Developing Aciniform Spider Silk Biomaterials with Unique Structural Transitions and Properties
Abstract
(1) Characterize the mechanical properties of AC silk fibers (single fibers and fiber bundles) from various spider species. Measure mechanical properties of AC silk bundles in their native states and water-wetted (water-induced crosslinked) states. Correlate structural changes to any observed changes in mechanical properties. (2) Apply and develop modern multinuclear, multidimensional MAS and dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP)-MAS SSNMR techniques to structurally characterize isotope-labeled AC spider silk fibers. Quantitatively correlate the secondary structures determined for the silks with the silk proteins primary amino acid sequence. Use SSNMR to investigate the silks when in contact with water to elucidate the origin of AC silks unique hydration-induced alpha helical coiled-coil to beta-sheet structural transition. This information will be used to develop models for the AC silks molecular architecture and to design new biomaterials based on AC silk. We already have published results related to this goal that provides the background for the proposed work. (3) Perform XRD measurements at Argonne National Lab (ANL) on AC silk fibers and bundles to characterize molecular and hierarchical nanocrystalline structures formed in these materials. XRD will focus on pair-distribution functional (PDF) analysis for characterizing amorphous structures and distributions as well as a combination of wide and small angle x-ray scattering (WAXS and SAXS) for characterizing structures in the 1-100 nanometer length scale. XRD will inform on the degree of crystallinity and the organization of the beta-sheet / alpha-helical coiled-coil architecture, as well as its sensitivity to chemical and physical stimuli such as hydration induced crosslinking. (4) Use 1H, 13C, and 15N two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) protein solution NMR to probe the AC silk protein conformational structure and dynamics in the gland fluid prior to fiber formation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 14, 2023
- Accession Number
- AD1225526
Entities
People
- Gregory Holland
Organizations
- University of California, San Diego