Journal of Polymer Science Polymer Physics Edition · 1979 · 118 citations · 2 references
Natural SciencesBiophysicsMaterials SciencePolymer ChemistryPolymer MaterialsProtein FoldingConformational ChangeConformational DynamicsFibrous ProteinsPolymer PhysicsProtein Folding ThermodynamicsSheet FormationDifferential CalorimetryImmersionPhysical PropertiesProtein Conformational ChangesReversible Conformational Changes
Abstract Silk fibroin films in the random‐coil and β‐form conformations were immersed in water at temperatures from 2 to 130°C, and conformational changes were followed by x‐ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. On treatment with water below 60°C, the random‐coil conformation is converted to the α form and above 70°C to mixtures of the α and β conformations. The β‐form content increases as the immersion temperature is raised. The β form is not affected by immersion in water in the temperature range studied.
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