Rheology and microstructural studies of regenerated silk fibroin solutions
| Title | Rheology and microstructural studies of regenerated silk fibroin solutions |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2013 |
| Authors | Nisal, A, Kalelkar, C, Bellare, JR, Lele, AK |
| Journal | Rheologica Acta |
| Volume | 52 |
| Issue | 10-12 |
| Pagination | 833-840 |
| Date Published | NOV |
| ISSN | 0035-4511 |
| Keywords | Interfacial rheology, Microrheology, Rheology, Silk |
| Abstract | Regenerated silk fibroin solutions (RSF) are produced by dissolving degummed silk fibers in water. We have observed that RSF solutions at a concentration less than 15 % by weight exhibit an unusual gel-like response in conventional shear rheology measurements. At higher concentrations, the response is predominantly viscous (or liquid-like). We have probed this counterintuitive behavior of silk fibroin solutions by using microrheology, and interfacial rheometry. Scattering techniques were also used to understand the microstructure of RSF solutions as a function of the concentration. Our studies suggest that the gel-like response of the RSF solution may result from the formation of an interfacial film at the air-solution interface, which dominates the bulk rheological response. |
| DOI | 10.1007/s00397-013-0723-5 |
| Type of Journal (Indian or Foreign) | Foreign |
| Impact Factor (IF) | 1.781 |
