Solution Blow Spinning of Programmable Biofunctionalized Polymer Fibers

    June 2026 in “ ACS Applied Polymer Materials
    Jennifer A. Lee, Susan K. Kozawa, Ann M. Kulisiewicz, Terry Henderson, Ashish Tripathi, Steven M. Blum, John R. Biondo, Tahiyah Brinkley, Kristian M. Van de Voorde, Marilyn S. Lee
    TLDR New polymer fibers can produce proteins and have potential uses in masks and swabs.
    The study investigates the integration of cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) systems into polymer fibers using solution blow spinning (SBS), a safer and more scalable method than traditional electrospinning. It demonstrates the feasibility of embedding CFPS systems into polymer fibers for biofunctional applications like pathogen sensing and enzyme biosynthesis. The research identifies chloroform and acetone as suitable solvents for maintaining CFPS activity and highlights the potential of these fibers in protective materials. However, challenges such as nonuniform CFPS distribution and reduced fiber toughness need to be addressed. The study suggests further optimization to enhance the functionality and stability of these biofunctionalized fibers for applications in biosensing and synthetic biology.
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