CRYSTALLIZATION OF REGENERATED SILK FIBROIN (BOMBYX MORI) FROM ITS AQUEOUS SOLUTION

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Abstract
Silk fibroin was regenerated from a concentrated lithium bromide solution. Conditions for the crystallization of the silk fibroin from its aqueous solution were investigated by means of optical rotatory dispersion and X-ray diffractometry.The conformation of the silk fibroin was confirmed as coiled when regenerated at different temperatures (40_??_100°C). The silk fibroin showed the α-form structure when cast and dried at temperatures lower than 40°C, and the β-form structure when cast and dried at 40°C or over. No concentration (of silk fibroin) effect was observed.By extruding very viscous solution of 15% fibroin through a tepered nozzle, a thread of silk fibroin was obtained. This, however, showed no birefringence, indicating an unoriented structure.

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