Innovations in spider silk‐inspired artificial gel fibers: Methods, properties, strengthening, functionality, and challenges
Abdul Qadeer Khan,
Wenjin Guo,
Sitong Li,
Yutian Zhu,
Jie Bai,
Zunfeng Liu,
Weiqiang Zhao,
Xiang Zhou
Affiliations
Abdul Qadeer Khan
State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Smart Sensing Interdisciplinary Science Center, College of Chemistry Nankai University Tianjin China
Wenjin Guo
State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Smart Sensing Interdisciplinary Science Center, College of Chemistry Nankai University Tianjin China
Sitong Li
State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Smart Sensing Interdisciplinary Science Center, College of Chemistry Nankai University Tianjin China
Yutian Zhu
College of Material, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Hangzhou Normal University Hangzhou China
Jie Bai
Chemical Engineering College Inner Mongolia University of Technology Hohhot China
Zunfeng Liu
State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Smart Sensing Interdisciplinary Science Center, College of Chemistry Nankai University Tianjin China
Weiqiang Zhao
State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Smart Sensing Interdisciplinary Science Center, College of Chemistry Nankai University Tianjin China
Xiang Zhou
Department of Science China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing China
Abstract Spider silk, possessing exceptional combination properties, is classified as a bio‐gel fiber. Thereby, it serves as a valuable origin of inspiration for the advancement of various artificial gel fiber materials with distinct functionalities. Gel fibers exhibit promising potential for utilization in diverse fields, including smart textiles, artificial muscle, tissue engineering, and strain sensing. However, there are still numerous challenges in improving the performance and functionalizing applications of spider silk‐inspired artificial gel fibers. Thus, to gain a penetrating insight into bioinspired artificial gel fibers, this review provided a comprehensive overview encompassing three key aspects: the fundamental design concepts and implementing strategies of gel fibers, the properties and strengthening strategies of gel fibers, and the functionalities and application prospects of gel fibers. In particular, multiple strengthening and toughening mechanisms were introduced at micro, nano, and molecular‐level structures of gel fibers. Additionally, the existing challenges of gel fibers are summarized. This review aims to offer significant guidance for the development and application of artificial gel fibers and inspire further research in the field of high‐performance gel fibers.
