Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides methods including the steps of (i) providing silk fibroin material comprising substantially amorphous structure, and (ii) applying at least one of elevated temperature and elevated pressure to the silk fibroin material to form a silk fibroin article, wherein the applying induces fusion between at least a portion of the silk fibroin and structural change of fibroin in the silk fibroin material. In some embodiments, the present disclosure also provides silk fibroin articles made in accordance with the methods disclosed herein.

Abstract: The invention related to a method for carboxylating a silk fibroin, a carboxylated silk fibroin prepared therefrom and use thereof. The present invention provides a method for carboxylating silk fibroin, comprising a step of reacting a silk fibroin with a dicarboxylic anhydride in the presence of a lithium salt. Compared with the carboxylation method of silk fibroin in the prior art, the method of the present invention has the advantages of mild preparation conditions and simple preparation steps. Moreover, compared with the uncarboxylated silk fibroin, the carboxylated silk fibroin prepared in the present invention has unreduced molecular weight with increased hydrophilicity.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides methods including the steps of (i) providing silk fibroin material comprising substantially amorphous structure, and (ii) applying at least one of elevated temperature and elevated pressure to the silk fibroin material to form a silk fibroin article, wherein the applying induces fusion between at least a portion of the silk fibroin and structural change of fibroin in the silk fibroin material. In some embodiments, the present disclosure also provides silk fibroin articles made in accordance with the methods disclosed herein.