High-concentration silk aqueous solution preparation by vigorous mixing

– Pretreatment processing and LiBr concentration influences on dissolving whole cocoon silk proteins: follow-up report –

Abstract

This report describes a cocoon shell protein dissolution method using lithium bromide aqueous solution under vigorous mixing conditions. Using a crushing and mixing machine called the “Multi-bead Shocker,” silkworm cocoon shells were dissolved completely in 7–9 M LiBr solution buffered with Tris-HCl at pH 9 to a 20 mg/ml concentration. Additionally, cocoon shell proteins were dissolved in over 120 mg/ml when using 7 M – 8 M LiBr solution.