Biofunctional and Self-Contractable Silk-Based Sensing Threads

Abstract

We report a class of biofunctional, self-contractable silk-based electronic threads (e-threads) for skin lifting applications. The e-threads made of silk proteins are hierarchically structured and heterogeneously functionalized towards clinical applications, allowing 1) long-term stability of skin lifting effect, 2) tension sensing, 3) wound inflammatory response reduction and 4) near-infrared heating. The silk e-threads contract by > 18% (adjustable) as it is wetted by body fluid and blood after implantation for effective skin lifting. The e-threads can be used as tension sensor showing excellent responses to contraction, external pressure and bending loading, which allows for real-time monitoring of the lifting stress. As smart medical devices, our work offer insights to smart medical devices for plastic surgery and many other medical applications.