Protein Fiber Film Formation via Liquid Surface Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing artificial spider silk fibers are inefficient, require environmentally harmful chemicals, or cannot incorporate sensitive molecules and cells during fiber formation, leading to non-uniform structures and low yields.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the controlled movement of a liquid protein solution's surface to form a film at the interface, using mechanical stress to create uniform fibers without chemicals or electric fields, allowing for the incorporation of sensitive molecules and cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If chemicals are used to induce structural change in the protein solution, then fiber formation is achieved, but sensitive molecules and cells cannot be incorporated simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of structural induction from chemical (low pH focusing liquid) to physical (mechanical stress through capillary action and container deformation). This allows the protein solution to form fibers without chemicals that would harm sensitive molecules and cells, resolving the contradiction between achieving fiber structure control and incorporating sensitive biological materials
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical mechanism (pH-induced structural change) with a mechanical mechanism (stress applied through capillary deformation and container movement). This substitution enables fiber formation through physical stress rather than chemical treatment, allowing sensitive molecules and cells to be incorporated without chemical damage
2Manufacturing precision
If a strong electric field is used for electrospinning, then fiber formation is achieved, but sensitive molecules and cells cannot be incorporated during fiber formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical mechanism (electric field in electrospinning) with a mechanical mechanism (capillary action and physical stress through container deformation). This substitution eliminates the need for strong electric fields that would damage sensitive molecules and cells, while still achieving controlled fiber formation through mechanical stress
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a capillary structure as an intermediary medium that transmits mechanical stress from the container deformation to the protein solution, inducing fiber formation without direct application of harmful electric fields or chemicals. The capillary acts as a mediator that enables controlled stress application while protecting sensitive incorporated materials
3Ease of manufacture
If syringe and needle method is used to force protein solution through a needle, then fiber formation is achieved, but environmentally harmful chemicals are required for water removal and post-stretching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical forcing method (syringe and needle) with a capillary-driven method where the protein solution is drawn into the fiber structure through capillary action. This eliminates the need for subsequent chemical treatment for water removal and post-stretching, as the fiber forms directly in the desired structure without harmful chemicals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs self-service principles where the capillary structure itself performs the fiber formation function without external forcing or subsequent chemical treatment. The capillary walls provide the necessary stress and confinement for fiber formation, and the structure self-assembles without requiring environmentally harmful chemicals for water removal or post-processing
4Quantity of substance
If large volumes of protein solution are used for fiber production, then sufficient material is available, but protein quantity is wasted and yield of incorporated molecules or cells is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a capillary structure (thin-walled tube or hollow fiber) that provides sufficient structural support with minimal material volume. This allows the use of small volumes of protein solution while still achieving adequate fiber formation, thereby reducing protein waste and increasing the concentration and yield of incorporated molecules or cells
Solution Approach 2:
The patent concentrates the protein solution and incorporated materials within the confined space of the capillary structure, creating a high-concentration localized fiber formation zone. This local concentration approach maximizes the yield of incorporated molecules or cells while minimizing the total volume of protein solution required
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Produces uniform spider silk fibers that can contain sensitive molecules and cells, overcoming the inefficiencies and environmental drawbacks of existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
Said movement of the liquid surface is such that the protein polymer solution, ie. liquid polymer solution, forms a film in the interface between the liquid surface of the liquid protein solution and the adjacent fluid
Implementation Method 2
the film at the interface between film and the container is exerted to stress thereby forming a fiber
Data Source
Figure 1a~2e
Figure 3~4c
Figure 5~10
AI summary
A method for producing a protein polymer fiber, the method comprising providing a liquid protein solution in a container for liquid, and repeatedly moving the liquid surface in the container back and forth between a first and a second position. Said movement of the liquid surface is such that the protein polymer solution is allowed to form a film in the interface between the liquid surface of the liquid protein solution and a surrounding fluid. The movement of the liquid surface being performed by respectively raising and lowering the liquid surface relative to the container or by moving an object extending through the liquid surface of the liquid protein solution. Also, a device for performing said method.