Directed patterning of the self-assembled silk-elastin-like nanofibers using a nanomechanical stimulus

Chem Commun (Camb). 2012 Nov 7;48(86):10654-6. doi: 10.1039/c2cc35384a.

Abstract

We investigate the effects of the frequency and density of a nanomechanical stimulus on nucleation and growth of silk-elastin-like protein polymer (SELP) nanofibers. Repetitive tappings are crucial to create nucleation areas and a potential molecular level mechanism was proposed. Using this technique mechanically guided nanofiber patterns were successfully created.

MeSH terms

  • Biopolymers / chemistry*
  • Elastin / chemistry*
  • Fibroins / chemistry*
  • Fibronectins / chemistry*
  • Microscopy, Atomic Force
  • Nanofibers / chemistry*
  • Nanotechnology
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / chemistry*

Substances

  • Biopolymers
  • Fibronectins
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • silk-like protein polymer
  • Elastin
  • Fibroins