Biomimetic engineering of silk-like materials from hagfish

• Main Author: Chong, Meng Kiang
• Other Authors: School of Materials Science and Engineering
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2014
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Materials::Biomaterials
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/55813
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Abstract Information about hagfish silk-like materials such as its components, source, and most importantly its interesting engineered properties were examined. Recombinant protein expressions of its components were successfully carried out with engineered E. coli. Purifications of those components were done with FPLC system. Self-assembly of the components were carried out and the self-assembled products were analysed using CD, FTIR, SEM and TEM. The results of CD and FTIR suggested that the self-assembled products solution contained mixture of the products and its components, thus purification before analysis is needed. SEM results suggested aggregation of self-assembled products, and may not be suitable for analysis of this material. TEM results suggested successful self-assembly. These analyses together suggested that self-assembled products were obtained. Future work includes usage of microfluidic devices to form fibers from self-assembled products and then strain hardening of these fibers to achieve a variety of engineered fibers depending on the application.