Electrospinning and Characterization of PEO/Spider Silk Core-Shell Nanofibers Yarns

The mechanical and thermal properties of electrospun yarns containing drag line spider silk proteins (MaSp1 and MaSp2) are studied by FTIR, FESEM, DSC, and tensile tests. MaSp1 and MaSp2 are extracted from genetically modified goat milk and electrospun with poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) into core-shell nanofibers. The electrospun nanofibers are then twisted into yarns for characterization purposes. The ratio of MaSp1 to MaSp2 is modified to tailor to the wide varieties of the yarns\u27 thermal and mechanical characteristics. Successful designing of the electrospun yarns are of great interest for medical, industrial, electrical, and military applications