Process for producing silk protein powder and its electrospinning

Abstract

Process for the production of silk protein powder and its electrospinning. The present invention relates to a process for the production of silk protein powder, comprising the successive steps of: a) supplying silk; b) dissolving the silk in an aqueous solution of zinc chloride (ZnCl2) at a temperature above 70°C, to obtain an aqueous solution of silk proteins; c) precipitating the silk proteins by introducing the aqueous solution of silk proteins into an excess of alcohol to obtain an aqueous solution of zinc chloride and alcohol and a co-precipitate of silk proteins and zinc; d) filtering the aqueous solution of zinc chloride and alcohol comprising the co-precipitate of silk proteins and zinc to collect said co-precipitate; e) optionally, washing said co-precipitate with alcohol; f) drying the optionally washed co-precipitate to obtain a powder of silk proteins and zinc;and wherein the silk and zinc protein powder obtained at the end of steps f) is such that it comprises, as a percentage by weight relative to the total weight of the powder, 8 to 12% zinc, the zinc being derived from the aqueous solution of zinc chloride ZnCl2 used in step b). The invention also relates to a silk and zinc protein powder, a process for electrospinning said powder, and an associated nonwoven fabric. Figure for the abstract: none;