3d Electron-Beam Writing of Nanoactuators in Genetically Engineered Spider Silk Proteins

We report high-fidelity additive manufacturing of 3d nanoactuators in genetically engineered spider silk proteins using our newly developed 3d electron-beam writing method with a typical feature size down to ~50 nm. Recombinant spider silk proteins with well-designed molecular structures enable the structural stability and variety at nanoscale as the aqueous photoresist. The penetration depth of electrons within the protein matrix is precisely regulated by the applied dose and accelerating voltage to define the crystallinity of the 3d nanoarchitectures for controllable reshaping. As proof-of-concept, a series of nanorobots in spider silk proteins have been successfully fabricated. It offers opportunities for researchers to employ commercially available EBL (electron beam lithography) tools for the widespread applications including biomimetics, nanorobotics, and mechanical nanodevices.