Silk Spider-web-like Nano-nets

摘要

Silk spider-web-like nano-nets with diameter down to 8 nm distributed among the electrospun silk nanofibers were fabricated via a one-step electro-spinning/netting (ESN) process.The formation of nano-nets in this typically composite process is governed by the competition between the electrospinning and the electro-netting,which can be manipulated by tuning applied voltage and solution property.And further,the nano-nets stem from the charged droplets caused by instability of Taylor cone,which evolves from a rapid phase separation on the deformed droplets as thin film and the formation of hydrogen bond among silk fibroin molecules.The presence of nano-nets among the biocompatible and biodegradable electrospun silk fibroin membrane can create additional surface area and enhanced interconnectivity,which have considerable advantages comparing to the discontinuous carbon nanotubes,nanorods and grapheme in terms of the cost,health concerns,and the possibility of integrated one-step manufacturing of assemblies.We believe that the electrospun silk fibroin membrane comprising nano-nets will widen its applications with improved performance in filtration,tissue engineering,sensors,catalysis,etc.