Effect of molecular weight on the structure and mechanical properties of silk sericin gel, film, and sponge

Chun Jin Park, Jooyeon Ryoo, Chang Seok Ki, Jong Wook Kim, Ick Soo Kim, Do Gyu Bae, In Chul Um

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

51 Scopus citations

Abstract

In this study, the effect of the MW on the structure and properties of sericin film, sponge, and gel was examined. As the MW of sericin increased, the gelation of the sericin aqueous solution was found to be accelerated, and the gel strength, and the gel-sol transition temperature increased. Irrespective of the casting solvent (water and formic acid) and form of sericin (gel, film, or sponge), the crystallization of the sericins was accelerated. The mechanical properties of the sericin sponge were remarkably improved upon increasing the MW of sericin. The MW of sericin almost did not have an effect on the cell toxicity. As the MW of sericin is increased, the sericin sponge becomes denser and its porosity is reduced, leading to a decrease in the swelling ratio. These results indicate that various characteristics of the sericin forms can be modulated by controlling the MW of sericin, with enhanced potential for biomedical and cosmetic applications.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)821-832
Number of pages12
JournalInternational Journal of Biological Macromolecules
Volume119
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2018

Keywords

  • Molecular weight
  • Sericin
  • Structural characteristics

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