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One‐Step Synthesis of Natural Silk Sericin‐Based Microcapsules with Bionic Structures
Author(s) -
Liu Zhaogang,
Cai Yurong,
Jia Yaru,
Liu Lin,
Kong Xiangdong,
Kundu Subhas C.,
Yao Juming
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
macromolecular rapid communications
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.348
H-Index - 154
eISSN - 1521-3927
pISSN - 1022-1336
DOI - 10.1002/marc.201400304
Subject(s) - sericin , silk , fibroin , chemical engineering , shearing (physics) , materials science , morphology (biology) , copolymer , polyelectrolyte , chemistry , polymer chemistry , nanotechnology , polymer , polymer science , composite material , biology , genetics , engineering
Different techniques are being developed for fabricating microcapsules; it is still a challenge to fabricate them in an efficient and environment‐friendly process. Here, a one‐step green route to synthesize silk protein sericin‐based microcapsules without any assistance of organic solvents is reported. By carefully changing the concentration of calcium ions accompanied with stirring, the morphology of the microcapsules can easily be regulated to form either discoidal, biconcave, cocoon‐like, or tubular structures. The chelation of Ca 2+ and shearing force from agitation may induce the conformational transformation of sericin, which possibly results in the formation of microcapsules through the self‐assembly of the protein subsequently. The as‐prepared cocoon‐like microcapsules exhibit pH‐dependent stability. A potential application of microcapsules being fabricated from natural water‐soluble silk protein sericin for controlled bioactive molecules loading and release system by a pH‐triggered manner is quite feasible.