Solubilization and reconstitution of silk using ionic liquids
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
InventorsDavid M. Phillips, Robert A. Mantz, Paul C. Trulove, Hugh C. DeLong
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Abstract
Silk is dissolved in an ionic liquid and is regenerated in a range of structural forms without requiring the use of harmful solvents. Silk solubility can be controlled by the selection of the ionic liquid constituents, with small cations and halide or pseudohalide anions favoring solution. The rinse solvent exercises a significant influence over the final properties of the regenerated silk.
Claims18
A method for dissolving silk proteins that comprises admixing the silk protein with a molten ionic liquid that has a melting point below about 150° C. to form an admixture, wherein said ionic liquid is comprised of cations and anions.
A method for dissolving synthetic recombinant silk proteins that comprises admixing the synthetic recombinant silk protein with a molten ionic liquid that has a melting point below about 150° C. to form an admixture, wherein said ionic liquid is comprised of cations and anions, and wherein the synthetic recombinant silk protein is selected from the group consisting of silk-elastin proteins and recombinant spider silks.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.