Scalable fabrication of conductive silk textiles for integrated motion monitoring and adaptive thermal management.

Rapid detection and superior adsorption of ferric ions Fe(III) with tannin-rich natural dye loaded silk fibroin nanospheres made from waste silk textile

Hydrovoltaic technology can harvest electrical energy from water-solid interactions and has emerged as a promising power solution for wearable electronics due to its broad material compatibility and strong environmental adaptability. However, the selection of flexible substrates and the relatively low interfacial charge separation efficiency still restrict its widespread application. In this work, biomass-derived carbonized silk fabric was utilized as a conductive and flexible substrate, and ordered TiO2 nanowires were grown in situ on the fiber surface to construct an efficient evaporation-driven hydrovoltaic device. Subsequently, reduction-phosphorus doping, asymmetric electrode engineering, and photothermal enhancement were incorporated to regulate surface defect chemistry and establish additional internal fields, thereby promoting charge separation. Impressively, these synergistic optimizations significantly improved the electrical output, ultimately enabling the TiO2-x-P nanowire-based device to achieve a high open-circuit voltage of 868.5 mV and a short-circuit current of 18.6 μA. Additionally, devices encapsulated with plastic film can generate a sustained ∼962 mV output voltage for over 80 h. Furthermore, the device can also function as a self-powered sensor to detect ultraviolet radiation, demonstrating its multifunctionality for future wearable and sensing applications.

The development of flexible anode materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) is crucial for next-generation flexible and wearable electronics. However, conventional flexible current collectors such as carbon cloth and aerogels still suffer from poor interfacial stability and limited mechanical properties. Inspired by biomineralization principles, a bionic metal-phenolic network (MPN) interfacial engineering is introduced to achieve controllable integration of metal-organic framework (MOF) coatings on flexible substrates. A one-step calcination-sulfidation treatment transforms the MOF precusor into uniformly dispersed high-capacity Fe7S8 nanoparticles anchored on carbonized silk fabric. The MPN self-assembled through coordination between tannic acid and Fe3+, directs uniform growth of MIL-88A, and subsequently converts into an amorphous carbon shell. This carbon interlayer provides strong anchoring of active materials, forms continuous electron-transport pathways, and enhances interfacial stability. The optimized MSMF-2 composite maintains structural integrity after 2000 bending cycles and retains a specific areal capacity of 1.40 mAh cm-2 after 200 cycles at 0.3 mA cm-2, while demonstrating 97.3% capacity retention after 1000 cycles at 5 mA cm-2. Furthermore, solid electrolyte interphase composition and phase-transition mechanisms are systematically investigated, revealing stable interfacial passivation and dual intercalation-conversion storage behavior. This work demonstrates an effective strategy that integrates biomimetic interfacial regulation with MOF-derived active materials.

Insects spin non-cocoon silk for protection, adhesion, and transfer with the environment. Sericin is a major component of non-cocoon silk fibers, yet our understanding of the sericin proteins is quite limited. In this study, we used CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing to prepare a homozygous mutant strain that resulted in premature termination of the translation of non-cocoon sericin protein Ser5. We found that the silk glands of the Ser5 mutant (Ser5-/-) were smaller than those of the wild-type (WT), and both silk yield and major silk proteins significantly decreased in the larval stage. Seven kinds of non-cocoon silk were collected, and we found that the morphology of silk did not vary, but the diameter of the silk was significantly reduced in Ser5-/-. Further research revealed that the adhesive strength of native silk dope in Ser5-/- was significantly lower than that of the WT silkworm. Proteomic data indicated that the autophagy and apoptosis proteins increased significantly in Ser5-/-; differentially expressed proteins were enriched in pathways related to cellular stress responses and transcription and translation. Detection of the autophagy-related gene ATG8 also indicated that knockout of the Ser5 gene may lead to a level of cell stress, thus affecting the synthesis and secretion of silk proteins. Our study highlights the importance of the silk sericin gene in silk formation, silk protein adhesion, and the cellular developmental processes of the silkworm. These findings enhance our understanding of the functional roles of sericin genes in insects and provide a foundation for the development of sericin-based biomaterials.

This study presents a systematic experimental reconstruction and quantitative evaluation of black dyeing techniques applied to wool, silk, and cotton textiles, based on recipes documented in 18th and 19th century dye manuals. Thirty-one samples were produced using historically significant methods, including iron-tannate complexation, logwood- and copper-based lake formation, and subtractive color mixing on indigo or fawn grounds. Comprehensive colorimetric analysis ( K/S , CIELAB) revealed that black produced on blue grounds consistently achieved the highest color intensity across all fibers, while iron-tannate overdyes yielded the deepest shades but also caused substantial fiber degradation. Tensile testing and accelerated UV aging, conducted under simulated museum conditions enabled assessment of both immediate and long-term physical stability. Iron-tannate dyeing resulted in the greatest tensile loss, up to 20% following UV exposure, due to the combined effects of acid hydrolysis and iron-catalyzed oxidative stress, with silk exhibiting the highest sensitivity. In contrast, subtractive mixing and indigo-based methods produced stable shades with comparatively minimal fiber damage. These findings elucidate the trade-offs between chromatic depth and mechanical stability inherent in historical black dyeing processes and clarify the chemical and photochemical mechanisms of fiber degradation, including metal-catalyzed radical formation. The results provide practical data for heritage textile conservation and inform the sustainable development of high-performance natural black dyes for modern applications.

ABSTRACT Lay‐up sequence and reinforcement fabric architecture play significant roles in damage formation and crack progression in hybrid composites. Here a novel hybrid composite comprising a hierarchical sandwich structure of 2D carbon fiber fabric and 3D angle‐interlock silk fabric is successfully prepared. The sandwich hybrid hierarchical structures exhibit high strength, stiffness, toughness, and energy absorption characteristics because of the strengthening effect and anti‐delamination properties of the 3D silk layer‐to‐layer angle‐interlock and through‐the‐thickness angle‐interlock woven fabrics. The 3D silk through‐the‐thickness angle‐interlock reinforcement achieves superior structural integrity and stiffness compared to that of 3D silk layer‐to‐layer angle‐interlock reinforcement. The 2D carbon/silk plain‐woven hybrid composites with 3D silk through‐the‐thickness angle‐interlock reinforcement exhibit minimum delamination volume and vertical crack distribution because of the delamination cracks deflection and strain concentration offered by the through‐thickness z‐binder yarns. Micro‐computed tomography images of the sandwich hybrid hierarchical structures show high structural integrity and fracture concentration compared to those of traditional hybrid laminates containing 2D silk woven fabric reinforcements. This study provides a promising approach for the structural optimization design of high‐strength, high‐stiffness, high‐toughness, and high‐energy‐absorption of hybrid composites.

Integrated fabrication and applications of multifunctional electronic fabrics based on carbon nanotubes/carbonized silk fabrics

ABSTRACT The study investigates the lightfastness of traditional Korean textiles dyed with six natural dyes: sappanwood, Sophora japonica, rhubarb, myrobalan, gallnut, and persimmon. The research aimed to determine how variations in temperature and relative humidity (RH) affect color fading, specifically under ultraviolet (UV) and non-UV lighting conditions. Silk, ramie, hemp, and cotton fabrics were tested in a series of controlled light aging experiments in a Xenotest. Colorimetric analysis revealed that fabrics dyed with sappanwood and S. japonica exhibited significant color loss, while those dyed with myrobalan and gallnut demonstrated high lightfastness. Temperature and RH separately barely had any effect on the rate of color fading. In addition, high temperatures combined with high RH accelerated fading. Under UV exposure, rhubarb and persimmon dye showed unique darkening behavior, likely due to tannin-based oxidation. HPLC analysis showed that chebulic acid was present in myrobalan and could serve as a marker to distinguish between myrobalan and gallnut, which are both tannin-based natural dyes widely used in Asia. This study provides valuable insights for the preservation of naturally dyed textiles in museum collections, suggesting possible strategies for more sustainable management of dyed textiles. The findings also contribute to the broader understanding of how environmental factors affect the durability of natural dyes on various textile substrates.

Traditional industries face distinctive challenges in achieving low-carbon transformation, yet their upgrading pathways remain underexplored compared with those of high-tech and heavy-emitting sectors. This paper addresses this gap by examining the silk industry of Nanchong, a prefecture-level city in Sichuan Province officially designated as "China's Silk Capital" (2005) and the "Origin of Silk" (2016). Nanchong possesses the most complete cocoon-silk-textile industry chain in southwestern China, spanning sericulture, reeling, weaving, dyeing, garment manufacturing, and cultural-tourism integration. Drawing on embedded multi-case study methodology (Yin, 2018) and an industry-chain life cycle analytical framework, we select representative enterprises at each major segment of the value chain — Bubisi Organic Agriculture (upstream sericulture), Yiger Textile and Shuncheng Textile (midstream reeling and weaving), Jiafeng Fashion (downstream garment manufacturing), and the Litai Fung Group's eco-standard industrial park in Yilong County — and analyze their low-carbon upgrading strategies across five dimensions: organic raw material substitution, intelligent equipment-based energy conservation, clean production in dyeing and finishing, comprehensive utilization of sericulture by-products (mulberry tea, mulberry fruit, silk protein extraction), and silk cultural-tourism fusion. Our analysis reveals that the silk industry chain possesses an inherent "green endowment" — silk is a natural protein fiber derived from a renewable biological cycle — but that this endowment is unevenly realized across chain segments. Upstream sericulture can function as a net carbon sink when managed organically, while midstream dyeing and finishing remain the principal emission hotspots. We identify a "green sandwich" pattern in which the industry's upstream and downstream segments are relatively amenable to low-carbon upgrading, while the midstream processing segment faces the greatest technical and financial barriers. We propose an integrated upgrading model — the "Silk Green Chain" framework — that combines organic certification, digital lean manufacturing, circular by-product valorization, and cultural branding to achieve simultaneous decarbonization and value-added enhancement. The findings carry implications for traditional industry clusters in developing regions seeking to reconcile heritage preservation with carbon neutrality imperatives.

Sericin is often discarded directly as a by-product of the main silk industry, and in this study, it is regarded as an important raw material for the synthesis of a new high-performance biosurfactant. N-Lauryl sericin hydrolyzed protein potassium (PLS) was synthesized by the Schotten-Baumann aqueous phase process. Its aggregation behavior differs from that of classical small molecule surfactants, which has been illustrated and explained by multiple test methods. The fluorescent probe and surface tension data revealed the pH-dependent dynamic assembly behavior of PLS, with the best surface performance of PLS (surface tension reduced to 26.40 ± 0.06 mN m−1) when pH = 8.5. In terms of application performance, PLS outperformed common commercial surfactants, showing excellent foaming ability, emulsifying activity (EAI = 134.71 ± 3.08 m2 g−1) and wettability. At the same time, it maintains a high mildness (N = 1.809 ± 0.207), which is significantly lower than that of conventional anionic surfactants. This surfactant is unique in that it has a flexible peptide head group that provides space obstruction and forms a protective hydration layer. This research work shows that PLS is not only a substitute for petroleum-derived surfactants, but a novel, high-performance and modulable surfactant. They offer a sustainable and efficient alternative to personal care and cosmetic formulations, and are a great example of converting protein waste into functional green chemicals.

ABSTRACT The study aimed to develop biocomposite films using natural biopolymers and fibres such as chitosan (A), bacterial cellulose (B) and processed Cyclea leaf gel (C) and natural fibres such as corn silk (D1), coconut husk (D2) and banana flower (D3) fibres, to develop sustainable food packaging applications. The biocomposite films were prepared by blending A, B and C (1), followed by reinforcement of D1, D2 and D3 in the ABC matrix with a 0.5% w/v concentration of fibres. The films were characterised using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, water vapour permeability and thermogravimetric analysis, including the mechanical properties of the films. The biodegradability of the films was tested under controlled composting conditions. The potential of the biocomposite film as a packaging film was assessed by storing tomatoes at room temperature and in a refrigerator for 10 days. The results indicated that the biocomposite film with corn silk fibre reinforcement had the lowest solubility of 15%, with superior tensile strength, flexibility and hydrophobic properties compared to those of the films reinforced with coconut husk and banana flower fibres. The biodegradability assessment confirmed the environmental compatibility of the films, with the fibres showing the highest biodegradability. In packaging applications, fibre reinforcement outperformed uncovered, control and standard in preserving tomato quality by effectively regulating moisture exchange and preventing physical damage. This study proves that biodegradable biopolymer composite films with natural fibres are eco‐friendly alternatives to conventional plastic packaging materials, contributing to sustainable packaging solutions.

ABSTRACT The phenomenon of textiles attached to the surface of oracle bones has attracted the attention of the academic community since 1975, but there has always been a technical bottleneck and academic controversy in the identification of its fiber types. Taking the textile fibers attached to six oracle bones in the collection of Huan Bao Zhai as the research object, the microstructure of the residual textiles was observed by means of super depth‐of‐field microanalysis. Combined with Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE‐SEM) to understand the characteristics of fiber morphology, and while comparing modern silk, cotton, kapok, and hemp fibers, it was determined that the fiber attached to the oracle bone of the Shang dynasty is hemp and ramie fibers. This suggests that the Shang dynasty would have used bast‐fiber ropes binding the oracle bones for storage. This kind of rope might be “Sacrificial cloth” offered to the spirits. The study fills a missing link in the ancient literature about the divination process of oracle bones and provides a useful supplement to the study of ancient Chinese historical materials.

Silk fibroin (SFb) derived from silkworm cocoons (Bombyx mori) is increasingly recognized as an innovative biodegradable protein for sustainable applications. We discuss its wide biomedical and industrial applications based on the review of 1791 articles from 2001 to 2025 (Scopus). There has been a large increase in research, with 66.44% of publications and 74.84% of citations during 2019-2025. SFb-based nanomaterials have excellent performance in tissue engineering (18.53%), drug delivery (60.59%), and in novel areas, including flexible electronics and sustainable construction, owing to their high strength, controllable structure, and optical transparency. Crucially, exploiting ∼50,000 tonnes of annual silk industry cocoon valorization for aerogels, hydrogels, and NPs promotes the circular economy and minimizes environmental impact using green technologies (lower kg CO2/kg fibroin). These developments make a direct, but by no means exclusive, contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, in particular health (SDG 3), innovation (SDG 9), sustainable production (SDG 12), and climate action (SDG 13). Still, scaling, costs, and the long-term environmental consequences are hurdles. However, such concerns will need to be addressed through sustainable biomanufacturing and life-cycle assessments if SFb can be used to its full potential for a greener future.

Durable silk fiber-based colorimetric sensor via laccase-catalyzed grafting of butterfly pea anthocyanins: Performance, characterization, and theoretical mechanism.

CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of SPI51 reveals an essential role of protease inhibitors in silk fiber formation.

Intense and vibrant color construction and functionalization for protein macromolecule/polyamide two-component fabric by sustainable microbial nano prodigiosins based on adjustable pigment allocation.

Aging properties of silk fabrics produced by factory-based all-age artificial diet-rearing silkworms

Interface-tailored cuprous oxide -reduced graphene oxide hybrids on silk fabric for sunlight-driven environmental remediation: Structural coloration with enhanced photocatalytic self-cleaning and antibacterial functions

• A pellet-fed material-extrusion platform with integrated continuous-fibre co-deposition. • Synergistic BC and continuous silk fibre reinforcement boosts tensile strength by 213%. • 3-point bending strength of PLA/BC/CSF is 247% higher than PLA. • Reduced burning rates by 63% (PLA/BC/CSF), 47% (PLA/CSF), and 30% (PLA/BC). • PLA/BC/CSF exhibits higher stiffness/strength and the fastest shape recovery. • While PLA exhibits creep/sag. PLA/BC/CSF retains the geometry. A pellet-fed extrusion platform with integrated continuous-fibre co-deposition is presented, enabling 3D/4D printing of bio-composites directly from pellets, avoiding a separate filament-making step, thereby reducing time, energy, and material waste. A polylactic acid/bamboo-charcoal/continuous-silk-fibre (PLA/BC/CSF) system was formulated to overcome PLA’s low strength, thermal creep, and flammability. With 3 wt% BC, PLA tensile strength increased by 28%; with CSF, tensile strength reached 108 MPa (+213% vs PLA). Three-point bending strength rose + 247% over PLA (+200% vs PLA/BC; +40% vs PLA/CSF). The burning rate decreased by 63% relative to PLA, evidencing improved flame resistance. Under 70 °C and constant load, PLA/BC/CSF beams retained geometry whereas PLA sagged, confirming superior thermo-mechanical stability. Architected honeycomb and trapezium meta -composites printed from PLA/BC/CSF exhibited quasi-constant force, and quasi-zero stiffness plateaus with energy dissipation and shape recovery (full after 25% compression; 85% recovery after 45% upon heat activation), supporting reuse and overload protection. The approach delivers a low-cost, lower-energy route to continuous-fibre bio-composites and demonstrates printable, recoverable components for logistics and automotive use (e.g., pallets, chassis inserts, dashboard face-parts), advancing sustainable additive manufacturing and circular-economy goals.