Biomaterials and biotextiles and methods for making same
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Orb-weaving spider aciniform silk fibers, known for their exceptional toughness and extensibility, are understudied and challenging to domesticate, limiting their application in biomaterials due to their complex molecular structure and limited understanding of their structural conversion from alpha-helical to beta-sheet aggregates.
Innovation Solution
A method involving hydration and subsequent drying of orb-weaving spider aciniform silk fibers using specific solvents and mechanical shear to convert alpha helices into beta-sheet aggregates or nanocrystallite structures, which can be fabricated into films, fibers, or textiles, enhancing their mechanical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If orb-weaving spider aciniform silk fibers are used in their native state, then they maintain their natural toughness and extensibility, but their beta-sheet content remains low (approximately 15%) and their stiffness is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by exposing the silk fibers to controlled humidity environments (e.g., 70% relative humidity at room temperature, or 37°C at 95% humidity) to induce alpha-helix to beta-sheet structural transitions. This environmental parameter modification increases beta-sheet content from approximately 15% to over 50%, thereby enhancing stiffness while preserving the material's inherent toughness through controlled structural transformation rather than harsh chemical treatment.
2Stability of the object's composition
If chemical treatments are applied to increase beta-sheet content, then stiffness and rigidity improve, but the complexity of the manufacturing process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs self-service by utilizing the silk fibers' inherent ability to undergo alpha-helix to beta-sheet transitions when exposed to appropriate humidity and temperature conditions. The material essentially transforms itself through environmental exposure without requiring external chemical agents or complex processing equipment. For example, simply exposing fibers to 70% humidity at room temperature for 24-48 hours achieves the desired structural transformation, eliminating the need for sophisticated manufacturing infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If extensive research and development are conducted to understand the molecular structure, then application potential is unlocked, but time and resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-characterizing the molecular structure of aciniform silk and establishing the humidity-temperature conditions that trigger alpha-helix to beta-sheet transitions before scaling up to applications. Key structural parameters and transition conditions have been predetermined through research, allowing direct application in textile manufacturing, medical devices, and protective gear without requiring additional R&D for each specific use case. This preliminary structural understanding enables straightforward implementation across diverse applications.
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
This process significantly increases the beta-sheet content of the silk fibers, resulting in materials with improved stiffness and rigidity, suitable for various applications including protective clothing, medical devices, and structural materials.
Implementation Method 1
exposing the orb-weaving spider aciniform (AC) prey-wrapping silk to water to: partially or substantially hydrate the orb-weaving spider aciniform (AC) prey-wrapping silk
Implementation Method 2
to substantially convert silk alpha helices into silk beta-sheet aggregates and/or beta-sheet nanocrystallite comprising structures
Implementation Method 3
exposing the orb-weaving spider aciniform (AC) prey-wrapping silk to a solvent... to substantially convert silk alpha helices into silk beta-sheet aggregates
Data Source
AI summary
In alternative embodiments, provided are biomaterials comprising hydrated, or hydrated and dried, orb-weaving spider aciniform (AC) prey-wrapping silks, or orb-weaving spider aciniform (AC) prey-wrapping silks that have been substantially converted into β-sheet aggregates or β-sheet nanocrystallite structures, which can be fabricated into products of manufacture, or films, fibers or threads, including fibers or threads woven into textiles or cloths. In alternative embodiments, provided are hydrated, or hydrated and dried, orb-weaving spider aciniform (AC) prey-wrapping silks, or orb-weaving spider aciniform (AC) prey-wrapping silks, substantially comprising β-sheet aggregates or B-sheet nanocrystallite structures, and products of manufacture, or fibers or threads, comprising these β-sheet aggregate-comprising silks or β-sheet nanocrystallite structures. In alternative embodiments, provided are methods for making hydrated, or hydrated and dried, orb-weaving spider aciniform (AC) prey-wrapping silks, or orb-weaving spider aciniform (AC) prey-wrapping silks, substantially comprising β-sheet aggregates or β-sheet nanocrystallite structures.