Next-Generation Silk Protein Fragment Compositions for Biomedical Applications

This inventive concept envisions a next-generation silk protein fragment composition with hierarchical structures, tunable properties, and large-scale production capabilities, revolutionizing biomedical applications.

The original patent disclosed stable silk protein fragment compositions with specific molecular weights and crystalline domains. However, these compositions have limitations in terms of scalability, tunability, and hierarchical structure. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing a hierarchical structure of micro- and nano-fibers, large-scale production capabilities, and tunable properties, enabling advanced biomedical applications.

The new inventive concept comprises a hierarchical structure of micro-fibers with an average diameter of about 1-5 microns and nano-fibers with an average diameter of about 10-50 nanometers. This structure enables tunable mechanical strength, porosity, and surface area, making it ideal for biomedical applications. The composition can be generated through a scalable production process involving raw silk material processing, protein fragmentation, and purification units. Additionally, the composition can be used to create hydrogels, biosensors, and 3D printed scaffolds with tunable properties. The new claims introduce a paradigm shift in silk protein fragment technology, enabling the creation of complex, hierarchical structures with unprecedented properties.

The new inventive concept is novel and non-obvious compared to the original patent, as it introduces a hierarchical structure of micro- and nano-fibers, large-scale production capabilities, and tunable properties. These features enable advanced biomedical applications and overcome the limitations of the original patent.

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include varying the diameter of the micro- and nano-fibers, introducing additional functional groups or molecules, or using different types of silk proteins. These variations could enable further customization of the composition for specific biomedical applications.

The new inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the biomedical industry, particularly in the fields of tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and biosensing. The large-scale production capabilities and tunable properties of the composition make it an attractive solution for companies developing advanced biomedical products.