Rheology and microstructural studies of regenerated silk fibroin solutions

TitleRheology and microstructural studies of regenerated silk fibroin solutions
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2013
AuthorsNisal, A, Kalelkar, C, Bellare, JR, Lele, AK
JournalRheologica Acta
Volume52
Issue10-12
Pagination833-840
Date PublishedNOV
ISSN0035-4511
KeywordsInterfacial 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.

DOI10.1007/s00397-013-0723-5
Type of Journal (Indian or Foreign)Foreign
Impact Factor (IF)1.781
Divison category: 
Polymer Science & Engineering