Regensburg 2007 – scientific programme
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MM: Fachverband Metall- und Materialphysik
MM 35: SYBM Bioinspired Materials
MM 35.21: Poster
Thursday, March 29, 2007, 18:45–20:45, H16
Creation and Surface-Functionalization of Microcapsules of Recombinant Spider-Silk Protein — •Markus Harasim1, Teresa Bauer1, Kevin Hermanson1, Sebastian Rammensee1, Thomas Scheibel2, and Andreas Bausch1 — 1Physik Department, E22-Biophysik, Technische Universität München, James-Franck-Str.1, 85747 Garching — 2Department Chemie, Lehrstuhl für Biotechnologie, Technische Universität München, Lichtenbergstr. 4, 85747 Garching
Micron-size sculpted structures are important for encapsulation and functionalization technologies and as building blocks for larger devices. Here, spherical capsules are created through the self-assembly of recombinant spider-silk at liquid interfaces and in solution. Due to the natural properties of the spider silk the capsules are mechanically strong and biocompatible. These capsules can be formed either in bulk or through microfabrication using microfluidic devices, which allow for the direct control of capsule size and shell thickness. Functionalization of the capsules can also be achieved using common biochemical techniques. Because of the silk's unique properties, this technique potentially offers a convenient approach to the formation of biologically-compatible, easily-functionalizable structures.