About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2026 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Bio-Nano Interfaces and Engineering Applications
|
| Presentation Title |
Tunable, light-actuated silk fibroin composites for sensing and actuation at biointerfaces
|
| Author(s) |
Vamsi K. Yadavalli, Anne Katherine Brooks |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Vamsi K. Yadavalli |
| Abstract Scope |
Nature-derived materials offer inherent biocompatibility and biodegradability, but have properties that limit their use at biointerfaces. Silk fibroin is mechanically strong, but lacks durability for dry processing in biointegrated electronics. We demonstrate tunable photocrosslinkable fibroin-gelatin composites comprising photofibroin (PF) with photogelatin/gelMA (PG). This biomaterial (photofibrogel (PFG)) has tunable properties for precise macroscale and microscale patterning. PFG is biocompatible and can be modified with electrically conductive micropatterns for cell guidance and stimulation. Ratios of PF to PG were optimized for swelling, mechanical behavior, degradation, and patternability. We also show elastomeric fibroin composite with polydimethylsiloxane that is optically transparent and shelf-stable over 6 months. Material topography and structure can be modified using photolithography and laser cutting. Optimized composites with reduced swelling and improved mechanical properties enable processing to include patterning features in 2 and 3 dimensions. Films support cell culture and can be used to record and deliver electrical signals at biointerfaces. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Biomaterials, Thin Films and Interfaces, Composites |