Fibroin protein extract from red ant nests for a production of electrospun nanofibers

Abstract

This research studied fibroin extract from fibers of red ant nests. Four fibroin extraction methods were investigated, including the use of Ajisawa’s solution at 80°C, 9 M LiBr at 60°C, 9 M LiSCN at 40°C and 0.5% Na2 CO3 at 40°C. The result showed that the suitable extraction condition was to use 0.5% Na2 CO3 at 40°C for 60 minutes, yielding the dried fibroin powder of 26.3% of wet weight of red ant nest fibers. A major protein band of extracted protein was approximately 43 kDa as determined on 12.5% SDS-PAGE. This protein band was further analyzed on 2D-PAGE and 11 protein spots were observed at molecular weight of 39-43 kDa and pI of 4.8-7.16. The result was similar to the decoded fibroin protein of Australian weaver ants. The extracted fibroin solution could be electrospun into continuing fibers when polyethylene oxide (7% PEO) solution was blended into the extracted fibroin (1% EF) solution in a ratio of 1:1 (v/v) to assist the formation of the fibers. The solution was successfully electrospun into continuing fibers under the condition of 0.4 ml/h flow rate, 20 cm. in distance between an injector tip and a collector and 18 kV voltages. Average diameter of fabricated electrospun fibers was 436.62+106.49 nm.