Rheology and microstructural studies of regenerated silk fibroin solutions
Title | Rheology and microstructural studies of regenerated silk fibroin solutions |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2013 |
Authors | Nisal, A, Kalelkar, C, Bellare, JR, Lele, AK |
Journal | Rheologica Acta |
Volume | 52 |
Issue | 10-12 |
Pagination | 833-840 |
Date Published | NOV |
ISSN | 0035-4511 |
Keywords | Interfacial rheology, Microrheology, Rheology, Silk |
Abstract | Regenerated silk fibroin solutions (RSF) are produced by dissolving degummed silk fibers in water. We have observed that RSF solutions at a concentration less than 15 % by weight exhibit an unusual gel-like response in conventional shear rheology measurements. At higher concentrations, the response is predominantly viscous (or liquid-like). We have probed this counterintuitive behavior of silk fibroin solutions by using microrheology, and interfacial rheometry. Scattering techniques were also used to understand the microstructure of RSF solutions as a function of the concentration. Our studies suggest that the gel-like response of the RSF solution may result from the formation of an interfacial film at the air-solution interface, which dominates the bulk rheological response. |
DOI | 10.1007/s00397-013-0723-5 |
Type of Journal (Indian or Foreign) | Foreign |
Impact Factor (IF) | 1.781 |