Silk performance apparel and products and methods of preparing the same

Abstract

To provide silk infused performance apparel and methods of preparing the same.SOLUTION: In some embodiments, silk performance apparel includes textiles, fabrics, consumer products, leather, and other materials that are coated with aqueous solutions of pure silk fibroin-based protein fragments. In some embodiments, coated apparel products, textiles, and upholstery, as well as other materials, exhibit surprisingly improved moisture management properties, resistance to microbial growth, increased abrasion resistance, and flame resistance.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications This international patent application is a continuation - in - part of international patent application No. PCT / US2015 / 063545, filed on December 2, 2015, and further claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 344,273, filed on January 1, 2016; U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 297,929, filed on February 21, 2016; U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 245,221, filed on October 22, 2015; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 192,477, filed on July 14, 2015. The entire contents of each of these applications are hereby incorporated by reference into this specification.

[0002] In some embodiments, the present invention relates to silk - coated performance clothing and products for use in home and automotive applications, such as fabrics or leathers coated with pure silk (silk) fibroin - based proteins or protein fragments thereof.

Background Art

[0003] Silk is a natural polymer produced by various insects and spiders and contains a filament - core protein, silk fibroin, and a non - filamentous protein, sericin, in a gummy coating. Silk fibers are lightweight, breathable, and hypoallergenic. Silk is comfortable to wear close to the skin and provides very good insulation. At low temperatures, it warms the wearer, and at warm temperatures, it is cooler than many other fabrics.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] Silk performance clothing and methods of manufacturing the same are disclosed herein. According to aspects shown herein, the present disclosure relates to products including, but not limited to, clothing, stuffing, shoes, gloves, travel bags, furs, gemstones, and bags, configured to be worn on or carried by the body, and at least partially surface-treated with a solution of the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragments of the present disclosure, thereby providing a silk coating on the product. In some embodiments, the solution of the silk fibroin-based protein or fragment thereof can be an aqueous solution, an organic solution, or an emulsion. In embodiments, the product is manufactured from a textile material. In embodiments, the product is manufactured from a non-textile material. In embodiments, desirable additives can be added to the aqueous solution of the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragments of the present disclosure to provide a silk coating having the desirable additives.

[0005] In embodiments, a method for coating a material with silk fibroin, which can include a silk-based protein or fragment thereof, to provide a silk fibroin-coated material, the silk fibroin coated on the silk fibroin-coated material being heat-resistant to a selected temperature, is provided. In some embodiments, the method can include preparing a silk fibroin solution that can include one or more of low molecular weight silk fibroin, medium molecular weight silk fibroin, and high molecular weight silk fibroin at a concentration of less than about 1 volume % (v / v), or less than about 0.1 volume % (v / v), or less than about 0.01 volume % (v / v), or less than about 0.001 volume % (v / v). In some embodiments, the method can include coating the surface of the material with the silk fibroin solution. In some embodiments, the method can include drying the surface of the material coated with the silk fibroin solution to provide the silk fibroin-coated material, and drying the surface of the material includes heating the surface of the material without substantially reducing the silk fibroin coating performance.

[0006] In an embodiment, a method for coating a textile with a silk fibroin solution that can contain a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and providing a silk fibroin-coated article, is provided, wherein the silk fibroin coated on the silk fibroin-coated article can be heat resistant to a selected temperature. In some embodiments, the method can include preparing a silk fibroin solution containing one or more of low molecular weight silk fibroin, medium molecular weight silk fibroin, and high molecular weight silk fibroin. In some embodiments, the method can include adjusting the pH of the silk fibroin solution to acidic with an acidifying agent. In some embodiments, the method can include coating the surface of the textile with the silk fibroin solution. In some embodiments, the method can include drying the surface of the textile coated with the silk fibroin solution to provide a silk fibroin-coated article, and drying the surface of the textile includes heating the surface of the textile without substantially reducing the silk fibroin coating performance.

[0007] In an embodiment, a method for manufacturing a silk fibroin-coated textile capable of having selected fabric properties is provided. In some embodiments, the method can include mixing a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof with one or more chemical agents to provide a coating solution, wherein the one or more chemical agents can be selected to change one or more of a first selected property and a second selected property of the silk fibroin-coated textile. In some embodiments, the method can include providing the coating solution to the textile to be coated by one or more of a bath coating process, a kiss rolling process, a spray process, and a two-sided rolling process. In some embodiments, the method can include removing excess coating solution from the silk fibroin-coated textile. In some embodiments, the method can include heating the silk fibroin-coated textile to change a third selected property of the silk fibroin-coated textile. In some embodiments, the first selected property can include one or more of antimicrobial property, water repellency, oil repellency, flame retardancy, colorability, fabric softening, stain repellant property, pH adjustment, anti-crocking property, anti-pilling property, and anti-felting property. In some embodiments, the second selected property can include one or more of wetting time, absorption rate, spreading speed, accumulative one-way transport, and overall moisture management capability. In some embodiments, the third selected property can include one or more of fabric hand, fabric elongation, and drapability.

[0008] In an embodiment, the silk fibroin-coated material of the present invention can be coated with one or more of low molecular weight silk, medium molecular weight silk, and high molecular weight silk to provide a coated material having improved hydrophobicity or hydrophilicity.

[0009] In an embodiment, the material coated by the silk fibroin coating described herein can include one or more of textile, woven materials, non-woven materials, knit materials, crochet materials, and leather materials.

[0010] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa.

[0011] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having an average number of amino acid residues of about 1 to 400 residues, or 1 to 300 residues, or 1 to 200 residues, or 1 to 100 residues, or 1 to 50 residues, or 5 to 25 residues, or 10 to 20 residues.

[0012] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the article is a fabric.

[0013] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof comprises a silk fibroin-based protein or protein fragment having about 0.01% (w / w) to about 10% (w / w) sericin.

[0014] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is selected from the group consisting of a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a recombinant silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof.

[0015] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is selected from the group consisting of a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a recombinant silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof selected from the group consisting of a spider silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a mulberry silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof.

[0016] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is selected from the group consisting of a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a recombinant silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof selected from the group consisting of a spider silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a mulberry silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the natural silk-based protein or the fragment is a mulberry silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and the mulberry silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is a mulberry silk (Bombyx mori)-based protein or a fragment thereof.

[0017] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the silk-based protein or fragment comprises silk and a copolymer.

[0018] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the silk-based protein or the protein fragment thereof has an average weight average molecular weight range selected from the group consisting of about 5 to about 10 kDa, about 6 kDa to about 16 kDa, about 17 kDa to about 38 kDa, about 39 kDa to about 80 kDa, about 60 to about 100 kDa, and about 80 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof has a polydispersity of about 1.5 to about 3.0, and the protein or protein fragment before coating the fabric does not spontaneously or gradually gel in solution for at least 10 days and does not visually change in color or turbidity.

[0019] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the fiber or spun yarn is selected from the group consisting of natural fibers or spun yarns, synthetic fibers or spun yarns, or combinations thereof.

[0020] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the fiber or the spun yarn is selected from the group consisting of natural fibers or spun yarns, synthetic fibers or spun yarns, or combinations thereof, and the fiber or the spun yarn is a natural fiber or a spun yarn selected from the group consisting of cotton, alpaca fleece, alpaca wool, llama fleece, llama wool, cotton, cashmere, sheep fleece, sheep wool, and combinations thereof.

[0021] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the fiber or the spun yarn is selected from the group consisting of natural fibers or spun yarns, synthetic fibers or spun yarns, or combinations thereof, and the fiber or the spun yarn is a synthetic fiber or a spun yarn selected from the group consisting of polyester, nylon, polyester-polyurethane copolymer, and combinations thereof.

[0022] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article is a fabric, the fabric exhibits improved properties, and the improved properties are an accumulative one-way moisture transport index selected from the group consisting of greater than 40%, greater than 60%, greater than 80%, greater than 100%, greater than 120%, greater than 140%, greater than 160%, and greater than 180%. In an embodiment, the improved properties are determined after a period of mechanical washing cycles selected from the group consisting of 5 cycles, 10 cycles, 25 cycles, and 50 cycles.

[0023] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article being a fabric, the fabric exhibiting improved properties, the improved properties being an accumulative one way transport capability increase selected from the group consisting of 1.2 times, 1.5 times, 2.0 times, 3.0 times, 4.0 times, 5.0 times, and 10 times relative to the uncoated fabric. In an embodiment, the improved properties are determined after a period of a machine wash cycle selected from the group consisting of 5 cycles, 10 cycles, 25 cycles, and 50 cycles.

[0024] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article being a fabric, the fabric exhibiting improved properties, the improved properties being an overall moisture management capability greater than 0.05, greater than 0.10, greater than 0.15, greater than 0.20, greater than 0.25, greater than 0.30, greater than 0.35, greater than 0.40, greater than 0.50, greater than 0.60, greater than 0.70, and greater than 0.80. In an embodiment, the improved properties are determined after a period of a machine wash cycle selected from the group consisting of 5 cycles, 10 cycles, 25 cycles, and 50 cycles.

[0025] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article being a fabric, the fabric not showing a substantial increase in microbial growth after a number of machine wash cycles selected from the group consisting of 5 cycles, 10 cycles, 25 cycles, and 50 cycles.

[0026] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article is a fabric, and the fabric does not exhibit a substantial increase in microbial growth after a number of machine wash cycles selected from the group consisting of 5 cycles, 10 cycles, 25 cycles, and 50 cycles, and the microbial growth is microbial growth of a microorganism selected from the group consisting of Staphylococcus aureus, Klebisiella pneumoniae, and combinations thereof.

[0027] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article is a fabric, and the fabric does not exhibit a substantial increase in microbial growth after a number of machine wash cycles selected from the group consisting of 5 cycles, 10 cycles, 25 cycles, and 50 cycles, and the microbial growth is microbial growth of a microorganism selected from the group consisting of Staphylococcus aureus, Klebisiella pneumoniae, and combinations thereof, and the microbial growth is reduced by a percentage selected from the group consisting of 50%, 100%, 500%, 1000%, 2000%, and 3000% compared to the uncoated fabric.

[0028] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article is a fabric, and the coating is applied to the fabric at the fiber level prior to forming the fabric.

[0029] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article is a fabric, and the coating is applied to the fabric at the fabric level.

[0030] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article is a fabric, the coating is applied to the fabric at the fabric level, and the fabric is bath-coated.

[0031] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article is a fabric, the coating is applied to the fabric at the fabric level, and the fabric is spray-coated.

[0032] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article is a fabric, the coating is applied to the fabric at the fabric level, and the fabric is stencil-coated.

[0033] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article is a fabric, the coating is applied to the fabric at the fabric level, and the coating is applied to at least one side of the fabric using a method selected from the group consisting of a bath coating process, a spray coating process, a stencil process, a silk form-based process, and a roller-based process.

[0034] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the coating has a thickness of about 1 nanolayer.

[0035] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the coating has a thickness selected from the group consisting of about 5 nm, about 10 nm, about 15 nm, about 20 nm, about 25 nm, about 50 nm, about 100 nm, about 200 nm, about 500 nm, about 1 μm, about 5 μm, about 10 μm, and about 20 μm.

[0036] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article is a fabric, and the coating is adsorbed onto the fabric.

[0037] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article is a fabric, and the coating adheres to the fabric by chemical, enzymatic, thermal, or radiative crosslinking.

[0038] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article is a fabric, the coating is applied to the fabric at the fabric level, and the hand of the coated fabric is improved as compared to the uncoated fabric.

[0039] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article is a fabric, the coating is applied to the fabric at the fabric level, and the hand of the coated fabric is improved as compared to the uncoated fabric, and the improved hand of the coated fabric is selected from the group consisting of flexibility, crispness, dryness, silkiness, and combinations thereof.

[0040] According to the aspects shown in this specification, an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure is available for use on products (including, but not limited to, clothing, stuffing, shoes, gloves, travel bags, furs, jewelry, and bags), or for spraying directly onto a consumer's body, thereby imparting desirable properties to the products. In embodiments, the products are manufactured from textile materials. In embodiments, the products are manufactured from non-textile materials. In embodiments, desirable additives may be added to the aqueous solution of the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure to result in a silk coating having the desirable additives.

[0041] In embodiments, textiles including the silk coating of the present disclosure are sold to consumers. In embodiments, the textiles of the present disclosure are used to make clothing for action sports apparel. In embodiments, the textiles of the present disclosure are used to make clothing for fitness. In embodiments, the textiles of the present disclosure are used to make performance clothing. In embodiments, the textiles of the present disclosure are used to make golf clothing. In embodiments, the textiles of the present disclosure are used to make undergarments. In embodiments, the silk coating of the present disclosure is located on the underlining of action sports apparel / clothing. In embodiments, the silk coating of the present disclosure is located on the shell, lining, or core of action sports apparel / clothing. In embodiments, action sports apparel / clothing is made, in part, from the silk-coated textiles of the present disclosure and, in part, from uncoated textiles. In embodiments, action sports apparel / clothing made from silk-coated textiles in part and uncoated textiles in part combines an uncoated inert synthetic material and a silk-coated inert synthetic material. Examples of inert synthetic materials include, but are not limited to, polyester, polyamide, polyaramid, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, silicone, a mixture of polyurethane and polyethylene glycol, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, high performance polyethylene, nylon, LYCRA (a polyester-polyurethane copolymer, also known as spandex and elastomer), and mixtures thereof. In embodiments, action sports apparel / clothing made from silk-coated textiles in part and uncoated textiles in part combines an elastomeric material at least partially covered with the silk coating of the present disclosure.In embodiments, the ratio of silk to the elastomeric material can be varied to achieve desirable shrinkage or wrinkle-resistant properties and a desirable moisture content on the skin surface. In embodiments, the silk coating of the present disclosure is located on the inner layer of the shoe (textile or non-textile based). In embodiments, the disclosed silk coating located on the inner layer of the shoe enables maintaining an optimal microenvironment for the foot, such as temperature and humidity, while reducing excessive sweating.

[0042] In embodiments, the silk coating of the present disclosure is visible. In embodiments, the silk coating of the present disclosure is transparent. In embodiments, the silk coating of the present disclosure located on action sports wear / clothing helps control the skin temperature of the person wearing the clothing. In embodiments, the silk coating of the present disclosure located on action sports wear / clothing helps control fluid transport away from the skin of the person wearing the clothing. In embodiments, the silk coating of the present disclosure located on action sports wear / clothing has a soft feel against the skin in order to reduce abrasions from the fabric on the skin. In embodiments, the silk coating of the present disclosure located on a textile has properties that impart to the textile at least one of shrinkage resistance, wrinkle resistance, and washability. In embodiments, the silk-coated textiles of the present disclosure are machine washable and dry cleanable 100%. In embodiments, the silk-coated textiles of the present disclosure are 100% waterproof. In embodiments, the silk-coated textiles of the present disclosure are wrinkle resistant. In embodiments, the silk-coated textiles of the present disclosure are shrink resistant. In embodiments, the silk-coated fabric improves skin health. In embodiments, healthy skin can be determined by visually observing a uniform skin tone. In embodiments, healthy skin can be determined by visually observing a smooth and healthy complexion. In embodiments, the silk-coated fabric reduces skin irritation. In embodiments, the reduction of skin irritation can result in a reduction of skin bumps or wounds. In embodiments, the reduction of skin irritation can result in a reduction of scaly or reddened skin. In embodiments, the reduction of skin irritation can result in a reduction of itching or burning. In embodiments, the silk-coated fabric reduces skin inflammation. In embodiments, the silk-coated textiles of the present disclosure have the property of being waterproof, breathable, and elastic, and have many other highly desirable properties for action sports wear.In embodiments, the silk-coated textile of the present disclosure manufactured from the silk fabric of the present disclosure further comprises LYCRA brand spandex fibers (a polyester-polyurethane copolymer).

[0043] In embodiments, the textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure is a breathable fabric. In embodiments, the textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure is a water-resistant fabric. In embodiments, the textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure is a fabric that is less likely to shrink. In embodiments, the textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure is a fabric that can be machine washed. In embodiments, the textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure is a fabric that is less likely to wrinkle. In embodiments, the textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure provides moisture and vitamins to the skin.

[0044] In an embodiment, a textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure has an accumulative one-way transport index greater than 140. In an embodiment, a textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure has an accumulative one-way transport index greater than 120. In an embodiment, a textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure has an accumulative one-way transport index greater than 100. In an embodiment, a textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure has an accumulative one-way transport index greater than 80.

[0045] In an embodiment, a textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure has an overall moisture management capability greater than 0.4. In an embodiment, a textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure has an overall moisture management capability greater than 0.35. In an embodiment, a textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure has an overall moisture management capability greater than 0.3. In an embodiment, a textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure has an overall moisture management capability greater than 0.25.

[0046] In embodiments, the textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure has a wetting time of at least 3 seconds. In embodiments, the textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure has a wetting time of at least 2.5 seconds. In embodiments, the textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure has a wetting time of at least 2 seconds. In embodiments, the textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure has a wetting time of at least 1.5 seconds.

[0047] In embodiments, the textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure has an upper absorption time of at least 50 seconds. In embodiments, the textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure has an upper absorption time of at least 40 seconds. In embodiments, the textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure has an upper absorption time of at least 30 seconds.

[0048] In embodiments, a textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure has a lower absorption time of at least 80 seconds. In embodiments, a textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure has a lower absorption time of at least 70 seconds. In embodiments, a textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure has a lower absorption time of at least 60 seconds. In embodiments, a textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure has a lower absorption time of at least 50 seconds. In embodiments, a textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure has a lower absorption time of at least 40 seconds.

[0049] In embodiments, a textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure has a spreading rate of at least 1.6 mm / second. In embodiments, a textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure has a spreading rate of at least 1.4 mm / second. In embodiments, a textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure has a spreading rate of at least 1.2 mm / second. In embodiments, a textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure has a spreading rate of at least 1.0 mm / second. In embodiments, a textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure has a spreading rate of at least 0.8 mm / second.

[0050] In embodiments, a textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure exhibits less than 2000% microbial growth over 24 hours. In embodiments, a textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure exhibits less than 1000% microbial growth over 24 hours. In embodiments, a textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure exhibits less than 500% microbial growth over 24 hours. In embodiments, a textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure exhibits less than 400% microbial growth over 24 hours. In embodiments, a textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure exhibits less than 300% microbial growth over 24 hours. In embodiments, a textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure exhibits less than 200% microbial growth over 24 hours. In some embodiments, as described herein, the reduction in microbial growth can be determined by measuring after one or more wash cycles with non-chlorine bleach. In some embodiments, the solution containing the silk fibroin-based protein fragment can contain additional chemical agents that can provide antimicrobial (e.g., antifungal and / or antibacterial) properties as described herein.

[0051] In embodiments, textiles at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragments of the present disclosure exhibit less than 2000% bacterial growth over 24 hours. In embodiments, textiles at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragments of the present disclosure exhibit less than 1000% bacterial growth over 24 hours. In embodiments, textiles at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragments of the present disclosure exhibit less than 500% bacterial growth over 24 hours. In embodiments, textiles at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragments of the present disclosure exhibit less than 400% bacterial growth over 24 hours. In embodiments, textiles at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragments of the present disclosure exhibit less than 300% bacterial growth over 24 hours. In embodiments, textiles at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragments of the present disclosure exhibit less than 200% bacterial growth over 24 hours.

[0052] In an embodiment, a textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure exhibits less than 2000% fungal growth over 24 hours. In an embodiment, a textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure exhibits less than 1000% fungal growth over 24 hours. In an embodiment, a textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure exhibits less than 500% fungal growth over 24 hours. In an embodiment, a textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure exhibits less than 400% fungal growth over 24 hours. In an embodiment, a textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure exhibits less than 300% fungal growth over 24 hours. In an embodiment, a textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure exhibits less than 200% fungal growth over 24 hours.

[0053] In embodiments, a textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure exhibits less than 2000% growth of Staphylococcus aureus over 24 hours. In embodiments, a textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure exhibits less than 1000% growth of Staphylococcus aureus over 24 hours. In embodiments, a textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure exhibits less than 500% growth of Staphylococcus aureus over 24 hours. In embodiments, a textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure exhibits less than 400% growth of Staphylococcus aureus over 24 hours. In embodiments, a textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure exhibits less than 300% growth of Staphylococcus aureus over 24 hours. In embodiments, a textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure exhibits less than 200% growth of Staphylococcus aureus over 24 hours.

[0054] In embodiments, a textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure exhibits less than 2000% growth of Klebsiella pneumoniae over 24 hours. In embodiments, a textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure exhibits less than 1000% growth of Klebsiella pneumoniae over 24 hours. In embodiments, a textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure exhibits less than 500% growth of Klebsiella pneumoniae over 24 hours. In embodiments, a textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure exhibits less than 400% growth of Klebsiella pneumoniae over 24 hours. In embodiments, a textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure exhibits less than 300% growth of Klebsiella pneumoniae over 24 hours. In embodiments, a textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure exhibits less than 200% growth of Klebsiella pneumoniae over 24 hours.

[0055] In an embodiment, a textile is coated using an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the concentration of silk in the solution ranges from about 0.001% to about 20.0%. In an embodiment, the concentration of silk in the solution ranges from about 0.01% to about 15.0%. In an embodiment, the concentration of silk in the solution ranges from about 0.5% to about 10.0%. In an embodiment, the concentration of silk in the solution ranges from about 1.0% to about 5.0%. In an embodiment, the aqueous solution of the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure is applied directly to the fabric. Alternatively, silk microparticles and any additives can be used to coat the fabric. In an embodiment, additives can be added to the aqueous solution of the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure (such as alcohol, etc.) before coating to further enhance the material properties. In an embodiment, the silk coating of the present disclosure has a pattern and can optimize the properties of the fabric-like silk. In an embodiment, the coating is applied to the fabric under tension and relaxation, changing the penetration into the fabric.

[0056] In an embodiment, the silk coating of the present disclosure can be applied at the spun yarn level, and once the spun yarn is coated, the fabric is manufactured. In an embodiment, the aqueous solution of the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure can be spun into fibers to create a silk fabric mixture with other materials known in the silk fabric and / or clothing industries.

[0057] In an embodiment, the method of silk coating the fabric includes immersing the fabric in any of the aqueous solutions of the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragments of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the method of silk coating the fabric includes spraying. In an embodiment, the method of silk coating the fabric includes chemical vapor deposition. In an embodiment, the method of silk coating the fabric includes electric field coating. In an embodiment, the method of silk coating the fabric includes spreading any of the aqueous solutions of the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragments of the present disclosure onto the fabric by knife coating. The coated fabric can then be air dried, dried under heat / air flow, or crosslinked at the fabric surface. In an embodiment, the drying process includes curing by additives and / or ambient conditions.

[0058] According to an aspect illustrated herein, a method of preparing an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment is disclosed. In one embodiment, at least one pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment (SPF) mixed solution having a specific average weight average molecular weight (MW) range and polydispersity is prepared. In one embodiment, an SPF mixture solution having an MW range of at least about 6 kDa to 16 kDa and a polydispersity range of about 1.5 to about 3.0 is prepared. In one embodiment, at least one SPF mixture solution having an MW of about 17 kDa to 38 kDa and a polydispersity range of about 1.5 to about 3.0 is prepared. In one embodiment, at least one SPF mixture solution having an MW range of about 39 kDa to 80 kDa and a polydispersity range of about 1.5 to about 3.0 is prepared.

[0059] According to the embodiments exemplified in this specification, a composition comprising a pure fibroin-based protein fragment substantially lacking sericin, having an average weight-average molecular weight in the range of about 6 kDa to about 16 kDa, having a polydispersity in the range of about 1.5 to about 3.0, being substantially homogeneous, containing inorganic residues from 0 ppm to about 500 ppm, and containing organic residues from 0 ppm to about 500 ppm is disclosed. In one embodiment, the pure fibroin-based protein fragment has lithium bromide residues from about 10 ppm to about 300 ppm and sodium carbonate residues from about 10 ppm to about 100 ppm. In one embodiment, the lithium bromide residues are measurable using a high performance liquid chromatography lithium bromide assay, and the sodium carbonate residues are measurable using a high performance liquid chromatography sodium carbonate assay. In one embodiment, the composition further comprises less than 10% water. In one embodiment, the composition is in the form of a solution. In one embodiment, the composition comprises from about 0.01 wt% to about 30.0 wt% of a pure fibroin-based protein fragment. The pure fibroin-based protein fragment is stable in solution for at least 30 days. In one embodiment, the term "stable" refers to no visible change in the color or turbidity of the solution and no spontaneous or progressive gelation thereof. In one embodiment, the term "stable" refers to no aggregation of the fragment and thus no increase in molecular weight over time. In one embodiment, the composition is in the form of an aqueous solution. In one embodiment, the composition is in the form of an organic solution. The composition can be provided in a sealed container. In some embodiments, the composition further comprises one or more molecules selected from the group consisting of therapeutic agents, growth factors, antioxidants, proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates, polymers, nucleic acids, salts, acids, bases, biomolecules, glycosaminoglycans, polysaccharides, extracellular matrix molecules, metals, metal ions, metal oxides, synthetic molecules, polyanhydrides, cells, fatty acids, fragrances, minerals, plants, plant extracts, preservatives, and essential oils. In one embodiment, the added one or more molecules are stable in the composition (i.e., maintain activity over time) and can be released at a desired rate. In one embodiment, the one or more molecules are vitamin C or a derivative thereof.In one embodiment, the composition further comprises an α-hydroxy acid selected from the group consisting of glycolic acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, and citric acid. In one embodiment, the composition further comprises hyaluronic acid or a salt form thereof at a concentration of about 0.5% to about 10.0%. In one embodiment, the composition further comprises at least one of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. In one embodiment, the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment in the composition is hypoallergenic. In one embodiment, the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment is biocompatible, non-sensitizing, and non-immunogenic.

[0060] According to the embodiments exemplified in this specification, a composition comprising a pure fibroin-based protein fragment substantially lacking sericin, having an average weight-average molecular weight in the range of about 17 kDa to about 38 kDa, having a polydispersity in the range of about 1.5 to about 3.0, being substantially homogeneous, containing inorganic residues from 0 ppm to about 500 ppm, and containing organic residues from 0 ppm to about 500 ppm is disclosed. In one embodiment, the pure fibroin-based protein fragment has lithium bromide residues from about 10 ppm to about 300 ppm and sodium carbonate residues from about 10 ppm to about 100 ppm. In one embodiment, the lithium bromide residues are measurable using a high-performance liquid chromatography lithium bromide assay, and the sodium carbonate residues are measurable using a high-performance liquid chromatography sodium carbonate assay. In one embodiment, the composition further contains less than 10% water. In one embodiment, the composition is in the form of a solution. In one embodiment, the composition contains from about 0.01 wt% to about 30.0 wt% of the pure fibroin-based protein fragment. The pure fibroin-based protein fragment is stable in solution for at least 30 days. In one embodiment, the term "stable" refers to no visible change in the color or turbidity of the solution and no spontaneous or gradual gelation thereof. In one embodiment, the term "stable" refers to no aggregation of the fragment and thus no increase in molecular weight over time. In one embodiment, the composition is in the form of an aqueous solution. In one embodiment, the composition is in the form of an organic solution. The composition can be provided in a sealed container. In some embodiments, the composition further comprises one or more molecules selected from the group consisting of therapeutic agents, growth factors, antioxidants, proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates, polymers, nucleic acids, salts, acids, bases, biomolecules, glycosaminoglycans, polysaccharides, extracellular matrix molecules, metals, metal ions, metal oxides, synthetic molecules, polyanhydrides, cells, fatty acids, fragrances, minerals, plants, plant extracts, preservatives, and essential oils. In one embodiment, the added one or more molecules are stable in the composition (i.e., maintain activity over time) and can be released at a desired rate. In one embodiment, the one or more molecules are vitamin C or a derivative thereof.In one embodiment, the composition further comprises an alpha-hydroxy acid selected from the group consisting of glycolic acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, and citric acid. In one embodiment, the composition further comprises hyaluronic acid or a salt form thereof at a concentration of about 0.5% to about 10.0%. In one embodiment, the composition further comprises at least one of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. In one embodiment, the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment in the composition is hypoallergenic. In one embodiment, the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment is biocompatible, non-sensitizing, and non-immunogenic.

[0061] According to the embodiments exemplified in this specification, there is provided a composition comprising a pure fibroin-based protein fragment substantially lacking sericin, having an average weight-average molecular weight in the range of about 39 kDa to about 80 kDa, having a polydispersity in the range of about 1.5 to about 3.0, being substantially homogeneous, containing inorganic residues in the range of 0 ppm to about 500 ppm, and containing organic residues in the range of 0 ppm to about 500 ppm. In one embodiment, the pure fibroin-based protein fragment has lithium bromide residues in the range of about 10 ppm to about 300 ppm and sodium carbonate residues in the range of about 10 ppm to about 100 ppm. In one embodiment, the lithium bromide residues are measurable using a high performance liquid chromatography lithium bromide assay, and the sodium carbonate residues are measurable using a high performance liquid chromatography sodium carbonate assay. In one embodiment, the composition further comprises less than 10% water. In one embodiment, the composition is in the form of a solution. In one embodiment, the composition contains about 0.01 wt% to about 30.0 wt% of the pure fibroin-based protein fragment. The pure fibroin-based protein fragment is stable in solution for at least 30 days. In one embodiment, the term "stable" refers to no visible change in the color or turbidity of the solution and no spontaneous or gradual gelation thereof. In one embodiment, the term "stable" refers to no aggregation of the fragment and thus no increase in molecular weight over time. In one embodiment, the composition is in the form of an aqueous solution. In one embodiment, the composition is in the form of an organic solution. The composition can be provided in a sealed container. In some embodiments, the composition further comprises one or more molecules selected from the group consisting of therapeutic agents, growth factors, antioxidants, proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates, polymers, nucleic acids, salts, acids, bases, biomolecules, glycosaminoglycans, polysaccharides, extracellular matrix molecules, metals, metal ions, metal oxides, synthetic molecules, polyanhydrides, cells, fatty acids, fragrances, minerals, plants, plant extracts, preservatives, and essential oils. In one embodiment, the added one or more molecules are stable in the composition (i.e., maintain their activity over time) and can be released at a desired rate. In one embodiment, the one or more molecules are vitamin C or a derivative thereof.In one embodiment, the composition further comprises an alpha-hydroxy acid selected from the group consisting of glycolic acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, and citric acid. In one embodiment, the composition further comprises hyaluronic acid or a salt form thereof at a concentration of about 0.5% to about 10.0%. In one embodiment, the composition further comprises at least one of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. In one embodiment, the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment in the composition is hypoallergenic. In one embodiment, the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment is biocompatible, non-sensitizing, and non-immunogenic.

[0062] According to the aspects illustrated herein, a gel comprising a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment substantially lacking sericin: having an average weight-average molecular weight in the range of about 17 kDa to about 38 kDa; having a polydispersity in the range of about 1.5 to about 3.0; and containing about 20 wt% to about 99.9 wt% water, the gel containing 0 ppm to 500 ppm of inorganic residue and 0 ppm to 500 ppm of organic residue is disclosed. In one embodiment, the gel comprises about 1.0% to about 50.0% crystalline protein domain. In one embodiment, the gel comprises about 0.1 wt% to about 6.0 wt% of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment. In one embodiment, the gel has a pH in the range of about 1.0 to about 7.0. In one embodiment, the gel further comprises vitamin C or a derivative thereof at a concentration of about 0.5 wt% to about 20.0 wt%. In one embodiment, vitamin C or a derivative thereof remains stable in the gel for about 5 days to about 5 years. In one embodiment, vitamin C or a derivative thereof is stable in the gel, resulting in the release of vitamin C in a biologically active form. In one embodiment, the gel further comprises an additive selected from the group consisting of vitamin E, rosemary oil, rose oil, lemon juice, lemongrass oil, and caffeine. In one embodiment, the gel is packaged in an airtight container. In one embodiment, the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment is hypoallergenic. In one embodiment, the gel has less than 10 colony-forming units per milliliter.

[0063] According to the embodiments exemplified in this specification, a method for preparing an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment having an average weight average molecular weight in the range of about 6 kDa to about 16 kDa, comprising: degumming a silk source by adding the silk source to a boiling (100 °C) aqueous solution of sodium carbonate for a treatment time of about 30 minutes to about 60 minutes; removing sericin from the solution to produce a silk fibroin extract containing sericin at undetectable levels; discharging the solution from the silk fibroin extract; dissolving the silk fibroin extract in a solution of lithium bromide having a starting temperature when the silk fibroin extract is placed in a lithium bromide solution in the range of about 60 °C to about 140 °C; maintaining the silk fibroin-lithium bromide solution in an oven having a temperature of about 140 °C for at least 1 hour; removing lithium bromide from the silk fibroin extract; and preparing an aqueous solution of silk protein fragments, wherein the aqueous solution contains fragments having an average weight average molecular weight in the range of about 6 kDa to about 16 kDa, and the aqueous solution of the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment contains a polydispersity in the range of about 1.5 to about 3.0. In one embodiment, the method includes drying the silk fibroin extract prior to the dissolving step. In one embodiment, the amount of lithium bromide residue in the aqueous solution can be measured using a high performance liquid chromatography lithium bromide assay. In one embodiment, the amount of sodium carbonate residue in the aqueous solution can be measured using a high performance liquid chromatography sodium carbonate assay. In one embodiment, the method includes adding a therapeutic agent to the aqueous solution of the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment. In one embodiment, the method includes adding a molecule selected from one of an antioxidant or an enzyme to the aqueous solution of the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment. In one embodiment, the method includes adding a vitamin to the aqueous solution of the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment. In one embodiment, the vitamin is selected from one of vitamin C or a derivative thereof. In one embodiment, the method further includes adding an α-hydroxy acid to the aqueous solution of the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment.In one embodiment, the α-hydroxy acid is selected from the group consisting of glycolic acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, and citric acid. In one embodiment, the method further comprises adding hyaluronic acid at a concentration of about 0.5% to about 10.0% to an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment. In one embodiment, the method further comprises adding at least one of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment.

[0064] According to the embodiments illustrated herein, a method for preparing an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment having an average weight-average molecular weight in the range of about 17 kDa to about 38 kDa, comprising the steps of adding a silk source to a boiling (100 °C) aqueous solution of sodium carbonate for a treatment time of about 30 minutes to about 60 minutes, resulting in degumming; removing sericin from the solution to produce a silk fibroin extract containing sericin at undetectable levels; discharging the solution from the silk fibroin extract; dissolving the silk fibroin extract in a solution of lithium bromide having a starting temperature when the silk fibroin extract is placed in a lithium bromide solution in the range of about 80 °C to about 140 °C; maintaining the silk fibroin-lithium bromide solution in a drying oven having a temperature in the range of about 60 °C to about 100 °C for at least 1 hour; removing lithium bromide from the silk fibroin extract; and preparing an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment, wherein the aqueous solution of the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment contains about 10 ppm to about 300 ppm of lithium bromide residue, the aqueous solution of the silk protein fragment contains about 10 ppm to about 100 ppm of sodium carbonate residue, the aqueous solution of the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment contains fragments having an average weight-average molecular weight in the range of about 17 kDa to about 38 kDa, and the aqueous solution of the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment contains a polydispersity in the range of about 1.5 to about 3.0. In one embodiment, the method includes drying the silk fibroin extract prior to the dissolving step. In one embodiment, the amount of lithium bromide residue in the aqueous solution can be measured using a high performance liquid chromatography lithium bromide assay. In one embodiment, the amount of sodium carbonate residue in the aqueous solution can be measured using a high performance liquid chromatography sodium carbonate assay. In one embodiment, the method includes adding a therapeutic agent to the aqueous solution of the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment. In one embodiment, the method includes adding a molecule selected from one of an antioxidant or an enzyme to the aqueous solution of the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment.In one embodiment, the method includes adding a vitamin to an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment. In one embodiment, the vitamin is selected from vitamin C or one of its derivatives. In one embodiment, the method further includes adding an α-hydroxy acid to an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment. In one embodiment, the α-hydroxy acid is selected from the group consisting of glycolic acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, and citric acid. In one embodiment, the method further includes adding hyaluronic acid to an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment at a concentration of about 0.5% to about 10.0%. In one embodiment, the method further includes adding at least one of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment.

[0065] According to an aspect exemplified in this specification, a method for preparing an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment having an average weight average molecular weight in the range of about 39 kDa to about 80 kDa, comprising adding a silk source to a boiling (100 °C) aqueous solution of sodium carbonate for a treatment time of about 30 minutes, resulting in degumming; removing sericin from the solution to produce a silk fibroin extract containing sericin at undetectable levels; discharging the solution from the silk fibroin extract; dissolving the silk fibroin extract in a solution of lithium bromide having a starting temperature when the silk fibroin extract is placed in a lithium bromide solution in the range of about 80 °C to about 140 °C; maintaining the silk fibroin-lithium bromide solution in a drying oven having a temperature in the range of about 60 °C to about 100 °C for at least 1 hour; removing lithium bromide from the silk fibroin extract; and preparing an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment, wherein the aqueous solution of the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment contains a lithium bromide residue of about 10 ppm to about 300 ppm, a sodium carbonate residue of about 10 ppm to about 100 ppm, and a fragment having an average weight average molecular weight in the range of about 40 kDa to about 65 kDa, and the aqueous solution of the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment contains a polydispersity in the range of about 1.5 to about 3.0. In one embodiment, the method includes drying the silk fibroin extract before the dissolving step. In one embodiment, the amount of lithium bromide residue in the aqueous solution can be measured using a high performance liquid chromatography lithium bromide assay. In one embodiment, the amount of sodium carbonate residue in the aqueous solution can be measured using a high performance liquid chromatography sodium carbonate assay. In one embodiment, the method includes adding a therapeutic agent to the aqueous solution of the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment. In one embodiment, the method includes adding a molecule selected from one of an antioxidant or an enzyme to the aqueous solution of the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment. In one embodiment, the method includes adding a vitamin to the aqueous solution of the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment.In one embodiment, the vitamin is selected from vitamin C or one of its derivatives. In one embodiment, the method further includes adding an α-hydroxy acid to an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment. In one embodiment, the α-hydroxy acid is selected from the group consisting of glycolic acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, and citric acid. In one embodiment, the method further includes adding hyaluronic acid at a concentration of about 0.5% to about 10.0% to an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment. In one embodiment, the method further includes adding at least one of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment.

[0066] According to the aspects shown herein, a method of making a silk gel having entrapped molecules or therapeutic agents, such as those shown in the following paragraphs, is disclosed. In embodiments, at least one molecule or therapeutic agent of interest is physically entrapped in the SPF mixture solution of the present disclosure while processing in a water-soluble gel. The water-soluble silk gel of the present disclosure can be used to release at least one molecule or therapeutic agent of interest.

[0067] According to the aspects shown herein, the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragments from the aqueous solution of the present disclosure can be formed into spun yarns and fabrics, including, for example, woven or knitted fabrics, which can be used in textiles as described above.

[0068] According to the aspects shown herein, silk fabrics produced from the SPF mixture solution of the present disclosure are disclosed. In embodiments, at least one molecule or therapeutic agent of interest is physically entrapped in the SPF mixture solution. The silk membranes of the present disclosure can be used to release at least one molecule or therapeutic agent of interest.

[0069] In some embodiments, the present invention can include an article having a fiber or a spun yarn with a coating, and the coating can include a silk-based protein having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa or a fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the article can be a fabric. In some embodiments, the silk-based protein or a fragment thereof can include a silk fibroin-based protein or protein fragment having from about 0.01% (w / w) to about 10% (w / w) sericin.

[0070] In some embodiments, the silk-based protein or a fragment thereof can be selected from the group consisting of a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a recombinant silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof.

[0071] In some embodiments, the silk-based protein or a fragment thereof can be a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof selected from the group consisting of a spider silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a mulberry silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof.

[0072] In some embodiments, the natural silk-based protein or fragment can be a mulberry silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and the mulberry silk-based protein or a fragment thereof can be a Bombyx mori silk-based protein or a fragment thereof.

[0073] In some embodiments, the silk-based protein or fragment can include silk and a copolymer.

[0074] In some embodiments, the silk-based protein or protein fragment thereof can have an average weight-average molecular weight range selected from the group consisting of about 5 to about 10 kDa, about 6 kDa to about 16 kDa, about 17 kDa to about 38 kDa, about 39 kDa to about 80 kDa, about 60 to about 100 kDa, and about 80 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the silk-based protein or fragment thereof can have a polydispersity of about 1.5 to about 3.0. The protein or protein fragment before coating the fabric does not spontaneously or gradually gel in solution and does not visually change in color or turbidity for at least 10 days.

[0075] In some embodiments, the fiber or spun yarn can be selected from the group consisting of natural fibers or spun yarns, synthetic fibers or spun yarns, or combinations thereof.

[0076] In some embodiments, the fiber or spun yarn can be a natural fiber or spun yarn selected from the group consisting of cotton, alpaca fleece, alpaca wool, llama fleece, llama wool, cotton, cashmere, sheep fleece, sheep wool, and combinations thereof.

[0077] In some embodiments, the fiber or spun yarn can be a synthetic fiber or spun yarn selected from the group consisting of polyester, nylon, polyester-polyurethane copolymer, and combinations thereof.

[0078] In some embodiments, the fabric can exhibit improved properties, and the improved properties can be a cumulative one-way moisture transport index selected from the group consisting of greater than 40%, greater than 60%, greater than 80%, greater than 100%, greater than 120%, greater than 140%, greater than 160%, and greater than 180%.

[0079] In some embodiments, the fabric can exhibit improved properties, and the improved properties can be an accumulative one way transport capability increase selected from the group consisting of 1.2 times, 1.5 times, 2.0 times, 3.0 times, 4.0 times, 5.0 times, and 10 times with respect to the uncoated fabric.

[0080] In some embodiments, the fabric can exhibit improved properties, and the improved properties can be an overall moisture management capability selected from the group consisting of greater than 0.05, greater than 0.10, greater than 0.15, greater than 0.20, greater than 0.25, greater than 0.30, greater than 0.35, greater than 0.40, greater than 0.50, greater than 0.60, greater than 0.70, and greater than 0.80. In some embodiments, the improved properties can be determined after a period of machine wash cycles selected from the group consisting of 5 cycles, 10 cycles, 25 cycles, and 50 cycles.

[0081] In some embodiments, the fabric can show no substantial increase in microbial growth after a number of machine wash cycles selected from the group consisting of 5 cycles, 10 cycles, 25 cycles, and 50 cycles. In some embodiments, the microbial growth can be the microbial growth of microorganisms selected from the group consisting of Staphylococcus aureus, Klebisiella pneumoniae, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the microbial growth can be reduced by a percentage selected from the group consisting of 50%, 100%, 500%, 1000%, 2000%, and 3000% compared to the uncoated fabric.

[0082] In some embodiments, the coating can be applied to the fabric at the fiber level before forming the fabric.

[0083] In some embodiments, the coating can be applied to the fabric at the fabric level. In some embodiments, the fabric can be bath coated. In some embodiments, the fabric can be spray coated. In some embodiments, the fabric can be stencil coated. In some embodiments, the coating can be applied to at least one side of the fabric using a method selected from the group consisting of a bath coating process, a spray coating process, a stencil process, a silk form-based process, and a roller-based process.

[0084] In some embodiments, the coating can have a thickness of about 1 nanolayer.

[0085] In some embodiments, the coating can have a thickness selected from the group consisting of about 5 nm, about 10 nm, about 15 nm, about 20 nm, about 25 nm, about 50 nm, about 100 nm, about 200 nm, about 500 nm, about 1 μm, about 5 μm, about 10 μm, and about 20 μm.

[0086] In some embodiments, the coating can be adsorbed to the fabric.

[0087] In some embodiments, the coating can adhere to the fabric by chemical, enzymatic, thermal, or irradiation crosslinking.

[0088] In some embodiments, the hand of the coated fabric can be improved compared to the uncoated fabric.

[0089] In some embodiments, the improved hand of the coated fabric can be selected from the group consisting of flexibility, crispness, dryness, silkiness, and combinations thereof.

[0090] In some embodiments, the flame retardancy of the coated fabric can be improved as compared to the uncoated fabric.

[0091] In some embodiments, the flame retardancy of the uncoated fabric can be unaffected by the coating.

[0092] In some embodiments, the abrasion resistance can be improved as compared to the uncoated fabric.

[0093] In embodiments, the present invention can include an article comprising a textile or leather having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa.

[0094] In some embodiments, the silk-based protein or protein fragment thereof has an average weight average molecular weight range selected from the group consisting of about 5 to about 10 kDa, about 6 kDa to about 16 kDa, about 17 kDa to about 38 kDa, about 39 kDa to about 80 kDa, about 60 to about 100 kDa, and about 80 kDa to about 144 kDa, the silk-based protein or fragment thereof has a polydispersity of about 1.5 to about 3.0, and the protein or protein fragment prior to coating the fabric does not spontaneously or gradually gel in solution and does not visually change in color or turbidity for at least 10 days.

[0095] In some embodiments, at least one property of the article can be improved, and the properties that can be improved can be selected from the group consisting of color retention, resistance to microbial growth, resistance to bacterial growth, resistance to fungal growth, resistance to the build-up of electrostatic charge, resistance to the growth of mildew, coating transparency, resistance to damage by freeze-thaw cycles, abrasion resistance, blocking of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, regulation of the wearer's body temperature, resistance to breakage, elasticity of the article, rebound dampening, tendency to cause itching to the wearer, heat insulation of the wearer, wrinkle prevention, stain resistance, adhesiveness to the skin, and flame retardancy.

[0096] In some embodiments, the article can be a textile used for apparel.

[0097] In some embodiments, the article can be made as an item selected from the group consisting of items of athletic clothing, items of outdoor supplies, jackets, overcoats, shoes, sneakers, gloves, umbrellas, chairs, blankets, towels, surgical drapes, surgical gowns, laboratory coats, wound dressings, sterilization wraps, surgical face masks, surgical sleeves, laboratory sleeves, holding bandages, support devices, compression bandages, shoe covers, and surgical blankets.

[0098] In some embodiments, the article can be a textile, leather, or foam used to make automotive products.

[0099] In some embodiments, the article can be made as an item selected from the group consisting of upholstery, foam cushion, fabric cushion, floor mat, vehicle carpet, automotive trim, child car seat, seat belt, safety harness, headrest, armrest, dashboard, sun visor, seat, interior panel, airbag, airbag cover, wire harness, or insulation.

[0100] In an embodiment, the present invention can include a step of applying a pretreatment agent selected from the group consisting of a wetting agent, a detergent, a sequestering or dispersing agent, an enzyme, a bleaching agent, an antifoaming agent, an anti-creasing agent, a dye dispersing agent, a dye leveling agent, a dye fixing agent, a dye special resin agent, a dye anti-reducing agent, a pigment dye system anti-migrating agent, a pigment dye system binder, a delave agent, a wrinkle free treatment agent, a softening agent, a handle modifier, a waterborne polyurethane dispersion, a finishing resin, an oil or water repellant, a flame retardant, a crosslinker, a thickener for technical finishing, or a combination thereof to a fabric that can include a step of applying a coating including a solution of a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having an average molecular weight range of about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa using a process selected from the group consisting of a continuous spray process, a continuous screen or stencil process, a continuous bath process, a batch spray process, a batch screen or stencil process, and a batch bath process. In an embodiment, the method can include the steps of drying the coating and optionally curing it.

[0101] In an embodiment, the silk-based protein or protein fragment thereof can have an average weight-average molecular weight range selected from the group consisting of about 5 to about 10 kDa, about 6 kDa to about 16 kDa, about 17 kDa to about 38 kDa, about 39 kDa to about 80 kDa, about 60 to about 100 kDa, and about 80 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the silk-based protein or fragment thereof can have a polydispersity of about 1.5 to about 3.0. Optionally, the protein or protein fragment before coating the fabric does not spontaneously or gradually gel in solution and does not visually change in color or turbidity for at least 10 days.

[0102] The embodiments disclosed in the present invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings shown are not necessarily to scale; instead, generally, emphasis is placed on illustrating the principles of the embodiments disclosed in the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0103]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0104] The embodiments disclosed in the present invention are shown by the above - specified drawings. However, as mentioned in the discussion, other embodiments are also considered. This disclosure presents exemplary embodiments that are representative and not limiting. Those skilled in the art can devise many other modifications and embodiments that are encompassed within the scope and spirit of the principles of the embodiments disclosed in the present invention.

[0105] Silk fibroin-based protein fragments and solutions thereof Provided herein is a method for producing a pure and highly scaleable silk protein fragment (SPF) mixed solution that can be used to coat at least a portion of a textile or can be formed into fibers that can be used to weave into spun yarns. In some embodiments, the SPF mixed solution may be referred to as a silk fibroin solution (SFS). Also, the reverse may be the case. These solutions are made and processed from raw, pure, unmodified silk protein materials to remove sericin and achieve the desired weight average molecular weight (MW) and polydispersity of the fragment mixture. The selected method parameters can be varied to achieve the characteristics of the final silk protein fragment that are clear depending on the intended use. The resulting final fragment solution is a pure silk protein fragment and water containing process contaminants at undetectable levels from PPM. The concentration, size, and polydispersity of the silk protein fragment in the solution can be further varied depending on the desired use and performance requirements. In one embodiment, the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment in the solution is substantially devoid of sericin, has an average weight average molecular weight in the range of about 6 kDa to about 16 kDa, and has a polydispersity in the range of about 1.5 to about 3.0. In one embodiment, the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment in the solution is substantially devoid of sericin, has an average weight average molecular weight in the range of about 17 kDa to about 38 kDa, and has a polydispersity in the range of about 1.5 to about 3.0. In one embodiment, the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment in the solution is substantially devoid of sericin, has an average weight average molecular weight in the range of about 39 kDa to about 80 kDa, and has a polydispersity in the range of about 1.5 to about 3.0. In one embodiment, this solution can be used to make articles such as silk gels of various gel and liquid consistencies by varying the moisture content / concentration, or can be sold as a raw material to the consumer market. As used herein, the term "silk solution" may refer to a solution of silk protein, including a solution of silk fibroin-based protein fragments.

[0106] As used herein, the term "silk-based protein or fragment thereof" includes silk fibroin-based proteins or fragments thereof, natural silk-based proteins or fragments thereof, recombinant silk-based proteins or fragments thereof, and combinations thereof. Natural silk-based proteins or fragments thereof include spider silk-based proteins or fragments thereof, silkworm silk-based proteins or fragments thereof, and combinations thereof. Silkworm silk-based proteins or fragments thereof can include proteins or fragments thereof based on Bombyx mori silk. The SPF mixed solution described herein can include silk-based proteins or fragments thereof. Further, as described herein, SFS can be replaced with the SPF mixed solution.

[0107] As used herein, a "low molecular weight" silk fibroin solution can include an SFS solution containing silk fibroin-based protein fragments having a molecular weight in the range of about 5 kDa to 20 kDa. In some embodiments, the desired low molecular weight of a silk fibroin-based protein fragment can be about 11 kDa.

[0108] As used herein, a "medium molecular weight" silk fibroin solution can include an SFS solution containing silk fibroin-based protein fragments having a molecular weight in the range of about 20 kDa to about 55 kDa. In some embodiments, the desired medium molecular weight of a silk fibroin-based protein fragment can be about 40 kDa.

[0109] As used herein, a "high molecular weight" silk fibroin solution can include an SFS solution containing silk fibroin-based protein fragments having a molecular weight in the range of about 55 kDa to about 150 kDa. In some embodiments, the desired high molecular weight of a silk fibroin-based protein fragment can be in the range of about 100 kDa to about 145 kDa.

[0110] As used herein, the terms "substantially sericin free" or "substantially devoid of sericin" refer to silk fibers from which most of the sericin protein has been removed. In one embodiment, silk fibroin substantially devoid of sericin refers to silk fibroin having from about 0.01% (w / w) to about 10.0% (w / w) sericin. In one embodiment, silk fibroin substantially devoid of sericin refers to silk fibroin having from about 0.01% (w / w) to about 9.0% (w / w) sericin. In one embodiment, silk fibroin substantially devoid of sericin refers to silk fibroin having from about 0.01% (w / w) to about 8.0% (w / w) sericin. In one embodiment, silk fibroin substantially devoid of sericin refers to silk fibroin having from about 0.01% (w / w) to about 8.0% (w / w) sericin. In one embodiment, silk fibroin substantially devoid of sericin refers to silk fibroin having from about 0.01% (w / w) to about 7.0% (w / w) sericin. In one embodiment, silk fibroin substantially devoid of sericin refers to silk fibroin having from about 0.01% (w / w) to about 6.0% (w / w) sericin. In one embodiment, silk fibroin substantially devoid of sericin refers to silk fibroin having from about 0.01% (w / w) to about 5.0% (w / w) sericin. In one embodiment, silk fibroin substantially devoid of sericin refers to silk fibroin having from about 0% (w / w) to about 4.0% (w / w) sericin. In one embodiment, silk fibroin substantially devoid of sericin refers to silk fibroin having from about 0.05% (w / w) to about 4.0% (w / w) sericin. In one embodiment, silk fibroin substantially devoid of sericin refers to silk fibroin having from about 0.1% (w / w) to about 4.0% (w / w) sericin. In one embodiment, silk fibroin substantially devoid of sericin refers to silk fibroin having from about 0.5% (w / w) to about 4.0% (w / w) sericin.In one embodiment, silk fibroin substantially lacking sericin refers to silk fibroin having about 1.0% (w / w) to about 4.0% (w / w) sericin. In one embodiment, silk fibroin substantially lacking sericin refers to silk fibroin having about 1.5% (w / w) to about 4.0% (w / w) sericin. In one embodiment, silk fibroin substantially lacking sericin refers to silk fibroin having about 2.0% (w / w) to about 4.0% (w / w) sericin. In one embodiment, silk fibroin substantially lacking sericin refers to silk fibroin having about 2.5% (w / w) to about 4.0% (w / w) sericin. In one embodiment, silk fibroin substantially lacking sericin refers to silk fibroin having a sericin content of about 0.01% (w / w) to about 0.1% (w / w). In one embodiment, silk fibroin substantially lacking sericin refers to silk fibroin having a sericin content of less than about 0.1% (w / w). In one embodiment, silk fibroin substantially lacking sericin refers to silk fibroin having a sericin content of less than about 0.05% (w / w). In one embodiment, when the silk source is added to an aqueous solution of sodium carbonate boiling (100 °C) for a treatment time of about 30 minutes to about 60 minutes, a degumming loss of about 26 wt% to about 31 wt% is obtained.

[0111] As used herein, the term "substantially homogeneous" can refer to a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment that is distributed in a normal distribution around a specific molecular weight. As used herein, the term "substantially homogeneous" can refer to a uniform distribution of additives, such as vitamin C, throughout the compositions of the present disclosure.

[0112] As used herein, the term "substantially free of inorganic residues" means that the composition exhibits residues of 0.1% (w / w) or less. In one embodiment, "substantially free of inorganic residues" refers to a composition exhibiting residues of 0.05% (w / w) or less. In one embodiment, "substantially free of inorganic residues" refers to a composition exhibiting residues of 0.01% (w / w) or less. In one embodiment, the amount of inorganic residues is from 0 ppm ("undetectable" or "ND") to 1000 ppm. In one embodiment, the amount of inorganic residues is from ND to about 500 ppm. In one embodiment, the amount of inorganic residues is from ND to about 400 ppm. In one embodiment, the amount of inorganic residues is from ND to about 300 ppm. In one embodiment, the amount of inorganic residues is from ND to about 200 ppm. In one embodiment, the amount of inorganic residues is from ND to about 100 ppm. In one embodiment, the amount of inorganic residues is from 10 ppm to 1000 ppm.

[0113] As used herein, the term "substantially free of organic residues" means that the composition exhibits residues of 0.1% (w / w) or less. In one embodiment, "substantially free of organic residues" refers to a composition exhibiting residues of 0.05% (w / w) or less. In one embodiment, "substantially free of organic residues" refers to a composition exhibiting residues of 0.01% (w / w) or less. In one embodiment, the amount of organic residues is from 0 ppm ("undetectable" or "ND") to 1000 ppm. In one embodiment, the amount of organic residues is from ND to about 500 ppm. In one embodiment, the amount of organic residues is from ND to about 400 ppm. In one embodiment, the amount of organic residues is from ND to about 300 ppm. In one embodiment, the amount of organic residues is from ND to about 200 ppm. In one embodiment, the amount of organic residues is from ND to about 100 ppm. In one embodiment, the amount of organic residues is from 10 ppm to 1000 ppm.

[0114] The compositions of the present disclosure exhibit "biocompatibility" or "biocompatible," meaning that the compositions are compatible with living tissues or biological systems by being non-toxic, non-hazardous, or non-physiologically reactive and not causing immune rejection or an inflammatory response. Such biocompatibility can be demonstrated by participants who have topically applied the compositions of the present disclosure to their skin for an extended period of time. In one embodiment, the extended period is about 3 days. In one embodiment, the extended period is about 7 days. In one embodiment, the extended period is about 14 days. In one embodiment, the extended period is about 21 days. In one embodiment, the extended period is about 30 days. In one embodiment, the extended period is selected from the group consisting of about 1 month, about 2 months, about 3 months, about 4 months, about 5 months, about 6 months, about 7 months, about 8 months, about 9 months, about 10 months, about 11 months, about 12 months, and indefinitely. For example, in some embodiments, the coatings described herein are biocompatible coatings.

[0115] In some embodiments, the compositions described herein that can be biocompatible compositions (e.g., biocompatible coatings comprising silk) can be evaluated and found to be compliant according to the international standard ISO 10993-1, "Biological evaluation of medical devices - Part 1: Evaluation and testing within a risk management process." In some embodiments, the compositions described herein that can be biocompatible compositions can be evaluated according to ISO 106993-1 for one or more of cytotoxicity, sensitization, blood compatibility, pyrogenicity, implantation, genotoxicity, carcinogenicity, reproductive and developmental toxicity, and degradation.

[0116] In some embodiments, the compositions and articles described herein, and methods for preparing them, include silk-coated fabrics and textiles, wherein the silk coating is partially dissolved in the fabric or textile. The fabric or textile can be a polymeric material such as those described elsewhere herein. The term "partially dissolved" includes, for example, mixing to form a dispersion of a portion of the silk-based coating with a portion of the polymeric fabric or textile. In some embodiments, the dispersion can be a suspension of silk solids (i.e., a dispersion containing domains on the order of 10 nm) or a solid solution (i.e., a molecular dispersion) in the polymeric fabric or textile. In some embodiments, the dispersion can be localized at the surface interface between the silk coating and the polymeric fabric or textile and can have a depth of 1 nm, 2 nm, 5 nm, 10 nm, 25 nm, 50 nm, 75 nm, 100 nm, or greater than 100 nm, depending on the preparation method. In some embodiments, the dispersion can be a layer sandwiched between the polymeric fabric or textile and the silk coating. In some embodiments, the dispersion can be prepared by coating a polymeric fabric or textile with silk comprising silk fibroin having the properties described herein and then performing an additional process to form the dispersion. This additional process includes heating at a temperature of 100 °C, 125 °C, 150 °C, 175 °C, 200 °C, 225 °C, or 250 °C for a period selected from the group consisting of 1 minute, 2 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, 8 hours, 16 hours, or 24 hours. In some embodiments, the heating is at the glass transition temperature (T g) can be carried out at or above that temperature and can be evaluated by methods known in the art. In some embodiments, the dispersion can be formed by coating silk containing fibroin having the properties described herein on a polymer fabric or textile and then performing an additional process to impregnate the silk coating into the polymer fabric or textile. This additional process includes treatment with an organic solvent. Methods for characterizing the properties of polymers that are mutually soluble are well known in the art and include differential scanning calorimetry and surface analysis methods (e.g., spectroscopy) capable of depth profiling.

[0117] The compositions of the present disclosure are "low allergenic" in that they are relatively unlikely to cause allergic reactions. Such low allergenicity can be demonstrated by participants who have topically applied the compositions of the present disclosure on their skin for an extended period of time. In one embodiment, the extended period is about 3 days. In one embodiment, the extended period is about 7 days. In one embodiment, the extended period is about 14 days. In one embodiment, the extended period is about 21 days. In one embodiment, the extended period is about 30 days. In one embodiment, the extended period is selected from the group consisting of about 1 month, about 2 months, about 3 months, about 4 months, about 5 months, about 6 months, about 7 months, about 8 months, about 9 months, about 10 months, about 11 months, about 12 months, and indefinitely.

[0118] In some embodiments where an aqueous solution is used to prepare an SPF composition or an SPF-containing coating, the aqueous solution can be prepared with DI water or tap water. As used herein, the term "tap water" refers to drinking water provided by a public utility and water of equivalent quality regardless of its source without further purification such as by reverse osmosis, distillation, and / or deionization. Thus, as shown herein, it can be understood that the use of "DI water", "RODI water", or "water" is mutually convertible with "tap water" for the processes described herein without having an adverse effect on such processes.

[0119] Textiles and leathers coated with silk fibroin-based protein fragments As used herein, the terms "washable" and "demonstrating wash resistance" mean that the silk-coated fabric of the present disclosure can be washed without shrinking, fading, or the like.

[0120] As used herein, the term "textile" refers to a flexible woven or non-woven material composed of a network of natural or artificial fibers (often referred to as fabric, yarn, or spun yarn). In embodiments, textiles can be used to make clothing, shoes, and bags. In embodiments, textiles can be used to make rug materials, upholstered furniture, blinds, towels, table covers, beds, and other flat surfaces. In embodiments, textiles can be used in flags, backpacks, tents, nets, handkerchiefs, balloons, kites, sails, and parachutes.

[0121] As used herein, the term "leather" refers to natural leather or synthetic leather. Natural leather includes chrome tanned leather (e.g., leather tanned with chromium sulfate and other chromium salts), vegetable tanned leather (e.g., leather tanned with tannins), aldehyde tanned leather (also known as wet-white leather, e.g., leather tanned with glutaraldehyde or oxazoline compounds), brain tanned leather, formaldehyde tanned leather, chamois leather (e.g., leather tanned with cod oils), rose tanned leather (e.g., leather tanned with rose otto oil), synthetic tanned leather (e.g., leather tanned with aromatic polymers), alum tanned leather, patent leather, vachetta leather, nubuck leather, and rawhide leather. Natural leather also includes split leather, full-grain leather, top-grain leather, and corrected-grain leather, the properties and preparation of which are known to those skilled in the art. Synthetic leather includes breathable poromeric imitation leathers (e.g., polyurethane on polyester), vinyl and polyamide felt fibers, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), polyamide, polyester, textile-polymer composite microfibers, corfan, koskin, leatherette, BIOTHANE®, BIRKIBUC®, BIRKO-FLOR®, CLARINO®, ECOLORICA®, KYDEX®, LORICA®, NAUGAHYDE®, REXINE®, VEGETAN®, FABRIKOID®, or combinations thereof.

[0122] As used herein, the term "hand" refers to the feel of a fabric and can be further described as softness, crispness, dryness, silkiness, and combinations thereof. The hand of a fabric is also referred to as "drape". Fabrics with a stiff hand are rough and scratchy and generally not comfortable for the wearer. Fabrics with a soft hand, such as fine silk or wool, are smooth and slippery and generally more comfortable for the wearer. The hand of a fabric can be determined by comparison to a collection of fabric samples or by using methods such as the Kawabata Evaluation System (KES) or the Fabric Assurance by Simple Testing (FAST) method (Behera and Hari, Ind. J. Fibre & Textile Res., 1994, 19, 168 - 71).

[0123] As used herein, the term "yarn" refers to a single fiber or a multi - fiber composition.

[0124] As used herein, the term "coating" refers to a material or combination of materials that forms a substantially continuous layer or film on the outer surface of a substrate such as a textile. In some embodiments, portions of the coating can penetrate at least partially into the substrate. In some embodiments, the coating can penetrate at least partially into cracks in the substrate. In some embodiments, the coating can be infused into the surface of the substrate, in which case the application of the coating, i.e., the coating process, can include causing at least one coating component to penetrate at least partially (at the melting point of the substrate) into the surface of the substrate. The coating can be applied to the substrate by one or more of the processes described herein.

[0125] In the described embodiments, where the coating can penetrate the surface of the substrate, the coating can be codissolved on the surface of the substrate, and the components of the coating can be intermixed to the following depths at the surface of the substrate: at least about 1 nm, or at least about 2 nm, or at least about 3 nm, or at least about 4 nm, or at least about 5 nm, or at least about 6 nm, or at least about 7 nm, or at least about 8 nm, or at least about 9 nm, or at least about 10 nm, or at least about 20 nm, or at least about 30 nm, or at least about 40 nm, or at least about 50 nm, or at least about 60 nm, or at least about 70 nm, or at least about 80 nm, or at least about 90 nm, or at least about 100 nm. In some embodiments, the coating can penetrate the surface of the substrate, and the substrate includes, but is not limited to, one or more polymers including polyester, polyamide, polyaramid, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, silicone, a mixture of polyurethane and polyethylene glycol, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, high performance polyethylene, nylon, and LYCRA.

[0126] As used herein, the term "pad coating" encompasses coating the fabric in a batch, dipping the fabric in a bath, and immersing the fabric in a bath. The concept of pad coating is shown in U.S. Patent No. 4,521,458, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0127] As used herein, unless otherwise specified, the term "drying" refers to drying the coated materials described herein at a temperature higher than room temperature (i.e., 20 °C).

[0128] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a textile or leather product coated with a silk fibroin-based protein or a fragment thereof. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a textile or leather product coated with a silk fibroin-based protein or a fragment thereof, wherein the textile is a textile used for human clothing, including performance and / or sports clothing. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a textile or leather product coated with a silk fibroin-based protein or a fragment thereof, wherein the textile or leather product exhibits improved moisture management characteristics and / or resistance to microbial growth. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a textile or leather product coated with a silk fibroin-based protein or a fragment thereof, wherein the textile is a textile or leather product used for home upholstery. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a textile or leather product coated with a silk fibroin-based protein or a fragment thereof, wherein the textile or leather product is used for automobile upholstery. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a textile or leather product coated with a silk fibroin-based protein or a fragment thereof, wherein the textile or leather product is used for aircraft upholstery. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a textile or leather product coated with a silk fibroin-based protein or a fragment thereof, wherein the textile or leather product is used for decoration in transportation vehicles for public, commercial, military, or other uses, including buses and trains. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a textile or leather product coated with a silk fibroin-based protein or a fragment thereof, wherein the textile or leather product is used for decoration of products that require a higher degree of resistance to wear than ordinary decoration.

[0129] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a textile or leather product coated with a silk fibroin-based protein or a fragment thereof, wherein the textile is a textile or leather product manufactured as an equipment for automobile decoration. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a textile or leather product coated with a silk fibroin-based protein or a fragment thereof, wherein the textile is a textile or leather product manufactured as a handle. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a textile or leather product coated with a silk fibroin-based protein or a fragment thereof, wherein the textile is a textile or leather product manufactured as a headrest. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a textile or leather product coated with a silk fibroin-based protein or a fragment thereof, wherein the textile is a textile or leather product manufactured as an armrest. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a textile or leather product coated with a silk fibroin-based protein or a fragment thereof, wherein the textile is a textile or leather product manufactured as an automobile floor mat. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a textile or leather product coated with a silk fibroin-based protein or a fragment thereof, wherein the textile is a textile or leather product manufactured as an automobile or vehicle carpet. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a textile or leather product coated with a silk fibroin-based protein or a fragment thereof, wherein the textile is a textile or leather product manufactured as an equipment for automobile decoration. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a textile or leather product coated with a silk fibroin-based protein or a fragment thereof, wherein the textile is a textile or leather product manufactured as a child car seat. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a textile or leather product coated with a silk fibroin-based protein or a fragment thereof, wherein the textile is a textile or leather product manufactured as a seat belt or safety harness.In an embodiment, the present invention provides a textile or leather product coated with a silk fibroin-based protein or a fragment thereof, wherein the textile is a textile or leather product made as a dashboard. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a textile or leather product coated with a silk fibroin-based protein or a fragment thereof, wherein the textile is a textile or leather product made as a seat. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a textile or leather product coated with a silk fibroin-based protein or a fragment thereof, wherein the textile is a textile or leather product made as a seat panel. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a textile or leather product coated with a silk fibroin-based protein or a fragment thereof, wherein the textile is a textile or leather product made as an interior panel. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a textile or leather product coated with a silk fibroin-based protein or a fragment thereof, wherein the textile is a textile or leather product made as an airbag cover. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a textile or leather product coated with a silk fibroin-based protein or a fragment thereof, wherein the textile is a textile or leather product made as an airbag. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a textile or leather product coated with a silk fibroin-based protein or a fragment thereof, wherein the textile is a textile or leather product made as a sun visor. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a textile or leather product coated with a silk fibroin-based protein or a fragment thereof, wherein the textile is a textile or leather product made as a wire harness. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a product coated with a silk fibroin-based protein or a fragment thereof, wherein the product is a cushion. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a product coated with a silk fibroin-based protein or a fragment thereof, wherein the product is an insulator for an automobile, an airplane, or other vehicle.The coating contains a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the silk fibroin-based protein or the protein fragment thereof has an average weight average molecular weight range selected from the group consisting of about 5 to about 10 kDa, about 6 kDa to about 16 kDa, about 17 kDa to about 38 kDa, about 39 kDa to about 80 kDa, about 60 to about 100 kDa, and about 80 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof has a polydispersity of about 1.5 to about 3.0, and optionally, the protein or protein fragment before coating the fabric does not spontaneously or gradually gel in solution and does not visually change in color or turbidity for at least 10 days.

[0130] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a textile or leather coated with a silk fibroin-based protein or a fragment thereof. In an embodiment, the textile or leather is a textile or leather used in the manufacture of tents, sleeping bags, ponchos, and soft fall coolers. In an embodiment, the textile or leather is a textile or leather used in the manufacture of sporting equipment. In an embodiment, the textile or leather is a textile or leather used in the manufacture of outdoor supplies. In an embodiment, the textile or leather is a textile or leather used in the manufacture of hiking supplies such as harnesses and backpacks. In an embodiment, the textile or leather is a textile or leather used in the manufacture of mountaineering supplies. In an embodiment, the textile or leather is canvas. In an embodiment, the textile or leather is a textile or leather used in the manufacture of hats. In an embodiment, the textile or leather is a textile or leather used in the manufacture of umbrellas. In an embodiment, the textile or leather is a textile or leather used in the manufacture of tents. In an embodiment, the textile or leather is a textile or leather used in the manufacture of baby sleepers, baby blankets, or baby pajamas. In an embodiment, the textile or leather is a textile or leather used in the manufacture of gloves such as driving gloves or sporting gloves. In an embodiment, the textile or leather is a textile or leather used in the manufacture of sporting pants such as sweatpants, jogging pants, yoga pants, or pants for use in competitive sports. In an embodiment, the textile or leather is a textile or leather used in the manufacture of sporting shirts such as sweatshirts, jogging shirts, yoga shirts, or shirts for use in competitive sports. In an embodiment, the textile or leather is a textile or leather used in the manufacture of beach supplies such as beach umbrellas, beach chairs, beach blankets, and beach towels.In an embodiment, the textile or leather is a textile or leather used in the manufacture of a jacket or overcoat. In an embodiment, the textile or leather is a textile or leather used in the manufacture of medical garments such as surgical drapes, surgical gowns, surgical sleeves, laboratory sleeves, laboratory coats, wound dressings, sterile wraps, surgical face masks, holding bandages, support devices, compression bandages, shoe covers, surgical blankets, and the like. The coating contains a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the silk-based protein or the protein fragment thereof has an average weight average molecular weight range selected from the group consisting of about 5 to about 10 kDa, about 6 kDa to about 16 kDa, about 17 kDa to about 38 kDa, about 39 kDa to about 80 kDa, about 60 to about 100 kDa, and about 80 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof has a polydispersity of from about 1.5 to about 3.0, and optionally, the protein or protein fragment before coating the fabric does not spontaneously or gradually gel in solution for at least 10 days and does not visually change in color or turbidity.

[0131] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a shoe coated with a silk fibroin-based protein or a fragment thereof. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a shoe coated with a silk fibroin-based protein or a fragment thereof, and the shoe exhibits improved properties as compared to an uncoated shoe. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a shoe coated with a silk fibroin-based protein or a fragment thereof, and the shoe exhibits improved properties as compared to an uncoated shoe, and the improved property is stain resistance. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a shoe coated with a silk fibroin-based protein or a fragment thereof, and the shoe exhibits improved properties as compared to an uncoated shoe, and the shoe is made of natural leather or synthetic leather. The coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the silk fibroin-based protein or the protein fragment thereof has an average weight average molecular weight range selected from the group consisting of about 5 to about 10 kDa, about 6 kDa to about 16 kDa, about 17 kDa to about 38 kDa, about 39 kDa to about 80 kDa, about 60 to about 100 kDa, and about 80 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof has a polydispersity of about 1.5 to about 3.0, and optionally, the protein or the protein fragment before coating the fabric does not spontaneously or gradually gel in solution for at least 10 days and does not visually change in color or turbidity.

[0132] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, and the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa.

[0133] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, and the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the article is a textile or leather.

[0134] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof comprises a silk fibroin-based protein or protein fragment having about 0.01% (w / w) to about 10% (w / w) sericin.

[0135] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is selected from the group consisting of a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a recombinant silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof.

[0136] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is selected from the group consisting of a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a recombinant silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof selected from the group consisting of a spider silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a silkworm silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof.

[0137] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is selected from the group consisting of a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a recombinant silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof selected from the group consisting of a spider silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a mulberry silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the natural silk-based protein or the fragment is a mulberry silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and the mulberry silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is a protein or a fragment thereof based on Bombyx mori silk.

[0138] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof comprises silk and a copolymer.

[0139] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the silk-based protein or the protein fragment thereof can have an average weight average molecular weight range selected from the group consisting of from about 5 to about 10 kDa, from about 6 kDa to about 16 kDa, from about 17 kDa to about 38 kDa, from about 39 kDa to about 80 kDa, from about 60 to about 100 kDa, and from about 80 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof has a polydispersity of from about 1.5 to about 3.0, and the protein or the protein fragment before coating the fabric does not spontaneously or gradually gel in solution and does not visually change in color or turbidity for at least 10 days.

[0140] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the fiber or the spun yarn is selected from the group consisting of natural fibers or spun yarns, synthetic fibers or spun yarns, or combinations thereof.

[0141] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the fiber or the spun yarn is selected from the group consisting of natural fibers or spun yarns, synthetic fibers or spun yarns, or combinations thereof, and the fiber or the spun yarn is a natural fiber or spun yarn selected from the group consisting of cotton, alpaca fleece, alpaca wool, llama fleece, llama wool, cotton, cashmere, sheep fleece, sheep wool, and combinations thereof.

[0142] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the fiber or the spun yarn is selected from the group consisting of natural fibers or spun yarns, synthetic fibers or spun yarns, or combinations thereof, and the fiber or the spun yarn is a synthetic fiber or spun yarn selected from the group consisting of polyester, nylon, polyester-polyurethane copolymer, and combinations thereof.

[0143] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article is a fabric, the fabric exhibits improved properties, and the improved properties are an accumulative one-way moisture transport index selected from the group consisting of greater than 40%, greater than 60%, greater than 80%, greater than 100%, greater than 120%, greater than 140%, greater than 160%, and greater than 180%. In an embodiment, the improved properties are determined after a period of a machine wash cycle selected from the group consisting of 5 cycles, 10 cycles, 25 cycles, and 50 cycles.

[0144] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article is a fabric, the fabric exhibits improved properties, and the improved properties are an accumulative one way transport capability increase selected from the group consisting of 1.2 times, 1.5 times, 2.0 times, 3.0 times, 4.0 times, 5.0 times, and 10 times with respect to the uncoated fabric. In an embodiment, the improved properties are determined after a period of a machine wash cycle selected from the group consisting of 5 cycles, 10 cycles, 25 cycles, and 50 cycles.

[0145] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article being a fabric, the fabric exhibiting improved properties, the improved properties being an overall moisture management capability selected from the group consisting of greater than 0.05, greater than 0.10, greater than 0.15, greater than 0.20, greater than 0.25, greater than 0.30, greater than 0.35, greater than 0.40, greater than 0.50, greater than 0.60, greater than 0.70, and greater than 0.80. In an embodiment, the improved properties are determined after a period of a machine wash cycle selected from the group consisting of 5 cycles, 10 cycles, 25 cycles, and 50 cycles.

[0146] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article being a fabric, the fabric showing no substantial increase in microbial growth after a number of machine wash cycles selected from the group consisting of 5 cycles, 10 cycles, 25 cycles, and 50 cycles.

[0147] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article being a fabric, the fabric showing no substantial increase in microbial growth after a number of machine wash cycles selected from the group consisting of 5 cycles, 10 cycles, 25 cycles, and 50 cycles, the microbial growth being microbial growth of a microorganism selected from the group consisting of Staphylococcus aureus, Klebisiella pneumoniae, and combinations thereof.

[0148] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article being a fabric, the fabric showing no substantial increase in microbial growth after a number of machine wash cycles selected from the group consisting of 5 cycles, 10 cycles, 25 cycles, and 50 cycles, the microbial growth being the microbial growth of a microorganism selected from the group consisting of Staphylococcus aureus, Klebisiella pneumoniae, and combinations thereof, and the microbial growth being reduced by a percentage selected from the group consisting of 50%, 100%, 500%, 1000%, 2000%, and 3000% compared to the uncoated fabric.

[0149] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article being a fabric, and the coating being applied to the fabric at the fiber level before the fabric is formed.

[0150] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article being a fabric, and the coating being applied to the fabric at the fabric level or at the garment level (e.g., after manufacturing a garment from the fabric, leather, and / or other materials).

[0151] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article being a fabric, the coating being applied to the fabric at the fabric level or the garment level, and the fabric being bath-coated.

[0152] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article being a fabric, the coating being applied to the fabric at the fabric level or the garment level, and the fabric being spray-coated.

[0153] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article being a fabric, the coating being applied to the fabric at the fabric level or the garment level, and the fabric being stencil-coated.

[0154] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article is a fabric, the coating is applied to the fabric at the fabric level or the garment level, and the coating is applied to at least one side of the fabric using a method selected from the group consisting of a bath coating process, a spray coating process, a stencil (i.e., screen) process, a silk foam-based process, a roller-based process, a magnetic roller process, a knife process, a transfer process, a foam process, a lacquering process, and a printing process. In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article is a fabric, the coating is applied to the fabric at the fabric level, and the coating is applied to both sides of the fabric using a method selected from the group consisting of a bath coating process, a spray coating process, a stencil (i.e., screen) process, a silk foam-based process, a roller-based process, a magnetic roller process, a knife process, a transfer process, a foam process, a lacquering process, and a printing process.

[0155] In any of the above embodiments, the coating can be applied to the fabric or garment at the fabric / garment level by any of the methods disclosed herein to recondition the fabric or garment. For example, such a repair using a coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof can be performed as part of the washing or cleaning of the fabric or garment.

[0156] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the coating has a thickness of about 1 nanolayer.

[0157] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the coating can have a thickness selected from the group consisting of about 5 nm, about 10 nm, about 15 nm, about 20 nm, about 25 nm, about 50 nm, about 100 nm, about 200 nm, about 500 nm, about 1 μm, about 5 μm, about 10 μm, and about 20 μm.

[0158] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article is a fabric, and the coating is adsorbed to the fabric.

[0159] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article is a fabric, and the coating adheres to the fabric by chemical, enzymatic, thermal, or irradiation crosslinking.

[0160] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article is a fabric, the coating is applied to the fabric at the fabric level, and the hand of the coated fabric is improved as compared to the uncoated fabric.

[0161] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article being a fabric, the coating being applied to the fabric at the fabric level, and the hand of the coated fabric being improved as compared to the uncoated fabric, and the improved hand of the coated fabric being selected from the group consisting of flexibility, crispness, dryness, silkiness, and combinations thereof.

[0162] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article being a fabric, the coating being applied to the fabric at the fabric level, and the pilling of the fabric being improved as compared to the uncoated fabric.

[0163] In an embodiment, the silk coating is applied using a bath process, a screen (or stencil) process, a spray process, a silk foam-based process, and a roller-based process.

[0164] In an embodiment, the fiber or spun yarn comprises a synthetic fiber or spun yarn including polyester, Mylar, cotton, nylon, polyester-polyurethane copolymer, rayon, acetate, aramid (aromatic polyamide), acrylic, indio (polylactide), lurex (polyamide-polyester), olefin (polyethylene-polypropylene), and combinations thereof.

[0165] In an embodiment, the fiber or spun yarn includes natural fibers or spun yarns (e.g., derived from animal or plant sources) including alpaca fiber, alpaca fleece, alpaca wool, llama fiber, llama fleece, llama wool, cotton, cashmere, and sheep fiber, sheep fleece, sheep wool, byssus, chiengora, quiviut, yak, rabbit, lamb wool, mohair wool, camel hair, angora wool, silk worm silk, Manila hemp fiber, coir fiber, flax fiber, jute fiber, kapok fiber, kenaf fiber, raffia fiber, bamboo fiber, hemp, modal fiber, pina, ramie, sisal hemp, and soy protein fiber.

[0166] In an embodiment, the fiber or spun yarn includes man-made mineral fibers including mineral wool, mineral fibers also known as mineral cotton, or fiber glass, glass, glass wool, stone wool, rock wool, slag wool, glass filament, asbestos fiber, and ceramic fiber.

[0167] In an embodiment, the water-soluble silk coating can be used as an adhesive or binder to bind particles to the fabric or to bind fabrics. In an embodiment, the article includes a fabric bound to another fabric using a silk coating. In an embodiment, the article includes a fabric having particles bound to the fabric using a silk adhesive.

[0168] In an embodiment, the coating is applied to an article including fabric at the spun yarn level. In an embodiment, the coating is applied at the fabric level. In an embodiment, the coating has a thickness selected from the group consisting of about 5 nm, about 10 nm, about 15 nm, about 20 nm, about 25 nm, about 50 nm, about 100 nm, about 200 nm, about 500 nm, about 1 μm, about 5 μm, about 10 μm, and about 20 μm. In an embodiment, the coating has a thickness range selected from the group consisting of about 5 nm to about 100 nm, about 100 nm to about 200 nm, about 200 nm to about 500 nm, about 1 μm to about 2 μm, about 2 μm to about 5 μm, about 5 μm to about 10 μm, and about 10 μm to about 20 μm.

[0169] In an embodiment, the fiber or spun yarn is treated with a polymer (polyglycolide (PGA), polyethylene glycol, copolymer of glycolide, glycolide / L-lactide copolymer (PGA / PLLA), glycolide / trimethylene carbonate copolymer (PGA / TMC), polylactide (PLA), stereocopolymer of PLA, poly-L-lactide (PLLA), poly-DL-lactide (PDLLA), L-lactide / DL-lactide copolymer, copolymer of PLA, lactide / tetramethyl glycolide copolymer, lactide / trimethylene carbonate copolymer, lactide / δ-valerolactone copolymer, lactide / ε-caprolactone copolymer, polydepsipeptide, PLA / polyethylene oxide copolymer, asymmetric 3,6-substituted poly-1,4-dioxane-2,5-dione, poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHBA), PHBA / β-hydroxyvalerate copolymer (PHBA / HVA), poly-β-hydroxypropionate (PHPA), poly-p-dioxanone (PDS), poly-δ-valerolactone, poly-ε-caprolactone, methyl methacrylate-N-vinylpyrrolidine copolymer, polyester amide, polyester of oxalic acid, polydihydropyran, polyalkyl-2-cyanoacrylate, polyurethane (PU), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polypeptide, poly-β-malic acid (PMLA), poly-β-alkanonic acid, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyethylene oxide (PEO), chitin polymer, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyacetal, polyamide, polyester, polysulfone, polyether ether ketone, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polyaryl ether ketone, and polyether ketone ketone, etc.).

[0170] In an embodiment, the silk coating surface can be modified silk crystals ranging in size from nm to μm.

[0171] The criterion of "visibility" is satisfied by any of the following: namely, the surface texture of the textile changes; the silk coating fills the gaps where the spun yarns cross; or the silk coating obscures or makes the weave unclear.

[0172] In embodiments, a silk-based protein or fragment solution is used to coat at least a portion of the fabric and can be used to make textiles. In embodiments, the silk-based protein or fragment solution can be spun into spun yarns that can be used as the textile fabric. In embodiments, the silk-based protein or fragment solution can be used to coat fibers. In embodiments, the present invention provides an article comprising a silk-based protein or fragment solution that coats a portion of the fabric or textile. In embodiments, the present invention provides an article comprising a silk-based protein or fragment solution that coats the spun yarns. In embodiments, the present invention provides an article comprising a silk-based protein or fragment solution that coats the fibers.

[0173] Textiles are disclosed that are surface-treated, at least in part, with an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure to provide a silk coating to the textiles. In embodiments, the silk coating of the present disclosure is available in a spray can and can be sprayed by a consumer onto any textile. In embodiments, textiles comprising the silk coating of the present disclosure are sold to consumers. In embodiments, the textiles of the present disclosure are used to make active sports wear / clothing. In embodiments, the silk coating of the present disclosure is located on the lining of the clothing. In embodiments, the silk coating of the present disclosure is located on the skeleton, lining, or interlining of the clothing. In embodiments, the clothing is made, in part, from a textile of the present disclosure that is silk-coated and, in part, from a textile that is not coated. In embodiments, clothing made, in part, from a silk-coated textile and, in part, from a non-coated textile combines an uncoated inert synthetic material with a silk-coated inert synthetic material. Examples of inert synthetic materials include, but are not limited to, polyester, polyamide, polyaramid, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, silicone, a mixture of polyurethane and polyethylene glycol, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, high performance polyethylene, and mixtures thereof. In embodiments, clothing made, in part, from a silk-coated textile and, in part, from a non-coated textile combines an elastomeric material that is at least partially covered with the silk coating of the present disclosure. In embodiments, the ratio of silk to the elastomeric material can be varied to achieve desirable shrinkage or wrinkle-resistant properties.

[0174] In an embodiment, the silk coating of the present disclosure is visible. In an embodiment, the silk coating of the present disclosure located on the clothing helps control skin temperature. In an embodiment, the silk coating of the present disclosure located on the clothing helps control fluid transport away from the skin. In an embodiment, the silk coating of the present disclosure located on the clothing has a soft feel against the skin to reduce rubbing from the fabric on the skin. In an embodiment, the silk coating of the present disclosure located on the textile has properties that impart to the textile at least one of resistance to shrinkage, resistance to wrinkling, and washability. In an embodiment, the silk-coated textile of the present disclosure is capable of 100% machine washing and dry cleaning. In an embodiment, the silk-coated textile of the present disclosure is 100% waterproof. In an embodiment, the silk-coated textile of the present disclosure is resistant to wrinkling. In an embodiment, the silk-coated textile of the present disclosure is resistant to shrinkage. In an embodiment, the silk-coated textile of the present disclosure has the characteristics of being waterproof, breathable, and elastic, and has many other highly desirable characteristics for active sports wear. In an embodiment, the silk-coated textile of the present disclosure made from the silk fabric of the present disclosure further comprises spandex fibers of the LYCRA® brand.

[0175] In an embodiment, a textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure is a breathable fabric. In an embodiment, a textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure is a water-resistant fabric. In an embodiment, a textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure is a fabric that is less likely to shrink. In an embodiment, a textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure is a fabric that can be machine-washed. In an embodiment, a textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure is a fabric that is less likely to wrinkle. In an embodiment, a textile at least partially coated with an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure provides moisture and vitamins to the skin.

[0176] In embodiments, textiles or leather are coated with an aqueous solution of a pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure. In embodiments, the concentration of silk in the solution ranges from about 0.1% to about 20.0%. In embodiments, the concentration of silk in the solution ranges from about 0.1% to about 15.0%. In embodiments, the concentration of silk in the solution ranges from about 0.5% to about 10.0%. In embodiments, the concentration of silk in the solution ranges from about 1.0% to about 5.0%. In embodiments, the aqueous solution of the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure is applied directly to the fabric. Alternatively, silk microparticles and any additives can be used to coat the fabric. In embodiments, additives can be added to the aqueous solution of the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure (such as alcohol, etc.) prior to coating to further enhance the material properties. In embodiments, the silk coating of the present disclosure has a pattern and can optimize the properties of the fabric-like silk. In embodiments, the coating is applied to the fabric under tension and / or relaxation to change the penetration into the fabric.

[0177] In embodiments, the silk coating of the present disclosure can be applied at the spun yarn level, and once the spun yarn is coated, a fabric is manufactured. In embodiments, the aqueous solution of the pure silk fibroin-based protein fragment of the present disclosure can be spun into fibers to create silk fabric mixtures with other materials known in the silk fabric and / or clothing industries.

[0178] Use of textiles and leathers coated with silk fibroin-based protein fragments in clothing and clothing applications In embodiments, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the article exhibits improved color retention. Without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that the coating prevents color degradation of the article by separating the fiber or spun yarn from detergents in air or during washing.

[0179] Methods for testing the color retention of an article are well within the knowledge of those skilled in the art. Specific test methods for the color retention of fabrics are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,142,292, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0180] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article being a fabric, and the article exhibiting improved color retention.

[0181] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the silk-based protein or a fragment thereof comprising a silk fibroin-based protein or protein fragment having from about 0.01% (w / w) to about 10% (w / w) sericin, and the article exhibiting improved color retention.

[0182] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the silk-based protein or a fragment thereof being selected from the group consisting of a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a recombinant silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the article exhibiting improved color retention.

[0183] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is selected from the group consisting of a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a recombinant silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof selected from the group consisting of a spider silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a mulberry silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the article exhibits improved color retention.

[0184] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is selected from the group consisting of a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a recombinant silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof selected from the group consisting of a spider silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a mulberry silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the natural silk-based protein or fragment is a mulberry silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and the mulberry silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is a mulberry (Bombyx mori) silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and the article exhibits improved color retention.

[0185] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof comprises silk and a copolymer, and the article exhibits improved color retention.

[0186] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the fiber or spun yarn being selected from the group consisting of natural fibers or spun yarns, synthetic fibers or spun yarns, or combinations thereof, the fiber or spun yarn being a natural fiber or spun yarn selected from the group consisting of cotton, alpaca fleece, alpaca wool, llama fleece, llama wool, cotton, cashmere, sheep fleece, sheep wool, and combinations thereof, and the article exhibiting improved color retention.

[0187] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the fiber or spun yarn being selected from the group consisting of natural fibers or spun yarns, synthetic fibers or spun yarns, or combinations thereof, the fiber or spun yarn being a synthetic fiber or spun yarn selected from the group consisting of polyester, nylon, polyester-polyurethane copolymer, and combinations thereof, and the article exhibiting improved color retention.

[0188] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article being a fabric, and the article exhibiting improved color retention. In an embodiment, the color retention of the fabric is determined after a period of a machine wash cycle selected from the group consisting of 5 cycles, 10 cycles, 25 cycles, and 50 cycles.

[0189] In an embodiment, the textile or leather of the present invention exhibits improved color retention. In an embodiment, the improved color retention of the textile is determined after a period of a machine wash cycle selected from the group consisting of 5 cycles, 10 cycles, 25 cycles, and 50 cycles.

[0190] In embodiments, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the article being resistant to the growth of microorganisms (including bacteria and fungi).

[0191] In embodiments, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article being a fabric, and the article being resistant to the growth of microorganisms (including bacteria and fungi).

[0192] In embodiments, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the silk-based protein or a fragment thereof comprising a silk fibroin-based protein or protein fragment having from about 0.01% (w / w) to about 10% (w / w) sericin, and the article being resistant to the growth of microorganisms (including bacteria and fungi).

[0193] In embodiments, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the silk-based protein or a fragment thereof being selected from the group consisting of a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a recombinant silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the article being resistant to the growth of microorganisms (including bacteria and fungi).

[0194] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the silk-based protein or fragment thereof being selected from the group consisting of a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a recombinant silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, the silk-based protein or fragment thereof being a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof selected from the group consisting of a spider silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a mulberry silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the article being resistant to the growth of microorganisms (including bacteria and fungi).

[0195] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the silk-based protein or fragment thereof being selected from the group consisting of a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a recombinant silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, the silk-based protein or fragment thereof being a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof selected from the group consisting of a spider silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a mulberry silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, the natural silk-based protein or fragment being a mulberry silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, the mulberry silk-based protein or fragment thereof being a Bombyx mori silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and the article being resistant to the growth of microorganisms (including bacteria and fungi).

[0196] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the silk-based protein or fragment comprising silk and a copolymer, and the article being resistant to the growth of microorganisms (including bacteria and fungi).

[0197] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the fiber or spun yarn is selected from the group consisting of natural fibers or spun yarns, synthetic fibers or spun yarns, or combinations thereof, the fiber or spun yarn is a natural fiber or spun yarn selected from the group consisting of cotton, alpaca fleece, alpaca wool, llama fleece, llama wool, cotton, cashmere, sheep fleece, sheep wool, and combinations thereof, and the article is resistant to the growth of microorganisms (including bacteria and fungi).

[0198] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the fiber or spun yarn is selected from the group consisting of natural fibers or spun yarns, synthetic fibers or spun yarns, or combinations thereof, the fiber or spun yarn is a synthetic fiber or spun yarn selected from the group consisting of polyester, nylon, polyester-polyurethane copolymer, and combinations thereof, and the article is resistant to the growth of microorganisms (including bacteria and fungi).

[0199] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article is a fabric, and the article is resistant to the growth of microorganisms (including bacteria and fungi). In an embodiment, the resistance of the fabric to the growth of microorganisms (including bacteria and fungi) is determined after a period of a machine wash cycle selected from the group consisting of 5 cycles, 10 cycles, 25 cycles, and 50 cycles.

[0200] In embodiments, the textile or leather of the present disclosure exhibits resistance to the growth of microorganisms (including bacteria and fungi). In embodiments, the resistance of the textile to the growth of microorganisms (including bacteria and fungi) is determined after a period of a machine wash cycle selected from the group consisting of 5 cycles, 10 cycles, 25 cycles, and 50 cycles.

[0201] In embodiments, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the article being resistant to the build-up of electrostatic charge.

[0202] In embodiments, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article being a fabric, and the article being resistant to the build-up of electrostatic charge.

[0203] In embodiments, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the silk-based protein or fragment thereof comprising a silk fibroin-based protein or protein fragment having from about 0.01% (w / w) to about 10% (w / w) sericin, and the article being resistant to the build-up of electrostatic charge.

[0204] In embodiments, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the silk-based protein or fragment thereof being selected from the group consisting of a natural silk-based protein or fragment thereof, a recombinant silk-based protein or fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the article being resistant to the build-up of electrostatic charge.

[0205] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is selected from the group consisting of a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a recombinant silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof selected from the group consisting of a spider silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a mulberry silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the article is resistant to the build-up of electrostatic charge.

[0206] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is selected from the group consisting of a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a recombinant silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof selected from the group consisting of a spider silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a mulberry silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the natural silk-based protein or the fragment is a mulberry silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and the mulberry silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is a mulberry (Bombyx mori) silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and the article is resistant to the build-up of electrostatic charge.

[0207] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the silk-based protein or the fragment comprises silk and a copolymer, and the article is resistant to the build-up of electrostatic charge.

[0208] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the fiber or spun yarn is selected from the group consisting of natural fibers or spun yarns, synthetic fibers or spun yarns, or combinations thereof, and the fiber or spun yarn is a natural fiber or spun yarn selected from the group consisting of cotton, alpaca fleece, alpaca wool, llama fleece, llama wool, cotton, cashmere, sheep fleece, sheep wool, and combinations thereof, and the article is resistant to the buildup of electrostatic charge.

[0209] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the fiber or spun yarn is selected from the group consisting of natural fibers or spun yarns, synthetic fibers or spun yarns, or combinations thereof, and the fiber or spun yarn is a synthetic fiber or spun yarn selected from the group consisting of polyester, nylon, polyester-polyurethane copolymer, and combinations thereof, and the article is resistant to the buildup of electrostatic charge.

[0210] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the article is a fabric, and the article is resistant to the buildup of electrostatic charge. In an embodiment, the resistance of the fabric to the buildup of electrostatic charge is determined after a period of a machine wash cycle selected from the group consisting of 5 cycles, 10 cycles, 25 cycles, and 50 cycles.

[0211] In embodiments, the textile or leather of the present invention exhibits resistance to the buildup of static charge. In embodiments, the resistance of the textile to the buildup of static charge is determined after a period of a machine wash cycle selected from the group consisting of 5 cycles, 10 cycles, 25 cycles, and 50 cycles.

[0212] In embodiments, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the article is resistant to mildew.

[0213] In embodiments, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article being a fabric, and the article is resistant to mildew.

[0214] In embodiments, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the silk-based protein or fragment thereof comprising a silk fibroin-based protein or protein fragment having from about 0.01% (w / w) to about 10% (w / w) sericin, and the article is resistant to mildew.

[0215] In embodiments, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the silk-based protein or fragment thereof being selected from the group consisting of a natural silk-based protein or fragment thereof, a recombinant silk-based protein or fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the article is resistant to mildew.

[0216] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof being selected from the group consisting of a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a recombinant silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof being a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof selected from the group consisting of a spider silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a mulberry silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the article being resistant to white mold.

[0217] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof being selected from the group consisting of a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a recombinant silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof being a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof selected from the group consisting of a spider silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a mulberry silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, the natural silk-based protein or fragment being a mulberry silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, the mulberry silk-based protein or the fragment thereof being a Bombyx mori silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and the article being resistant to white mold.

[0218] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof comprising silk and a copolymer, and the article being resistant to white mold.

[0219] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the fiber or the spun yarn being selected from the group consisting of natural fibers or spun yarns, synthetic fibers or spun yarns, or combinations thereof, the fiber or the spun yarn being a natural fiber or spun yarn selected from the group consisting of cotton, alpaca fleece, alpaca wool, llama fleece, llama wool, cotton, cashmere, sheep fleece, sheep wool, and combinations thereof, and the article being resistant to white mold.

[0220] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the fiber or the spun yarn being selected from the group consisting of natural fibers or spun yarns, synthetic fibers or spun yarns, or combinations thereof, the fiber or the spun yarn being a synthetic fiber or spun yarn selected from the group consisting of polyester, nylon, polyester-polyurethane copolymer, and combinations thereof, and the article being resistant to white mold.

[0221] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article being a fabric, and the article being resistant to white mold. In an embodiment, the white mold resistance of the fabric is determined after a period of a machine wash cycle selected from the group consisting of 5 cycles, 10 cycles, 25 cycles, and 50 cycles.

[0222] In an embodiment, the textile or leather of the present disclosure exhibits white mold resistance. In an embodiment, the white mold resistance of the textile is determined after a period of a machine wash cycle selected from the group consisting of 5 cycles, 10 cycles, 25 cycles, and 50 cycles.

[0223] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the coating is transparent.

[0224] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the coating is transparent.

[0225] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof comprises a silk fibroin-based protein or a protein fragment having about 0.01% (w / w) to about 10% (w / w) sericin, and the coating is transparent.

[0226] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is selected from the group consisting of a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a recombinant silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the coating is transparent.

[0227] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the silk-based protein or fragment thereof being selected from the group consisting of a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a recombinant silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, the silk-based protein or fragment thereof being a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof selected from the group consisting of a spider silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a mulberry silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the coating being transparent.

[0228] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the silk-based protein or fragment thereof being selected from the group consisting of a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a recombinant silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, the silk-based protein or fragment thereof being a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof selected from the group consisting of a spider silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a mulberry silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, the natural silk-based protein or fragment being a mulberry silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, the mulberry silk-based protein or fragment thereof being a Bombyx mori silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and the coating being transparent.

[0229] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the silk-based protein or fragment comprising silk and a copolymer, and the coating being transparent.

[0230] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa or a fragment thereof, the fiber or the spun yarn is selected from the group consisting of natural fibers or spun yarns, synthetic fibers or spun yarns, or combinations thereof, the fiber or the spun yarn is a natural fiber or spun yarn selected from the group consisting of cotton, alpaca fleece, alpaca wool, llama fleece, llama wool, cotton, cashmere, sheep fleece, sheep wool, and combinations thereof, and the coating is transparent.

[0231] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa or a fragment thereof, the fiber or the spun yarn is selected from the group consisting of natural fibers or spun yarns, synthetic fibers or spun yarns, or combinations thereof, the fiber or the spun yarn is a synthetic fiber or spun yarn selected from the group consisting of polyester, nylon, polyester-polyurethane copolymer, and combinations thereof, and the coating is transparent.

[0232] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa or a fragment thereof, the article is a fabric, and the coating is transparent. In an embodiment, the transparency of the coating is determined after a period of a machine wash cycle selected from the group consisting of 5 cycles, 10 cycles, 25 cycles, and 50 cycles.

[0233] In an embodiment, a textile or leather comprises the silk coating of the present disclosure, and the silk coating is transparent. In an embodiment, the transparency of the coating is determined after a period of a machine wash cycle selected from the group consisting of 5 cycles, 10 cycles, 25 cycles, and 50 cycles.

[0234] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the article being resistant to damage by freeze-thaw cycles.

[0235] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article being a fabric, and the article being resistant to damage by freeze-thaw cycles.

[0236] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof comprising a silk fibroin-based protein or protein fragment having about 0.01% (w / w) to about 10% (w / w) sericin, and the article being resistant to damage by freeze-thaw cycles.

[0237] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof being selected from the group consisting of a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a recombinant silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the article being resistant to damage by freeze-thaw cycles.

[0238] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the silk-based protein or fragment thereof being selected from the group consisting of a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a recombinant silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, the silk-based protein or fragment thereof being a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof selected from the group consisting of a spider silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a mulberry silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the article being resistant to damage by freeze-thaw cycles.

[0239] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the silk-based protein or fragment thereof being selected from the group consisting of a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a recombinant silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, the silk-based protein or fragment thereof being a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof selected from the group consisting of a spider silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a mulberry silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, the natural silk-based protein or fragment being a mulberry silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, the mulberry silk-based protein or fragment thereof being a Bombyx mori silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and the article being resistant to damage by freeze-thaw cycles.

[0240] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the silk-based protein or fragment comprising silk and a copolymer, and the article being resistant to damage by freeze-thaw cycles.

[0241] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the fiber or the spun yarn being selected from the group consisting of natural fibers or spun yarns, synthetic fibers or spun yarns, or combinations thereof, the fiber or the spun yarn being a natural fiber or spun yarn selected from the group consisting of cotton, alpaca fleece, alpaca wool, llama fleece, llama wool, cotton, cashmere, sheep fleece, sheep wool, and combinations thereof, and the article being resistant to damage by freeze-thaw cycles.

[0242] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the fiber or the spun yarn being selected from the group consisting of natural fibers or spun yarns, synthetic fibers or spun yarns, or combinations thereof, the fiber or the spun yarn being a synthetic fiber or spun yarn selected from the group consisting of polyester, nylon, polyester-polyurethane copolymer, and combinations thereof, and the article being resistant to damage by freeze-thaw cycles.

[0243] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article being a fabric, and the article being resistant to damage by freeze-thaw cycles. In an embodiment, the resistance of the fabric to damage by freeze-thaw cycles is determined after a period of a machine wash cycle selected from the group consisting of 5 cycles, 10 cycles, 25 cycles, and 50 cycles.

[0244] In an embodiment, the textile or leather of the present disclosure exhibits resistance to damage caused by freeze-thaw cycles. In an embodiment, the resistance of the textile to damage caused by freeze-thaw cycles is determined after a period of a machine wash cycle selected from the group consisting of 5 cycles, 10 cycles, 25 cycles, and 50 cycles.

[0245] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the coating providing protection from abrasion.

[0246] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article being a fabric, the coating providing protection from abrasion.

[0247] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the silk-based protein or fragment thereof comprising a silk fibroin-based protein or protein fragment having from about 0.01% (w / w) to about 10% (w / w) sericin, the coating providing protection from abrasion.

[0248] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the silk-based protein or fragment thereof being selected from the group consisting of a natural silk-based protein or fragment thereof, a recombinant silk-based protein or fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, the coating providing protection from abrasion.

[0249] In embodiments, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is selected from the group consisting of a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a recombinant silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof selected from the group consisting of a spider silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a mulberry silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the coating provides protection from abrasion.

[0250] In embodiments, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is selected from the group consisting of a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a recombinant silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof selected from the group consisting of a spider silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a mulberry silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the natural silk-based protein or fragment is a mulberry silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and the mulberry silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is a mulberry (Bombyx mori) silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and the coating provides protection from abrasion.

[0251] In embodiments, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the silk-based protein or the fragment comprises silk and a copolymer, and the coating provides protection from abrasion.

[0252] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the fiber or spun yarn being selected from the group consisting of natural fibers or spun yarns, synthetic fibers or spun yarns, or combinations thereof, the fiber or spun yarn being a natural fiber or spun yarn selected from the group consisting of cotton, alpaca fleece, alpaca wool, llama fleece, llama wool, cotton, cashmere, sheep fleece, sheep wool, and combinations thereof, and the coating providing protection from abrasion.

[0253] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the fiber or spun yarn being selected from the group consisting of natural fibers or spun yarns, synthetic fibers or spun yarns, or combinations thereof, the fiber or spun yarn being a synthetic fiber or spun yarn selected from the group consisting of polyester, nylon, polyester-polyurethane copolymer, and combinations thereof, and the coating providing protection from abrasion.

[0254] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article being a fabric, and the coating providing protection from abrasion. In an embodiment, the abrasion resistance of the fabric is determined after a period of a machine wash cycle selected from the group consisting of 5 cycles, 10 cycles, 25 cycles, and 50 cycles.

[0255] In an embodiment, the textile or leather of the present disclosure exhibits abrasion resistance. In an embodiment, the abrasion resistance of the textile is determined after a period of a machine wash cycle selected from the group consisting of 5 cycles, 10 cycles, 25 cycles, and 50 cycles.

[0256] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the article exhibiting blocking properties against ultraviolet (UV) irradiation.

[0257] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article being a fabric, and the article exhibiting blocking properties against ultraviolet (UV) irradiation.

[0258] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the silk-based protein or fragment thereof comprising a silk fibroin-based protein or protein fragment having from about 0.01% (w / w) to about 10% (w / w) sericin, and the article exhibiting blocking properties against ultraviolet (UV) irradiation.

[0259] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the silk-based protein or fragment thereof being selected from the group consisting of a natural silk-based protein or fragment thereof, a recombinant silk-based protein or fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the article exhibiting blocking properties against ultraviolet (UV) irradiation.

[0260] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is selected from the group consisting of a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a recombinant silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof selected from the group consisting of a spider silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a mulberry silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the article exhibits blocking properties against ultraviolet (UV) irradiation.

[0261] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is selected from the group consisting of a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a recombinant silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof selected from the group consisting of a spider silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a mulberry silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the natural silk-based protein or fragment is a mulberry silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and the mulberry silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is a Bombyx mori silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and the article exhibits blocking properties against ultraviolet (UV) irradiation.

[0262] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof comprises silk and a copolymer, and the article exhibits blocking properties against ultraviolet (UV) irradiation.

[0263] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein having a weight average molecular weight range of about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa or a fragment thereof, the fiber or the spun yarn is selected from the group consisting of natural fibers or spun yarns, synthetic fibers or spun yarns, or combinations thereof, the fiber or the spun yarn is a natural fiber or spun yarn selected from the group consisting of cotton, alpaca fleece, alpaca wool, llama fleece, llama wool, cotton, cashmere, sheep fleece, sheep wool, and combinations thereof, and the article exhibits blocking properties against ultraviolet (UV) irradiation.

[0264] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein having a weight average molecular weight range of about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa or a fragment thereof, the fiber or the spun yarn is selected from the group consisting of natural fibers or spun yarns, synthetic fibers or spun yarns, or combinations thereof, the fiber or the spun yarn is a synthetic fiber or spun yarn selected from the group consisting of polyester, nylon, polyester-polyurethane copolymer, and combinations thereof, and the article exhibits blocking properties against ultraviolet (UV) irradiation.

[0265] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein having a weight average molecular weight range of about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa or a fragment thereof, the article is a fabric, and the article exhibits blocking properties against ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. In an embodiment, the UV blocking property of the fabric is determined after a period of a machine wash cycle selected from the group consisting of 5 cycles, 10 cycles, 25 cycles, and 50 cycles.

[0266] In an embodiment, the textile or leather of the present disclosure exhibits UV blocking properties. In an embodiment, the UV blocking property of the textile is determined after a period of a machine washing cycle selected from the group consisting of 5 cycles, 10 cycles, 25 cycles, and 50 cycles.

[0267] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a garment comprising fibers or spun yarns having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the garment regulates the body temperature of the wearer.

[0268] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a garment comprising fibers or spun yarns having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article being a fabric, and the garment regulates the body temperature of the wearer.

[0269] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a garment comprising fibers or spun yarns having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the silk-based protein or a fragment thereof comprising a silk fibroin-based protein or protein fragment having from about 0.01% (w / w) to about 10% (w / w) sericin, and the garment regulates the body temperature of the wearer.

[0270] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a garment comprising fibers or spun yarns having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the silk-based protein or a fragment thereof being selected from the group consisting of a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a recombinant silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the garment regulates the body temperature of the wearer.

[0271] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a garment comprising fibers or spun yarns having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the silk-based protein or fragment thereof being selected from the group consisting of a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a recombinant silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, the silk-based protein or fragment thereof being a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof selected from the group consisting of a spider silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a mulberry silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the garment regulating the body temperature of the wearer.

[0272] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a garment comprising fibers or spun yarns having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the silk-based protein or fragment thereof being selected from the group consisting of a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a recombinant silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, the silk-based protein or fragment thereof being a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof selected from the group consisting of a spider silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a mulberry silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, the natural silk-based protein or fragment being a mulberry silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, the mulberry silk-based protein or fragment thereof being a Bombyx mori silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and the garment regulating the body temperature of the wearer.

[0273] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a garment comprising fibers or spun yarns having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the silk-based protein or fragment comprising silk and a copolymer, and the garment regulating the body temperature of the wearer.

[0274] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a garment comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, wherein the fiber or spun yarn is selected from the group consisting of natural fibers or spun yarns, synthetic fibers or spun yarns, or combinations thereof, wherein the fiber or spun yarn is a natural fiber or spun yarn selected from the group consisting of cotton, alpaca fleece, alpaca wool, llama fleece, llama wool, cotton, cashmere, sheep fleece, sheep wool, and combinations thereof, and wherein the garment regulates the body temperature of the wearer.

[0275] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a garment comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, wherein the fiber or spun yarn is selected from the group consisting of natural fibers or spun yarns, synthetic fibers or spun yarns, or combinations thereof, wherein the fiber or spun yarn is a synthetic fiber or spun yarn selected from the group consisting of polyester, nylon, polyester-polyurethane copolymer, and combinations thereof, and wherein the garment regulates the body temperature of the wearer.

[0276] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a garment comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, wherein the article is a fabric, and wherein the garment regulates the body temperature of the wearer. In an embodiment, the temperature regulation of the fabric is determined after a period of a machine wash cycle selected from the group consisting of 5 cycles, 10 cycles, 25 cycles, and 50 cycles.

[0277] In an embodiment, the textile or leather of the present disclosure exhibits temperature regulation. In an embodiment, the temperature regulation of the textile is determined after a period of a machine wash cycle selected from the group consisting of 5 cycles, 10 cycles, 25 cycles, and 50 cycles.

[0278] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the article is break-resistant.

[0279] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article is a fabric, and the article is break-resistant.

[0280] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof comprises a silk fibroin-based protein or protein fragment having about 0.01% (w / w) to about 10% (w / w) sericin, and the article is break-resistant.

[0281] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is selected from the group consisting of a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a recombinant silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the article is break-resistant.

[0282] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the silk-based protein or fragment thereof being selected from the group consisting of a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a recombinant silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, the silk-based protein or fragment thereof being a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof selected from the group consisting of a spider silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a Bombyx mori silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the article being break-resistant.

[0283] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the silk-based protein or fragment thereof being selected from the group consisting of a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a recombinant silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, the silk-based protein or fragment thereof being a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof selected from the group consisting of a spider silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a Bombyx mori silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, the natural silk-based protein or fragment being a Bombyx mori silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, the Bombyx mori silk-based protein or fragment thereof being a Bombyx mori silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and the article being break-resistant.

[0284] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the silk-based protein or fragment comprising silk and a copolymer, and the article being break-resistant.

[0285] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the fiber or spun yarn being selected from the group consisting of natural fibers or spun yarns, synthetic fibers or spun yarns, or combinations thereof, the fiber or spun yarn being a natural fiber or spun yarn selected from the group consisting of cotton, alpaca fleece, alpaca wool, llama fleece, llama wool, cotton, cashmere, sheep fleece, sheep wool, and combinations thereof, and the article being break-resistant.

[0286] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the fiber or spun yarn being selected from the group consisting of natural fibers or spun yarns, synthetic fibers or spun yarns, or combinations thereof, the fiber or spun yarn being a synthetic fiber or spun yarn selected from the group consisting of polyester, nylon, polyester-polyurethane copolymer, and combinations thereof, and the article being break-resistant.

[0287] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article being a fabric, and the article being break-resistant. In an embodiment, the break resistance of the fabric is determined after a period of a machine wash cycle selected from the group consisting of 5 cycles, 10 cycles, 25 cycles, and 50 cycles.

[0288] In an embodiment, the textile or leather of the present disclosure exhibits break resistance. In an embodiment, the break resistance of the textile is determined after a period of a machine wash cycle selected from the group consisting of 5 cycles, 10 cycles, 25 cycles, and 50 cycles.

[0289] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the elasticity of the article is improved.

[0290] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the elasticity of the article is reduced.

[0291] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the silk-based protein or a fragment thereof comprises a silk fibroin-based protein or a protein fragment having about 0.01% (w / w) to about 10% (w / w) sericin, and the elasticity of the article is improved.

[0292] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the silk-based protein or a fragment thereof comprises a silk fibroin-based protein or a protein fragment having about 0.01% (w / w) to about 10% (w / w) sericin, and the elasticity of the article is reduced.

[0293] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the article exhibits a rebound dampening property. Without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that the rebound dampening property is provided by the coating preventing the article from returning to its original shape or orientation.

[0294] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article is a fabric, and the article exhibits anti-repellent properties.

[0295] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof comprises a silk fibroin-based protein or a protein fragment having from about 0.01% (w / w) to about 10% (w / w) sericin, and the article exhibits anti-repellent properties.

[0296] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is selected from the group consisting of a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a recombinant silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the article exhibits anti-repellent properties.

[0297] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is selected from the group consisting of a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a recombinant silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof selected from the group consisting of a spider silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a mulberry silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the article exhibits anti-repellent properties.

[0298] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the silk-based protein or fragment thereof being selected from the group consisting of a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a recombinant silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, the silk-based protein or fragment thereof being a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof selected from the group consisting of a spider silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a mulberry silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, the natural silk-based protein or fragment being a mulberry silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, the mulberry silk-based protein or fragment thereof being a Bombyx mori silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and the article exhibiting antibounce properties.

[0299] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the silk-based protein or fragment thereof comprising silk and a copolymer, and the article exhibiting antibounce properties.

[0300] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the fiber or spun yarn being selected from the group consisting of a natural fiber or spun yarn, a synthetic fiber or spun yarn, or combinations thereof, the fiber or spun yarn being a natural fiber or spun yarn selected from the group consisting of cotton, alpaca fleece, alpaca wool, llama fleece, llama wool, cotton, cashmere, sheep fleece, sheep wool, and combinations thereof, and the article exhibiting antibounce properties.

[0301] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the fiber or spun yarn is selected from the group consisting of natural fibers or spun yarns, synthetic fibers or spun yarns, or combinations thereof, the fiber or spun yarn is a synthetic fiber or spun yarn selected from the group consisting of polyester, nylon, polyester-polyurethane copolymer, and combinations thereof, and the article exhibits anti-rebound properties.

[0302] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article is a fabric, and the article exhibits anti-rebound properties. In an embodiment, the anti-rebound property of the fabric is determined after a period of a machine wash cycle selected from the group consisting of 5 cycles, 10 cycles, 25 cycles, and 50 cycles.

[0303] In an embodiment, the textile or leather of the present disclosure exhibits anti-rebound properties. In an embodiment, the anti-rebound property of the textile is determined after a period of a machine wash cycle selected from the group consisting of 5 cycles, 10 cycles, 25 cycles, and 50 cycles.

[0304] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the article exhibits anti-itching properties.

[0305] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article is a fabric, and the article exhibits anti-itching properties.

[0306] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof comprises a silk fibroin-based protein or protein fragment having about 0.01% (w / w) to about 10% (w / w) sericin, and the article exhibits anti-itch properties.

[0307] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is selected from the group consisting of a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a recombinant silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the article exhibits anti-itch properties.

[0308] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is selected from the group consisting of a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a recombinant silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof selected from the group consisting of a spider silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a mulberry silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the article exhibits anti-itch properties.

[0309] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is selected from the group consisting of a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a recombinant silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof selected from the group consisting of a spider silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a mulberry silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the natural silk-based protein or the fragment is a mulberry silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and the mulberry silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is a mulberry (Bombyx mori) silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and the article exhibits anti-itch properties.

[0310] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof comprises silk and a copolymer, and the article exhibits anti-itch properties.

[0311] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the fiber or the spun yarn is selected from the group consisting of a natural fiber or a spun yarn, a synthetic fiber or a spun yarn, or combinations thereof, and the fiber or the spun yarn is a natural fiber or a spun yarn selected from the group consisting of cotton, alpaca fleece, alpaca wool, llama fleece, llama wool, cotton, cashmere, sheep fleece, sheep wool, and combinations thereof, and the article exhibits anti-itch properties.

[0312] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein having a weight average molecular weight range of about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa or a fragment thereof, the fiber or the spun yarn is selected from the group consisting of natural fibers or spun yarns, synthetic fibers or spun yarns, or combinations thereof, the fiber or the spun yarn is a synthetic fiber or spun yarn selected from the group consisting of polyester, nylon, polyester-polyurethane copolymer, and combinations thereof, and the article exhibits anti-itch properties.

[0313] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein having a weight average molecular weight range of about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa or a fragment thereof, the article is a fabric, and the article exhibits anti-itch properties. In an embodiment, the anti-itch property of the fabric is determined after a period of a machine wash cycle selected from the group consisting of 5 cycles, 10 cycles, 25 cycles, and 50 cycles.

[0314] In an embodiment, the textile or leather of the present disclosure exhibits anti-itch properties. In an embodiment, the anti-itch property of the textile is determined after a period of a machine wash cycle selected from the group consisting of 5 cycles, 10 cycles, 25 cycles, and 50 cycles.

[0315] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein having a weight average molecular weight range of about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa or a fragment thereof, and the article exhibits improved heat insulation / heat retention properties.

[0316] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein having a weight average molecular weight range of about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa or a fragment thereof, the article is a fabric, and the article exhibits improved heat insulation / heat retention properties.

[0317] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof comprises a silk fibroin-based protein or a protein fragment having about 0.01% (w / w) to about 10% (w / w) sericin, and the article exhibits improved heat insulation / heat retention properties.

[0318] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is selected from the group consisting of a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a recombinant silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the article exhibits improved heat insulation / heat retention properties.

[0319] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is selected from the group consisting of a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a recombinant silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof selected from the group consisting of a spider silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a mulberry silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the article exhibits improved heat insulation / heat retention properties.

[0320] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the silk-based protein or a fragment thereof being selected from the group consisting of a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a recombinant silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, the silk-based protein or a fragment thereof being a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof selected from the group consisting of a spider silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a mulberry silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, the natural silk-based protein or fragment being a mulberry silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, the mulberry silk-based protein or a fragment thereof being a mulberry (Bombyx mori) silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and the article exhibiting improved heat insulation / heat retention properties.

[0321] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article being a fabric, and the article exhibiting improved heat insulation / heat retention properties. In an embodiment, the improved heat insulation / heat retention properties of the fabric are determined after a period of a machine wash cycle selected from the group consisting of 5 cycles, 10 cycles, 25 cycles, and 50 cycles.

[0322] In an embodiment, the textile or leather of the present disclosure exhibits improved heat insulation / heat retention properties. In an embodiment, the improved heat insulation / heat retention properties of the textile are determined after a period of a machine wash cycle selected from the group consisting of 5 cycles, 10 cycles, 25 cycles, and 50 cycles.

[0323] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the article being wrinkle-resistant.

[0324] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article is a fabric, and the article is wrinkle-resistant.

[0325] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the silk-based protein or a fragment thereof comprises a silk fibroin-based protein or protein fragment having from about 0.01% (w / w) to about 10% (w / w) sericin, and the article is wrinkle-resistant.

[0326] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the silk-based protein or a fragment thereof is selected from the group consisting of a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a recombinant silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the article is wrinkle-resistant.

[0327] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the silk-based protein or a fragment thereof is selected from the group consisting of a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a recombinant silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, the silk-based protein or a fragment thereof is a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof selected from the group consisting of a spider silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a mulberry silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the article is wrinkle-resistant.

[0328] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the silk-based protein or fragment thereof being selected from the group consisting of a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a recombinant silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, the silk-based protein or fragment thereof being a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof selected from the group consisting of a spider silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a mulberry silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, the natural silk-based protein or fragment being a mulberry silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, the mulberry silk-based protein or fragment thereof being a Bombyx mori silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and the article being wrinkle-resistant.

[0329] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the silk-based protein or fragment thereof comprising silk and a copolymer, and the article being wrinkle-resistant.

[0330] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the fiber or spun yarn being selected from the group consisting of a natural fiber or spun yarn, a synthetic fiber or spun yarn, or combinations thereof, the fiber or spun yarn being a natural fiber or spun yarn selected from the group consisting of cotton, alpaca fleece, alpaca wool, llama fleece, llama wool, cotton, cashmere, sheep fleece, sheep wool, and combinations thereof, and the article being wrinkle-resistant.

[0331] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein having a weight average molecular weight range of about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa or a fragment thereof, the fiber or the spun yarn is selected from the group consisting of natural fibers or spun yarns, synthetic fibers or spun yarns, or combinations thereof, the fiber or the spun yarn is a synthetic fiber or spun yarn selected from the group consisting of polyester, nylon, polyester-polyurethane copolymer, and combinations thereof, and the article is wrinkle-resistant.

[0332] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein having a weight average molecular weight range of about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa or a fragment thereof, the article is a fabric, and the article is wrinkle-resistant. In an embodiment, the wrinkle resistance of the fabric is determined after a period of a machine wash cycle selected from the group consisting of 5 cycles, 10 cycles, 25 cycles, and 50 cycles.

[0333] In an embodiment, the textile or leather of the present disclosure exhibits wrinkle resistance. In an embodiment, the wrinkle resistance of the textile is determined after a period of a machine wash cycle selected from the group consisting of 5 cycles, 10 cycles, 25 cycles, and 50 cycles.

[0334] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein having a weight average molecular weight range of about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa or a fragment thereof, and the article is stain resistant.

[0335] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein having a weight average molecular weight range of about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa or a fragment thereof, the article is a fabric, and the article is stain resistant.

[0336] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof comprises a silk fibroin-based protein or a protein fragment having about 0.01% (w / w) to about 10% (w / w) of sericin, and the article is stain-resistant.

[0337] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is selected from the group consisting of a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a recombinant silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the article is stain-resistant.

[0338] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is selected from the group consisting of a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a recombinant silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof selected from the group consisting of a spider silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a mulberry silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the article is stain-resistant.

[0339] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is selected from the group consisting of a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a recombinant silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof selected from the group consisting of a spider silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a mulberry silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the natural silk-based protein or the fragment is a mulberry silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and the mulberry silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is a mulberry silk (Bombyx mori)-based protein or a fragment thereof, and the article is stain-resistant.

[0340] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof comprises silk and a copolymer, and the article is stain-resistant.

[0341] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the fiber or the spun yarn is selected from the group consisting of a natural fiber or a spun yarn, a synthetic fiber or a spun yarn, or combinations thereof, and the fiber or the spun yarn is a natural fiber or a spun yarn selected from the group consisting of cotton, alpaca fleece, alpaca wool, llama fleece, llama wool, cotton, cashmere, sheep fleece, sheep wool, and combinations thereof, and the article is stain-resistant.

[0342] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the fiber or the spun yarn being selected from the group consisting of natural fibers or spun yarns, synthetic fibers or spun yarns, or combinations thereof, the fiber or the spun yarn being a synthetic fiber or a spun yarn selected from the group consisting of polyester, nylon, polyester-polyurethane copolymer, and combinations thereof, and the article being stain-resistant.

[0343] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article being a fabric, and the article being stain-resistant. In an embodiment, the stain resistance of the fabric is determined after a period of a machine wash cycle selected from the group consisting of 5 cycles, 10 cycles, 25 cycles, and 50 cycles.

[0344] In an embodiment, the textile or leather of the present disclosure exhibits stain resistance. In an embodiment, the stain resistance of the textile is determined after a period of a machine wash cycle selected from the group consisting of 5 cycles, 10 cycles, 25 cycles, and 50 cycles.

[0345] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the article being adhesive. Without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that the coating provides adhesiveness and maintains adhesiveness.

[0346] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article is a fabric, and the article is adhesive.

[0347] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof comprises a silk fibroin-based protein or a protein fragment having from about 0.01% (w / w) to about 10% (w / w) sericin, and the article is adhesive.

[0348] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article is a fabric, and the article is adhesive. In an embodiment, the adhesiveness of the fabric is determined after a period of a machine wash cycle selected from the group consisting of 5 cycles, 10 cycles, 25 cycles, and 50 cycles.

[0349] In an embodiment, the textile or leather of the present disclosure exhibits adhesiveness. In an embodiment, the adhesiveness of the textile is determined after a period of a machine wash cycle selected from the group consisting of 5 cycles, 10 cycles, 25 cycles, and 50 cycles.

[0350] In embodiments, the present invention provides an article comprising a textile or leather coated with a silk fibroin-based protein or a fragment thereof, wherein the article exhibits improved flame resistance as compared to an uncoated textile. In embodiments, the present invention provides an article comprising a textile or leather coated with a silk fibroin-based protein or a fragment thereof, wherein the article exhibits equivalent flame resistance as compared to an uncoated textile or leather. In embodiments, the present invention provides an article comprising a textile or leather coated with a silk fibroin-based protein or a fragment thereof, wherein the article exhibits equivalent flame resistance as compared to an uncoated textile or leather, and an alternative textile or leather coating exhibits reduced flame resistance. In embodiments, the present invention provides an article comprising a textile or leather coated with a silk fibroin-based protein or a fragment thereof, wherein the article exhibits improved flame resistance as compared to an uncoated textile or leather, and the improved flame resistance is measured by a flammability test. In embodiments, the flammability test measures afterflame time, afterglow time, char length, and observes melting or dripping of the fabric.

[0351] In embodiments, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the article is flame resistant.

[0352] In embodiments, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article is a fabric, and the article is flame resistant.

[0353] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a polyester having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the article is flame resistant.

[0354] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof comprises a silk fibroin-based protein or a protein fragment having from about 0.01% (w / w) to about 10% (w / w) sericin, and the article is flame resistant.

[0355] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is selected from the group consisting of a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a recombinant silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the article is flame resistant.

[0356] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is selected from the group consisting of a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a recombinant silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof selected from the group consisting of a spider silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a mulberry silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the article is flame resistant.

[0357] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is selected from the group consisting of a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a recombinant silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is a natural silk-based protein or a fragment thereof selected from the group consisting of a spider silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, a mulberry silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and combinations thereof, and the natural silk-based protein or the fragment is a mulberry silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and the mulberry silk-based protein or the fragment thereof is a mulberry (Bombyx mori) silk-based protein or a fragment thereof, and the article is flame resistant.

[0358] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the silk-based protein or the fragment thereof comprises silk and a copolymer, and the article is flame resistant.

[0359] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, wherein the coating comprises a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the fiber or the spun yarn is selected from the group consisting of a natural fiber or a spun yarn, a synthetic fiber or a spun yarn, or combinations thereof, and the fiber or the spun yarn is a natural fiber or a spun yarn selected from the group consisting of cotton, alpaca fleece, alpaca wool, llama fleece, llama wool, cotton, cashmere, sheep fleece, sheep wool, and combinations thereof, and the article is flame resistant.

[0360] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the fiber or spun yarn being selected from the group consisting of natural fibers or spun yarns, synthetic fibers or spun yarns, or combinations thereof, the fiber or spun yarn being a synthetic fiber or spun yarn selected from the group consisting of polyester, nylon, polyester-polyurethane copolymer, and combinations thereof, and the article being flame resistant.

[0361] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an article comprising a fiber or a spun yarn having a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, the article being a fabric, and the fabric being flame resistant. In an embodiment, the flame resistance of the fabric is determined after a period of a machine wash cycle selected from the group consisting of 5 cycles, 10 cycles, 25 cycles, and 50 cycles.

[0362] In an embodiment, the textile or leather of the present disclosure is flame resistant. In an embodiment, the flame resistance of the textile is determined after a period of a machine wash cycle selected from the group consisting of 5 cycles, 10 cycles, 25 cycles, and 50 cycles.

[0363] In an embodiment, the present invention provides leather coated with a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight average molecular weight range of from about 5 kDa to about 144 kDa, and the leather exhibits properties selected from the group consisting of improved color retention, improved mildew resistance, improved resistance to damage by freeze-thaw cycles, improved abrasion resistance, improved blocking of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, improved regulation of the wearer's body temperature, improved tear resistance, improved elasticity, improved suppression of the rebound of an article, improved anti-itching property, improved insulation, improved wrinkle prevention, improved stain resistance, and improved adhesiveness. In an embodiment, the present invention provides leather coated with a coating, the coating comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof having a weight a...

Claims

[Claim 1] 1. A method of coating a material with silk fibroin comprising a silk-based protein or a fragment thereof to provide a silk fibroin-coated material, wherein the silk fibroin coated on the silk fibroin-coated material is heat resistant to a selected temperature, the method comprising: (a) preparing a silk fibroin solution comprising one or more of low molecular weight silk fibroin, medium molecular weight silk fibroin, and high molecular weight silk fibroin at a concentration of less than about 1% by volume (v / v); (b) coating a surface of the material with the silk fibroin solution; and (c) drying the surface of the silk fibroin solution coated material to provide the silk fibroin coated material; 13. The method of claim 12, wherein drying the surface of the material comprises heating the surface of the material without substantially altering silk fibroin coating performance.

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