Dielectric Breakdown Strength of Regenerated SilkFibroin Films as a Function of Protein Conformation.

Derived from Bombyxmoricocoons,regenerated silk fibroin (RSF) exhibits excellent biocompatibility,high toughness, and tailorable biodegradability. Additionally, RSFmaterials are flexible, optically clear, easily patterned with nanoscalefeatures, and may be doped with a variety bioactive species. Thisunique combination of properties has led to increased interest inthe use of RSF in sustainable and biocompatible electronic devices.In order to explore the applicability of this biopolymer to the developmentof future bioelectronics, the dielectric breakdown strength (Ebd) of RSF thin films was quantified as a functionof protein conformation. The application of processing conditionsthat increased β-sheet content (as determined by FTIR analysis)and produced films in the silk II structure resulted in RSF materialswith improved Ebdwith values reachingup to 400 V/μm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]