Self‐adhesive plasticized regenerated silk on poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) for bio‐piezoelectric force sensor and microwave circuit design

Abstract

This study shows that regenerated silk (RS), a natural biodegradable and biocompatible polymer, can behave as a self-adhesive thermoplastic material with multifunctional properties. In particular, Ca ions-plasticized RS hybrids with gold nanorods have been produced. It has been found that at mild conditions of temperature and pressure, RS hybrids undergo to the loss of the β-sheet content and forms a tough self-adhesive material on poly(3-hydroxybutyrateco-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) substrate. The structure-dependent piezoelectricity of such RS adhesives on PHBV films was investigated and it was demonstrated that this forms a RS/PHBV piezoelectric sensor that can be used for the monitoring of force. The constitutive parameters (i.e., permittivity and loss tangent) of both PHBV and RS/PHBV were measured in view of their use as dielectric substrates in microwave circuit design. Being fully made of biodegradable and biocompatible materials, this self-adhesive material can be used in tissue engineering for different applications.

Levulinic acid-based bioplasticizers: a facile approach to enhance the thermal and mechanical properties of polyhydroxyalkanoates

“…8,9 Moreover, they found application as material for food-packaging 10 and as substrates for green electronics and piezoelectric devices. [11][12][13][14][15] Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) is the most widespread member of the PHAs family. PHB is a semicrystalline isotactic stereoregular polyester, which can reach a crystallinity degree up to 80% 16 that makes this material particularly stiff and brittle.…”

Carbon Nanotubes/Regenerated Silk Composite as a Three-Dimensional Printable Bio-Adhesive Ink with Self-Powering Properties

“…The piezoelectric device was fabricated as already described elsewhere. 28 Briefly, films of PHBV with a thickness of approx. 300 μm were prepared by solvent-casting 28 and were used as a substrate.…”

“… 28 Briefly, films of PHBV with a thickness of approx. 300 μm were prepared by solvent-casting 28 and were used as a substrate. Neat and composite RS solutions were then drop-cast on the PHBV films and left to evaporate at 40 °C for 12 h. Carbon tapes were attached on the top and bottom side of the bilayer films.…”

“…The piezoelectric device was fabricated as already described elsewhere . Briefly, films of PHBV with a thickness of approx.…”

The role of biotechnology in the transition from plastics to bioplastics: an opportunity to reconnect global growth with sustainability

“…Water-resistant surfaces, moisture vapor barriers, and UV-resistant layers based on PHA can be used in the packaging industry [85]. Last but not least, PHA may also find relevant applications in engineering sectors, such as sensors [86,87] or construction [88].…”