Reshaping Silk Proteins at the Micro- and Nanoscale for High Technology

Water-based processing plays an essential role in high technology, especially in the realms of electronics, material sciences, and life sciences. Its significance lies in the development of high-quality, reliable devices, as well as in enhancing fabrication efficiency, safety, and sustainability. Particularly at the micro- and nanoscale, water serves as a unique enabler, bridging biological and technological systems. However, the high surface tension of water poses fundamental challenges, hindering wetting and complicating fabrication at the bio-nano interface.<br/>In the field of nano and micro manufacturing, overcoming these challenges is critical for advancing the integration of biological and technological systems. The amphiphilic nature of the silk molecule, with its adaptive adsorption onto substrates with diverse surface energies, enhances intermolecular interactions between disparate materials. This capability is particularly relevant in nano and micro manufacturing, where precise control at the molecular level is crucial.<br/>Incorporating water-based processing method into nano and micro manufacturing could significantly increase the utility of the field, providing a sustainable and efficient alternative to conventional methods. The potential applications span across various high-tech industries, promising advancements in device fabrication, material science innovations, and the seamless integration of biological and technological systems across multiple micro- and nanofabrication strategies.