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Photocrosslinking of Silk Fibroin Using Riboflavin for Ocular Prostheses
Author(s) -
Applegate Matthew B.,
Partlow Benjamin P.,
Coburn Jeannine,
Marelli Benedetto,
Pirie Christopher,
Pineda Roberto,
Kaplan David L.,
Omenetto Fiorenzo G.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
advanced materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 10.707
H-Index - 527
eISSN - 1521-4095
pISSN - 0935-9648
DOI - 10.1002/adma.201504527
Subject(s) - fibroin , photoinitiator , riboflavin , silk , materials science , photolithography , bioadhesive , polymer science , polymer , nanotechnology , composite material , chemistry , biochemistry , monomer
A novel method to photocrosslink silk fibroin protein is reported, using riboflavin (vitamin B2) as a photoinitiator and the mechanism of crosslinking is determined. Exposure of riboflavin‐doped liquid silk solution to light results in the formation of a transparent, elastic hydrogel. Several applications for this new material are investigated including corneal reshaping to restore visual acuity and photolithography.