 188.

[0522] 246. Patterned silk leather according to any one of clauses 237 to the preceding clause, wherein the patterned silk leather is prepared from a whipped silk cream according to any one of clauses 4, 8 to 32, 45, 49 to 73, 86, 90 to 114, 127, 131 to 155 or 165 to 188 or by a method according to any one of clauses 4, 8 to 32, 45, 49 to 73, 86, 90 to 114, 127, 131 to 155 or 165 to 188.

[0523] 247. A patterned silk leather according to any one of clauses 237 to the preceding clause, wherein the patterned silk leather comprises or is prepared from a silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 5, 9 to 32, 46, 50 to 73, 87, 91 to 114, 128, 132 to 155 or 165 to 188 or by a method according to any one of clauses 5, 9 to 32, 46, 50 to 73, 87, 91 to 114, 128, 132 to 155 or 165 to 188.

[0524] 248. A patterned silk leather according to any one of clauses 237 to the preceding clause, wherein the patterned silk leather comprises or is prepared from a compressed silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 6, 10 to 32, 47, 51 to 73, 88, 92 to 114, 129, 133 to 155 or 165 to 188 or by a method according to any one of clauses 6, 10 to 32, 47, 51 to 73, 88, 92 to 114, 129, 133 to 155 or 165 to 188.

[0525] 249. A patterned silk leather according to any one of clauses 237 to the preceding clause, wherein the patterned silk leather comprises or is prepared by a hot-pressed silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 7, 11 to 32, 48, 52 to 73, 89, 93 to 114, 130, 134 to 155 or 165 to 188 or by a method according to any one of clauses 7, 11 to 32, 48, 52 to 73, 89, 93 to 114, 130, 134 to 155 or 165 to 188.

[0526] 250. A patterned silk leather according to any one of clauses 237 to the preceding clause, wherein the patterned silk leather comprises a silk leather according to any one of clauses 33 to 35, 74 to 76, 115 to 117, 156 to 158 or 170 to 188.

[0527] 251. An electronic silk leather having electronic components embedded therein.

[0528] 252. The electronic silk leather according to clause 251, wherein the electronic component or the second electronic component is embedded between the silk layer and the fabric layer in the electronic silk leather.

[0529] 253. The electronic silk leather according to any one of clauses 251 to the preceding clause, wherein the electronic component or a third electronic component is embedded in the silk layer in the electronic silk leather.

[0530] 254. The electronic silk leather according to any one of clauses 251 to the preceding clause, wherein the electronic silk leather further comprises a power source coupled to the electronic component.

[0531] 255. The electronic silk leather according to the preceding clause, wherein the power source is a rechargeable battery, a wired disposable battery holder or a combination thereof.

[0532] 256. The electronic silk leather according to any one of clauses 251 to the preceding clause, wherein the electronic component comprises an RFID tag.

[0533] 257. The electronic silk leather according to any one of clauses 251 to the preceding clause, wherein the electronic components include wiring.

[0534] 258. The electronic silk leather according to any one of clauses 251 to the preceding clause, wherein the electronic silk leather is prepared from the liquid composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, 24 to 31, 42 to 44, 65 to 72, 83 to 85, 106 to 113, 124 to 126, 147 to 154, 170 to 176 or 181 to 188.

[0535] 259. Electronic silk leather according to any one of clauses 251 to the preceding clause, wherein the electronic silk leather is prepared from a whipped silk cream according to any one of clauses 4, 8 to 32, 45, 49 to 73, 86, 90 to 114, 127, 131 to 155 or 165 to 188 or by a method according to any one of clauses 4, 8 to 32, 45, 49 to 73, 86, 90 to 114, 127, 131 to 155 or 165 to 188.

[0536] 260. Electronic silk leather according to any one of clauses 251 to the preceding clause, wherein the electronic silk leather comprises or is prepared by a silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 5, 9 to 32, 46, 50 to 73, 87, 91 to 114, 128, 132 to 155 or 165 to 188 or by a method according to any one of clauses 5, 9 to 32, 46, 50 to 73, 87, 91 to 114, 128, 132 to 155 or 165 to 188.

[0537] 261. Electronic silk leather according to any one of clauses 251 to the preceding clause, wherein the electronic silk leather comprises or is prepared by compressed silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 6, 10 to 32, 47, 51 to 73, 88, 92 to 114, 129, 133 to 155 or 165 to 188 or by a method according to any one of clauses 6, 10 to 32, 47, 51 to 73, 88, 92 to 114, 129, 133 to 155 or 165 to 188.

[0538] 262. Electronic silk leather according to any one of clauses 251 to the preceding clause, wherein the electronic silk leather comprises or is prepared by hot-pressed silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 7, 11 to 32, 48, 52 to 73, 89, 93 to 114, 130, 134 to 155 or 165 to 188 or by a method according to any one of clauses 7, 11 to 32, 48, 52 to 73, 89, 93 to 114, 130, 134 to 155 or 165 to 188.

[0539] 263. The electronic silk leather according to any one of clauses 251 to the preceding clause, wherein the electronic silk leather comprises the silk leather according to any one of clauses 33 to 35, 74 to 76, 115 to 117, 156 to 158 or 170 to 188.

[0540] 264. A semiconductor device embedded silk leather, wherein a semiconductor device is embedded therein.

[0541] 265. The semiconductor device-embedded silk leather according to clause 264, wherein the semiconductor device or the second semiconductor device is embedded at the surface of the compressed silk protein cream or the heat-pressed silk protein cream.

[0542] 266. The semiconductor device-embedded silk leather according to any one of clauses 264 to the preceding clause, wherein the semiconductor device or the third semiconductor device is embedded in the compressed silk protein cream or the heat-pressed silk protein cream.

[0543] 267. Silk leather embedded with a semiconductor device according to any one of clauses 264 to the preceding clause, wherein the semiconductor device or the fourth semiconductor device is embedded between the first fabric layer and the compressed silk protein cream or the heat-pressed silk protein cream.

[0544] 268. A semiconductor device-embedded silk leather according to any one of clauses 264 to the preceding clause, wherein the semiconductor device-embedded silk leather is prepared from a liquid composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, 24 to 31, 42 to 44, 65 to 72, 83 to 85, 106 to 113, 124 to 126, 147 to 154, 170 to 176 or 181 to 188.

[0545] 269. Silk leather embedded with a semiconductor device according to any one of clauses 264 to the preceding clause, wherein the silk leather embedded with a semiconductor device is prepared from a whipped silk cream according to any one of clauses 4, 8 to 32, 45, 49 to 73, 86, 90 to 114, 127, 131 to 155 or 165 to 188 or by a method according to any one of clauses 4, 8 to 32, 45, 49 to 73, 86, 90 to 114, 127, 131 to 155 or 165 to 188.

[0546] 270. Silk leather embedded with a semiconductor device according to any one of clauses 264 to the preceding clause, wherein the silk leather embedded with a semiconductor device comprises or is prepared by a silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 5, 9 to 32, 46, 50 to 73, 87, 91 to 114, 128, 132 to 155 or 165 to 188 or by a method according to any one of clauses 5, 9 to 32, 46, 50 to 73, 87, 91 to 114, 128, 132 to 155 or 165 to 188.

[0547] 271. A semiconductor device embedded silk leather according to any one of clauses 264 to the preceding clause, wherein the semiconductor device embedded silk leather comprises or is prepared by a compressed silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 6, 10 to 32, 47, 51 to 73, 88, 92 to 114, 129, 133 to 155 or 165 to 188 or by a method according to any one of clauses 6, 10 to 32, 47, 51 to 73, 88, 92 to 114, 129, 133 to 155 or 165 to 188.

[0548] 272. Silk leather embedded with a semiconductor device according to any one of clauses 264 to the preceding clause, wherein the silk leather embedded with a semiconductor device comprises or is prepared by a hot-pressed silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 7, 11 to 32, 48, 52 to 73, 89, 93 to 114, 130, 134 to 155 or 165 to 188 or by a method according to any one of clauses 7, 11 to 32, 48, 52 to 73, 89, 93 to 114, 130, 134 to 155 or 165 to 188.

[0549] 273. Silk leather embedded with a semiconductor device according to any one of clauses 264 to the preceding clause, wherein the silk leather embedded with a semiconductor device comprises silk leather according to any one of clauses 33 to 35, 74 to 76, 115 to 117, 156 to 158 or 170 to 188.

[0550] 274. A tactile silk leather having a tactile switch embedded therein.

[0551] 275. The tactile silk leather of clause 274, wherein the tactile switch or a second tactile switch is embedded at the surface of the silk leather.

[0552] 276. The tactile silk leather according to any one of clauses 274 to the preceding clause, wherein the tactile switch or the third tactile switch is embedded in the compressed silk protein cream or the heat-pressed silk protein cream of the tactile silk leather.

[0553] 277. The tactile silk leather of any one of clauses 274 to the preceding clause, wherein the tactile switch or fourth tactile switch is embedded adjacent to the first fabric layer of the tactile silk leather.

[0554] 278. The tactile silk leather of any one of clauses 274 to the preceding clause, wherein the tactile silk leather is prepared from a liquid composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, 24 to 31, 42 to 44, 65 to 72, 83 to 85, 106 to 113, 124 to 126, 147 to 154, 170 to 176 or 181 to 188.

[0555] 279. Tactile silk leather according to any one of clauses 274 to the preceding clause, wherein the tactile silk leather is prepared from a whipped silk cream according to any one of clauses 4, 8 to 32, 45, 49 to 73, 86, 90 to 114, 127, 131 to 155 or 165 to 188 or by a method according to any one of clauses 4, 8 to 32, 45, 49 to 73, 86, 90 to 114, 127, 131 to 155 or 165 to 188.

[0556] 280. Tactile silk leather according to any one of clauses 274 to the preceding clause, wherein the tactile silk leather comprises or is prepared from a silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 5, 9 to 32, 46, 50 to 73, 87, 91 to 114, 128, 132 to 155 or 165 to 188 or by a method according to any one of clauses 5, 9 to 32, 46, 50 to 73, 87, 91 to 114, 128, 132 to 155 or 165 to 188.

[0557] 281. Tactile silk leather according to any one of clauses 274 to the preceding clause, wherein the tactile silk leather comprises or is prepared from a compressed silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 6, 10 to 32, 47, 51 to 73, 88, 92 to 114, 129, 133 to 155 or 165 to 188 or by a method according to any one of clauses 6, 10 to 32, 47, 51 to 73, 88, 92 to 114, 129, 133 to 155 or 165 to 188.

[0558] 282. Tactile silk leather according to any one of clauses 274 to the preceding clause, wherein the tactile silk leather comprises a heat-pressed silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 7, 11 to 32, 48, 52 to 73, 89, 93 to 114, 130, 134 to 155 or 165 to 188 or prepared by a method according to any one of clauses 7, 11 to 32, 48, 52 to 73, 89, 93 to 114, 130, 134 to 155 or 165 to 188.

[0559] 283. The tactile silk leather of any one of clauses 274 to the preceding clause, wherein the tactile silk leather comprises the silk leather of any one of clauses 33 to 35, 74 to 76, 115 to 117, 156 to 158 or 170 to 188.

[0560] 284. A tanned silk leather having a body volume of compressed silk protein cream or heat-pressed silk protein cream and a surface layer of compressed silk protein cream or heat-pressed silk protein cream, wherein the surface layer is formed from the same chemical composition as the body volume but includes at least one different structural, mechanical or chemical feature relative to the body volume.

[0561] 285. Tanned silk leather according to clause 284, wherein the surface layer comprises a dye.

[0562] 286. Tanned silk leather according to clause 284 or 285, wherein the surface layer comprises a precursor that reacts to form the surface layer.

[0563] 287. Tanned silk leather according to any one of clauses 284 to the preceding clause, wherein the surface layer is patterned.

[0564] 288. Tanned silk leather according to any one of clauses 284 to the preceding clause, wherein the compressed silk protein cream or the heat-pressed silk protein cream is prepared from a liquid composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, 24 to 31, 42 to 44, 65 to 72, 83 to 85, 106 to 113, 124 to 126, 147 to 154, 170 to 176 or 181 to 188.

[0565] 289. Tanned silk leather according to any one of clauses 284 to the preceding clause, wherein the compressed silk protein cream or the heat-pressed silk protein cream is prepared from a whipped silk cream according to any one of clauses 4, 8 to 32, 45, 49 to 73, 86, 90 to 114, 127, 131 to 155 or 165 to 188 or by a method according to any one of clauses 4, 8 to 32, 45, 49 to 73, 86, 90 to 114, 127, 131 to 155 or 165 to 188.

[0566] 290. Tanned silk leather according to any one of clauses 284 to the preceding clause, wherein the compressed silk protein cream or the hot-pressed silk protein cream is prepared from a silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 5, 9 to 32, 46, 50 to 73, 87, 91 to 114, 128, 132 to 155 or 165 to 188 or by a method according to any one of clauses 5, 9 to 32, 46, 50 to 73, 87, 91 to 114, 128, 132 to 155 or 165 to 188.

[0567] 291. Tanned silk leather according to any one of clauses 284 to the preceding clause, wherein the compressed silk protein cream or the heat-pressed silk protein cream is a compressed silk protein cream prepared according to any one of clauses 6, 10 to 32, 47, 51 to 73, 88, 92 to 114, 129, 133 to 155 or 165 to 188 or prepared by a method according to any one of clauses 6, 10 to 32, 47, 51 to 73, 88, 92 to 114, 129, 133 to 155 or 165 to 188 or prepared thereby.

[0568] 292. Tanned silk leather according to any one of clauses 284 to the preceding clause, wherein the hot-pressed silk protein cream is a hot-pressed silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 7, 11 to 32, 48, 52 to 73, 89, 93 to 114, 130, 134 to 155 or 165 to 188 or prepared by a method according to any one of clauses 7, 11 to 32, 48, 52 to 73, 89, 93 to 114, 130, 134 to 155 or 165 to 188.

[0569] 293. Tanned silk leather according to any one of clauses 284 to the preceding clause, wherein the tanned silk leather comprises silk leather according to any one of clauses 33 to 35, 74 to 76, 115 to 117, 156 to 158 or 170 to 188.

[0570] 294. A whipped silk cream or silk meringue cream having fibres distributed throughout.

[0571] 295. A whipped silk cream or silk protein cream according to claim 294, wherein the whipped silk cream or silk protein cream is prepared from a liquid composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 24 to 31, 42 to 44, 65 to 72, 83 to 85, 106 to 113, 124 to 126, 147 to 154, 170 to 176 or 181 to 188.

[0572] 296. A whipped silk cream or silk protein cream according to claim 294 or 295, wherein the whipped silk cream or silk protein cream is a whipped silk cream according to any one of claims 4, 8 to 32, 45, 49 to 73, 86, 90 to 114, 127, 131 to 155 or 165 to 188 or prepared by a method according to any one of claims 4, 8 to 32, 45, 49 to 73, 86, 90 to 114, 127, 131 to 155 or 165 to 188 or prepared thereby.

[0573] 297. A whipped silk cream or silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 294 to the preceding clause, wherein the silk protein cream is a silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 5, 9 to 32, 46, 50 to 73, 87, 91 to 114, 128, 132 to 155 or 165 to 188 or prepared by a method according to any one of clauses 5, 9 to 32, 46, 50 to 73, 87, 91 to 114, 128, 132 to 155 or 165 to 188.

[0574] 298. A whipped silk cream or silk protein cream with electronic devices distributed throughout.

[0575] 299. A whipped silk cream or silk protein cream according to claim 295, wherein the whipped silk cream or silk protein cream is prepared from a liquid composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 24 to 31, 42 to 44, 65 to 72, 83 to 85, 106 to 113, 124 to 126, 147 to 154, 170 to 176 or 181 to 188.

[0576] 300. A whipped silk cream or silk protein cream according to claim 295 or 299, wherein the whipped silk cream or silk protein cream is a whipped silk cream according to any one of claims 4, 8 to 32, 45, 49 to 73, 86, 90 to 114, 127, 131 to 155 or 165 to 188 or prepared by a method according to any one of claims 4, 8 to 32, 45, 49 to 73, 86, 90 to 114, 127, 131 to 155 or 165 to 188 or prepared thereby.

[0577] 301. A whipped silk cream or silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 295 to the preceding clause, wherein the silk protein cream is a silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 5, 9 to 32, 46, 50 to 73, 87, 91 to 114, 128, 132 to 155 or 165 to 188 or prepared by a method according to any one of clauses 5, 9 to 32, 46, 50 to 73, 87, 91 to 114, 128, 132 to 155 or 165 to 188.

[0578] 302. An ultra-light silk down substitute comprising silk protein cream.

[0579] 303. An ultralight silk down substitute according to clause 302, wherein the silk protein cream is made from a regenerated silk fibroin solution, and the regenerated silk fibroin solution is prepared from recycled regenerated silk fibroin products or waste silk fabrics.

[0580] 304. The ultralight silk down substitute according to any one of clauses 302 to the preceding clause, further comprising a plurality of heat reflective particles distributed throughout the silk protein cream.

[0581] 305. An ultralight silk down substitute according to any one of clauses 302 to the preceding clause, wherein the silk protein cream is prepared from a liquid composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, 24 to 31, 42 to 44, 65 to 72, 83 to 85, 106 to 113, 124 to 126, 147 to 154, 170 to 176 or 181 to 188.

[0582] 306. An ultralight silk down substitute according to any one of clauses 302 to the preceding clause, wherein the silk protein cream is prepared from a whipped silk cream according to any one of clauses 4, 8 to 32, 45, 49 to 73, 86, 90 to 114, 127, 131 to 155 or 165 to 188 or by a method according to any one of clauses 4, 8 to 32, 45, 49 to 73, 86, 90 to 114, 127, 131 to 155 or 165 to 188.

[0583] 307. An ultralight silk down substitute according to any one of clauses 302 to the preceding clause, wherein the silk protein cream is a silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 5, 9 to 32, 46, 50 to 73, 87, 91 to 114, 128, 132 to 155 or 165 to 188 or prepared by a method according to any one of clauses 5, 9 to 32, 46, 50 to 73, 87, 91 to 114, 128, 132 to 155 or 165 to 188.

[0584] 308. An impact dispersing foam comprising silk protein cream.

[0585] 309. The impact-dispersing foam of clause 308, wherein the impact-dispersing foam has one or more impact sensors located within the impact-dispersing foam.

[0586] 310. The impact force dispersing foam of clause 308, wherein the one or more impact force sensors comprise a PDA impact force sensor.

[0587] 311. The impact dispersing foam of any one of clauses 308 to the preceding clause, wherein the impact dispersing foam has one or more strain sensors located within the impact dispersing foam.

[0588] 312. The impact dispersion foam of any one of clauses 308 to the preceding clause, wherein the impact dispersion foam is prepared from a liquid composition of any one of clauses 1 to 3, 24 to 31, 42 to 44, 65 to 72, 83 to 85, 106 to 113, 124 to 126, 147 to 154, 170 to 176 or 181 to 188.

[0589] 313. An impact-dispersing foam according to any one of clauses 308 to the preceding clause, wherein the impact-dispersing foam is prepared from a whipped silk cream according to any one of clauses 4, 8 to 32, 45, 49 to 73, 86, 90 to 114, 127, 131 to 155 or 165 to 188 or prepared by a method according to any one of clauses 4, 8 to 32, 45, 49 to 73, 86, 90 to 114, 127, 131 to 155 or 165 to 188.

[0590] 314. An impact-dispersing foam according to any one of clauses 308 to the preceding clause, wherein the impact-dispersing foam is or is prepared from a silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 5, 9 to 32, 46, 50 to 73, 87, 91 to 114, 128, 132 to 155 or 165 to 188 or by a method according to any one of clauses 5, 9 to 32, 46, 50 to 73, 87, 91 to 114, 128, 132 to 155 or 165 to 188.

[0591] 315. An impact-dispersing foam according to any one of clauses 308 to the preceding clause, wherein the impact-dispersing foam is or is prepared from a compressed silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 6, 10 to 32, 47, 51 to 73, 88, 92 to 114, 129, 133 to 155 or 165 to 188 or by a method according to any one of clauses 6, 10 to 32, 47, 51 to 73, 88, 92 to 114, 129, 133 to 155 or 165 to 188.

[0592] 316. An impact-dispersing foam according to any one of clauses 308 to the preceding clause, wherein the impact-dispersing foam is a hot-pressed silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 7, 11 to 32, 48, 52 to 73, 89, 93 to 114, 130, 134 to 155 or 165 to 188 or prepared by a method according to any one of clauses 7, 11 to 32, 48, 52 to 73, 89, 93 to 114, 130, 134 to 155 or 165 to 188.

[0593] 317. A protected article, comprising: an article to be protected; and a protective shell, the protective shell comprising silk protein cream, solidified silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream or heat-compressed silk protein cream, wherein the protective shell is formed by: surrounding and contacting the article to be protected with a precursor of the protective shell and solidifying the precursor to form the protective shell, wherein the surrounding includes complete encapsulation or encapsulation against the surface.

[0594] 318. A protected article according to clause 317, wherein the article to be protected is an electronic component.

[0595] 319. A protected article according to clause 317, wherein the article to be protected is an aerospace component.

[0596] 320. The protected article of clause 317, wherein the article to be protected is a semiconductor chip.

[0597] 321. A protected article according to clause 317, wherein the article to be protected is a semiconductor device.

[0598] 322. A protected article according to clause 317, wherein the article to be protected is a three-dimensional printed structure.

[0599] 323. The protected article according to any one of clauses 317 to the preceding clause, wherein the article to be protected is resistant to impact forces between F 100 Newtons (N) and 25,000 N.

[0600] 324. The protected article according to any one of clauses 317 to the preceding clause, wherein the article to be protected is resistant to temperatures between 80°F and 500°F.

[0601] 325. A protected article according to any one of clauses 317 to the preceding clause, wherein the silk fibroin cream, the solidified silk fibroin cream, the compressed silk fibroin cream or the heat-compressed silk fibroin cream is prepared from a liquid composition comprising between 1.0% and 5.0% silk fibroin by weight.

[0602] 326. A protected article according to any one of clauses 317 to 324, wherein the silk fibroin cream, the solidified silk fibroin cream, the compressed silk fibroin cream or the heat-compressed silk fibroin cream is prepared from a liquid composition comprising between 5.0% and 10.0% silk fibroin by weight.

[0603] 327. A protected article according to any one of clauses 317 to the preceding clause, wherein the silk protein cream, the solidified silk protein cream, the compressed silk protein cream or the heat-compressed silk protein cream is prepared from a liquid composition according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, 24 to 31, 42 to 44, 65 to 72, 83 to 85, 106 to 113, 124 to 126, 147 to 154, 170 to 176 or 181 to 188.

[0604] 328. A protected article according to any one of clauses 317 to the preceding clause, wherein the silk protein cream, the solidified silk protein cream, the compressed silk protein cream or the heat-compressed silk protein cream is prepared from a whipped silk cream according to any one of clauses 4, 8 to 32, 45, 49 to 73, 86, 90 to 114, 127, 131 to 155 or 165 to 188 or by a method according to any one of clauses 4, 8 to 32, 45, 49 to 73, 86, 90 to 114, 127, 131 to 155 or 165 to 188.

[0605] 329. A protected article according to any one of clauses 317 to the preceding clause, wherein the silk protein cream, the solidified silk protein cream, the compressed silk protein cream or the heat-pressed silk protein cream is a silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 5, 9 to 32, 46, 50 to 73, 87, 91 to 114, 128, 132 to 155 or 165 to 188 or is prepared by a method according to any one of clauses 5, 9 to 32, 46, 50 to 73, 87, 91 to 114, 128, 132 to 155 or 165 to 188 or is prepared thereby.

[0606] 330. A protected article according to any one of clauses 317 to the preceding clause, wherein the compressed silk protein cream is a compressed silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 6, 10 to 32, 47, 51 to 73, 88, 92 to 114, 129, 133 to 155 or 165 to 188 or prepared by a method according to any one of clauses 6, 10 to 32, 47, 51 to 73, 88, 92 to 114, 129, 133 to 155 or 165 to 188.

[0607] 331. A protected article according to any one of clauses 317 to the preceding clause, wherein the hot-pressed silk protein cream is a hot-pressed silk protein cream according to any one of clauses 7, 11 to 32, 48, 52 to 73, 89, 93 to 114, 130, 134 to 155 or 165 to 188 or prepared by a method according to any one of clauses 7, 11 to 32, 48, 52 to 73, 89, 93 to 114, 130, 134 to 155 or 165 to 188.

[0608] 332. An open-cell silk foam prepared by whipping a liquid silk composition comprising silk fibroin and xanthan gum beyond a first overrun value and not reaching a second overrun value to form a silk whipping cream having an open structure; and subsequently baking the silk whipping cream to prepare the open-cell silk foam.

[0609] 333. A closed-cell silk foam prepared by whipping a liquid silk composition comprising silk fibroin and xanthan gum to less than a first expansion ratio value or exceeding a second expansion ratio value to form a silk whipping cream having a closed structure; and subsequently baking the silk whipping cream to prepare the closed-cell silk foam.

[0610] 334. A whipped silk cream comprising silk fibroin, polysaccharide and a plasticizer.

[0611] 335. A silk protein cream comprising silk fibroin, polysaccharide and plasticizer.

[0612] 336. A compressed silk protein cream comprising silk fibroin, polysaccharide and plasticizer.

[0613] 337. A hot-pressed silk protein cream comprising silk fibroin, polysaccharide and plasticizer.

[0614] 338. A method of preparing a composition, the method comprising whipping a liquid composition comprising silk fibroin, a polysaccharide, and a plasticizer for a predetermined whipping time to form a whipped silk cream.

[0615] 339. The method according to the preceding clause, further comprising baking the whipped silk cream at a temperature between 30°C and 150°C or between 50°C and 80°C for a period of time between 2 hours and 24 hours to form a silk protein cream.

[0616] 340. The method according to the preceding clause, further comprising compressing the silk protein cream with a force between 0.25 MPa and 25 MPa for a period of time between 15 minutes and 6 hours to form a compressed silk protein cream.

[0617] 341. The method according to the preceding clause, wherein the compression is carried out at an elevated temperature between 80°C and 200°C, and the compressed silk protein cream is a hot-pressed silk protein cream.

[0618] 342. A method according to any one of clauses 338 to the preceding clause, wherein the predetermined whipping time is between 5 minutes and 30 minutes, including but not limited to at least 5 minutes, at least 6 minutes, at least 7 minutes, at least 8 minutes, at least 9 minutes or at least 10 minutes and at most 30 minutes, at most 25 minutes, at most 20 minutes, at most 15 minutes or at most 10 minutes.

[0619] 343. The method of any one of clauses 338 to the preceding clause, further comprising baking the whipped silk cream to form a silk protein cream.

[0620] 344. Method according to the preceding clause, wherein said baking is carried out at a temperature between 40°C and 150°C, for a period of time between 5 minutes and 24 hours.

[0621] 345. A method according to clause 340, wherein the compression involves applying a force between 0.25 MPa and 25 MPa for a period of time between 5 minutes and 6 hours.

[0622] 346. A method according to any one of clauses 338 to the preceding clause, wherein the silk fibroin and the polysaccharide are present in a weight ratio between 1:4 and 20:1 or between 1:2 and 10:1, including but not limited to at least 1:4, at least 1:3 or at least 1:2 and at most 20:1, at most 19:1, at most 18:1, at most 16:1, at most 15:1, at most 14:1, at most 12:1, at most 11:1 or at most 10:1.

[0623] 347. The method of any one of clause 338 to the preceding clause, wherein the plasticizer is present in an amount between 0.5% and 75.0% by weight.

[0624] 348. A whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, hot-pressed silk protein cream or method according to any one of clauses 334 to the preceding clause, wherein the whipped silk cream, the silk protein cream, the compressed silk protein cream, the hot-pressed silk protein cream further comprises at least one of a sensing agent, a therapeutic active agent, a colorant or a fragrance.

[0625] 349. A whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, heat-pressed silk protein cream or method according to any one of clauses 334 to the preceding clause, wherein the polysaccharide is alginate or xanthan gum.

[0626] 350. A whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, heat-pressed silk protein cream or method according to any one of clauses 334 to the preceding clause, wherein the plasticizer is selected from the group consisting of glycerol, 1,2 pentanediol, 1,5 pentanediol, 1,2,6 hexanetriol and combinations thereof.

[0627] 351. A liquid composition comprising a mixture of silk fibroin, alginate, and a plasticizer.

[0628] 352. A liquid composition according to claim 351, wherein the silk fibroin is present in the liquid composition in an amount between 1% and 10% or between 3% and 7% by weight, including but not limited to at least 1%, at least 2%, at least 3%, at least 4%, at least 5% or at least 6% and at most 10%, at most 9%, at most 8%, at most 7%, at most 6% or at most 5%.

[0629] 353. A liquid composition according to clause 351 or 352, wherein the alginate is present in the liquid composition in an amount between 0.1% and 10.0% by weight, including but not limited to at least 0.1%, at least 0.5%, at least 1%, at least 2%, at least 3%, at least 4%, at least 5% or at least 6% and at most 10%, at most 9%, at most 8%, at most 7%, at most 6% or at most 5%.

[0630] 354. A whipped silk cream comprising silk fibroin, alginate, and a plasticizer.

[0631] 355. A silk protein cream comprising silk fibroin, alginate and a plasticizer.

[0632] 356. A compressed silk protein cream comprising silk fibroin, alginate and a plasticizer.

[0633] 357. A hot-pressed silk protein cream comprising silk fibroin, alginate and a plasticizer.

[0634] 358. A method of preparing a composition, the method comprising: whipping a liquid composition comprising silk fibroin, alginate, and a plasticizer for a predetermined whipping time to form a whipped silk cream.

[0635] 359. The method according to the preceding clause, further comprising baking the whipped silk cream at a temperature between 30°C and 150°C or between 50°C and 80°C for a period of time between 2 hours and 24 hours to form a silk protein cream.

[0636] 360. The method according to the preceding clause, further comprising compressing the silk protein cream with a force between 0.25 MPa and 25 MPa for a period of time between 15 minutes and 6 hours to form a compressed silk protein cream.

[0637] 361. The method according to the preceding clause, wherein the compression is carried out at an elevated temperature between 80°C and 200°C, and the compressed silk protein cream is a hot-pressed silk protein cream.

[0638] 362. A method according to any one of clauses 358 to the preceding clause, wherein the predetermined whipping time is between 5 minutes and 30 minutes, including but not limited to at least 5 minutes, at least 6 minutes, at least 7 minutes, at least 8 minutes, at least 9 minutes or at least 10 minutes and at most 30 minutes, at most 25 minutes, at most 20 minutes, at most 15 minutes or at most 10 minutes.

[0639] 363. The method of any one of clauses 358 to the preceding clause, further comprising baking the whipped silk cream to form a silk protein cream.

[0640] 364. Method according to the preceding clause, wherein said baking is carried out at a temperature between 40°C and 150°C for a period of time between 5 minutes and 24 hours.

[0641] 365. A method according to any one of clauses 360 to the preceding clause, wherein compression involves applying a force between 0.25 MPa and 25 MPa for a period of time between 5 minutes and 6 hours.

[0642] 366. A method according to any one of clauses 358 to the preceding clause, wherein the silk fibroin and the alginate are present in a weight ratio between 1:4 and 20:1 or between 1:2 and 10:1, including but not limited to at least 1:4, at least 1:3 or at least 1:2 and at most 20:1, at most 19:1, at most 18:1, at most 16:1, at most 15:1, at most 14:1, at most 12:1, at most 11:1 or at most 10:1.

[0643] 367. The method of any one of clauses 358 to the preceding clause, wherein the plasticizer is present in an amount between 0.5% and 75.0% by weight.

[0644] 368. A liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, hot-pressed silk protein cream or method according to any one of clauses 351 to the preceding clause, wherein the liquid composition, the whipped silk cream, the silk protein cream, the compressed silk protein cream, the hot-pressed silk protein cream further comprises at least one of a sensing agent, a therapeutic active agent, a colorant or a fragrance.

[0645] 369. A liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, heat-pressed silk protein cream or method according to any one of clauses 351 to the preceding clause, wherein the plasticizer is selected from the group consisting of: glycerol, 1,2 pentanediol, 1,5 pentanediol, 1,2,6 hexanetriol and combinations thereof.

[0646] 370. A method for preparing a whipped silk cream having a desired whipped silk cream form, a silk protein cream having a desired silk protein cream form, a compressed silk protein cream having a desired compressed silk protein cream form, or a hot-pressed silk protein cream having a desired hot-pressed silk protein cream form, the method comprising:

[0647] Selecting silk concentration, silk molecular weight distribution, polysaccharide type, polysaccharide concentration, plasticizer type, plasticizer concentration, whipping speed, optionally silk meringue baking temperature, optionally compressed silk meringue compression force, optionally hot pressed silk meringue heat pressure and temperature; and

[0648] The whipped silk cream, the silk protein cream, the compressed silk protein cream or the hot-pressed silk protein cream are prepared using the silk concentration, the silk molecular weight distribution, the polysaccharide type, the polysaccharide concentration, the plasticizer type, the plasticizer concentration, the whipping speed, the optional silk protein cream baking temperature, the optional compressed silk protein cream compression force and the optional hot-pressed silk protein cream heat pressure and temperature.

Claims

1. A liquid composition, characterized in that The liquid composition includes a mixture of silk fibroin and xanthan gum.

2. The liquid composition according to claim 1, characterized in that The silk fibroin is present in the liquid composition in an amount between 1% and 10% or between 3% and 7% by weight, including but not limited to at least 1%, at least 2%, at least 3%, at least 4%, at least 5% or at least 6% and at most 10%, at most 9%, at most 8%, at most 7%, at most 6% or at most 5%.

3. The liquid composition according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The xanthan gum is present in the liquid composition in an amount between 0.1% and 10.0% by weight, including but not limited to at least 0.1%, at least 0.5%, at least 1%, at least 2%, at least 3%, at least 4%, at least 5% or at least 6% and at most 10%, at most 9%, at most 8%, at most 7%, at most 6% or at most 5%.

4. A whipped silk cream, characterized in that: The whipped silk cream comprises silk fibroin and xanthan gum.

5. A silk protein cream, characterized in that: The silk protein cream comprises silk fibroin and xanthan gum.

6. A compressed silk protein cream, characterized in that: The compressed silk protein cream comprises silk fibroin and xanthan gum.

7. A hot-pressed silk protein cream, characterized in that: The hot-pressed silk protein cream comprises silk fibroin and xanthan gum.

8. A method for preparing a composition, characterized in that The method includes whipping a liquid composition comprising silk fibroin and xanthan gum for a predetermined whipping time to form a whipped silk cream.

9. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The method further includes baking the whipped silk cream at a temperature between 30° C. and 150° C. or between 50° C. and 80° C. for a period of time between 2 hours and 24 hours to form a silk protein cream.

10. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The method further includes compressing the silk protein cream at a force between 0.25 MPa and 25 MPa for a period of time between 15 minutes and 6 hours to form a compressed silk protein cream.

11. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The compression is performed at a high temperature between 80° C. and 200° C., and the compressed silk protein cream is a hot-pressed silk protein cream.

12. Method according to any one of claims 8 to the preceding claim, characterized in that The predetermined whipping time is between 5 minutes and 30 minutes, including but not limited to at least 5 minutes, at least 6 minutes, at least 7 minutes, at least 8 minutes, at least 9 minutes or at least 10 minutes and at most 30 minutes, at most 25 minutes, at most 20 minutes, at most 15 minutes or at most 10 minutes.

13. Method according to any one of claims 8 to the preceding claim, characterized in that The beating is performed with a mixer.

14. Method according to any one of claims 8 to the preceding claim, characterized in that The whipping is performed manually.

15. Method according to any one of claims 8 to the preceding claim, characterized in that The whipping is performed by a machine, including but not limited to a stand mixer.

16. Method according to any one of claims 13 to the preceding claim, characterized in that The stirrer is a metal stirrer.

17. Method according to any one of claims 13 to the preceding claim, characterized in that The stirrer is a non-metal stirrer.

18. Method according to any one of claims 8 to the preceding claim, characterized in that The whipping is performed in a mixing bowl.

19. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The mixing bowl is a metal mixing bowl, optionally a stainless steel mixing bowl.

20. The method according to any one of claims 8 to the preceding claim, characterized in that The method further includes baking the whipped silk cream to form a silk protein cream.

21. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The baking is performed at a temperature between 40° C. and 150° C. for a time period between 5 minutes and 24 hours.

22. The method according to any one of claims 20 to the preceding claim, characterized in that The method includes compressing the silk protein cream to form a compressed silk protein cream.

23. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that Compression involves applying a force between 0.25 MPa and 25 MPa for a length of time between 5 minutes and 6 hours.

24. The liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, hot pressed silk protein cream or method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The silk fibroin and the xanthan gum are present in a weight ratio between 1:4 and 20:1 or between 1:2 and 10:1, including but not limited to at least 1:4, at least 1:3 or at least 1:2 and at most 20:1, at most 19:1, at most 18:1, at most 16:1, at most 15:1, at most 14:1, at most 12:1, at most 11:1 or at most 10:

1.

25. The liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, hot pressed silk protein cream or method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The liquid composition, the whipped silk cream, the silk protein cream, the compressed silk protein cream or the hot-pressed silk protein cream further comprises a plasticizer.

26. The liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, hot pressed silk protein cream or method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The plasticizer is present in the liquid composition, the whipped silk cream, the silk protein cream, the compressed silk protein cream or the heat-pressed silk protein cream in an amount between 0.5% and 20.0% by weight.

27. The liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, hot pressed silk protein cream or method of claim 25, wherein: The plasticizer is present in the liquid composition, the whipped silk cream, the silk protein cream, the compressed silk protein cream, or the heat-pressed silk protein cream in an amount between 20.0% and 75.0% by weight.

28. The liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, hot pressed silk protein cream or method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The liquid composition, the whipped silk cream, the silk protein cream, the compressed silk protein cream or the heat-pressed silk protein cream further comprises a sensing agent.

29. The liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, hot pressed silk protein cream or method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The liquid composition, the whipped silk cream, the silk protein cream, the compressed silk protein cream or the heat-pressed silk protein cream further comprises a therapeutically active agent.

30. The liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, hot pressed silk protein cream or method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The liquid composition, the whipped silk cream, the silk protein cream, the compressed silk protein cream or the hot-pressed silk protein cream further comprises a colorant.

31. The liquid composition, whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, hot pressed silk protein cream or method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The liquid composition, the whipped silk cream, the silk protein cream, the compressed silk protein cream or the heat-pressed silk protein cream further comprises a compound that provides fragrance.

32. The whipped silk cream, silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream, hot pressed silk protein cream or method according to any one of claims 4 to the preceding claim, characterized in that The whipped silk cream, the silk protein cream, the compressed silk protein cream or the hot-pressed silk protein cream has irregular porosity.

33. A silk leather, characterized in that The silk leather is a layered structure including a first fabric layer and a second material layer arranged adjacent to the first fabric layer, the second material layer including compressed silk protein cream or hot-pressed silk protein cream according to any one of claims 6, 7 or 10 to 32 or prepared by the method according to any one of claims 6, 7 or 10 to 32.

34. Silk leather according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The silk leather further includes a third material layer, which is adjacent to the first fabric layer and arranged on a surface opposite to the surface adjacent to the second material layer. The third material layer includes compressed silk protein cream or hot-pressed silk protein cream according to any one of claims 6, 7 or 10 to 32 or prepared by the method according to any one of claims 6, 7 or 10 to 32.

35. Silk leather according to any one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that The first fabric layer is composed of cotton fabric, including but not limited to cotton knitted fabric, cotton canvas, etc.; silk fabric; synthetic fabric, including but not limited to polyester fabric, rayon fabric, nylon fabric, etc.; linen fabric; organza, etc.; and combinations thereof.

36. A thermal insulator, characterized in that The thermal insulator comprises, consists essentially of or consists of the silk protein cream, compressed silk protein cream or heat-pressed silk protein cream according to any one of claims 5 to 7 and 9 to 32 or prepared by the method according to any one of claims 5 to 7 and 9 to 32.

37. An adsorbent and / or gas-sensitive material, characterized in that: The adsorbent and / or gas sensitive material comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of the silk protein cream according to any one of claims 5 and 9 to 32 or prepared by the method according to any one of claims 5 and 9 to 32.

38. The adsorbent and / or gas-sensitive material according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The adsorbent and / or gas-sensitive material further includes a sensing agent that undergoes a measurable change when exposed to a gas of interest.

39. The adsorbent and / or gas-sensitive material according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The sensing agent is a dye that changes color when exposed to the gas of interest.

40. A bioscaffold for housing a cell population for growth, proliferation, differentiation, carbon dioxide capture, biomineralization, biosynthesis, fermentation, or a combination thereof, characterized in that: The bioscaffold comprises, consists essentially of, consists of, or is prepared from a liquid composition, a whipped silk cream, a silk protein cream, a compressed silk protein cream, a hot-pressed silk protein cream according to any one of claims 1 to 32 or prepared by a method according to any one of claims 1 to 32.

41. A mysilkium-like material, characterized in that: The mycelium-like material comprises, essentially consists of, consists of or is prepared from a liquid composition, a whipped silk cream, a silk protein cream, a compressed silk protein cream, a hot-pressed silk protein cream according to any one of claims 1 to 32 or prepared by a method according to any one of claims 1 to 32.

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