Quantitative structural analysis and physical properties of silk fibroin hydrogels

Abstract

The effect of dehydration on the molecular structures and physical properties of fibroin gels was investigated. The physical properties that are discussed include strength, water content and thermal stability. It was found that the molecular structure of fibroin was not changed by the change in water content of the gel, while the physical properties of the gel, however, were changed significantly. A quantitative analysis of the molecular structures was carried out by separating the components of the i.r. spectra. The spectral parameters of the amide I, II, and III absorption bands, corresponding to the silk I, β, and random coil conformations, respectively, have been derived. In addition, the fibroin gels were characterized by their water contents, strength and thermal stability.