top of page

Silk processing and formation

The PEG was tested at the varying molecular weights at concentrations as shown in Figure 2. The lighter molecular weights were in liquid form and the heavier molecular weights were nearly solids. After many rounds of tests it was found that the optimal molecular weight was 10,000 Da which had a crystal like form, with an optimal concentration of 20%. 

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​


 

        

 

 

 

 

 

 

​

 

Figure 3 (a&b): (a) shows 30mb and PEG solution forming fibers under the optical microscope, (b) shows the 180mb and PEG solution forming particles. 

​

At the start of this project, the silk was boiled for 30 minutes. With this boiling time, the ideal silk concentration was found to be 8%. Unfortunately, early into the second semester the 30mb silk began forming gels when combined with the PEG as shown in Figure 3a. To combat this, silk can be boiled for longer. The silk boiling time chosen was 180mb to allow for adequate time for the fibers to denature and have a better ability to form particles with the PEG as shown in Figure 3b. 

Image 4-29-21 at 2.10 PM.jpeg

Figure 2: Graphical model of varying PEG molecular weights and concentrations measured. 10.0KDa was deemed the best as it has the best particle:solution ratio with no gelation. 

Screen Shot 2021-05-05 at 10.42.27 AM.pn
bottom of page