Analysis of the Fibroin Solution State in Calcium Chloride/Water/Ethanol for Improved Understanding of the Regeneration Process

Shaping of fibroin protein from Bombyx mori from calcium chloride/water/ethanol solution is of high interest for the manufacturing of biocompatible structures. Potentiometric titration experiments of the dissolved state permit new insight into the solution state of fibroin as a basis for improved regeneration. Titration experiments and infrared spectroscopy of the solution state support the model of an ion-rich hydration layer and interaction of the solvent with charged and polar groups of the fibroin, rather than through formation of defined calcium complexes. The potentiometric titration curves indicate the formation of calcium complexes at pH values above 9, most probably through involvement of basic amino acids and phenolic groups of tyrosine. After regeneration by the addition of methanol, the regenerated protein was characterised by FTIR, nitrogen and calcium analysis. The analysis of supernatants for their residual protein content indicated minor losses of protein, most probably low molecular weight proteins. The results contribute to an improved understanding of the solution state as a basis for larger scale regeneration, e.g. for the coating of textile fibres with regenerated fibroin.