Electrospinning

Our research is centered on creating synthetic fibers with our spider silk proteins (MaSp1/MaSp2) incorporated into them. This is done through two processes; Electrospinning and Wet Spinning. A liquid dope is created using our two proteins and different solvents. The first process for creating synthetic fibers is using our electrospinning instrument, in which our dope is placed into a syringe and a positive electrode is attached to it while the target (rotating spindle or stationary target) has the negative electrode attached. The flow rate, spindle rotation, and current (approximately 28 kV) can vary depending on the desired situation. Once all three parameters have been chosen, the voltage ejects the dope at an incredibly quick rate inducing nanofiber formation on the spindle, which can then be collected and rolled into tough fibers. The second method is that of wet spinning, in which the dope is ejected into a solution of either water, IPA, or methanol. As the fiber forms within the liquid it is then taken and placed onto Godets, a system which allows for different rates of stretch within different solvent baths. Both techniques are used to combine our 2 proteins with different fibers such as nylon, with the potential to increase the fibers mechanical properties