Abstract
In this study, we report the preparation and characterization of water-stable films with UV-shielding and good mechanical properties, exploiting the synergistic effect of regenerated silk fibroin and bamboo-derived cellulose. Silk fibroin (SF)/bamboo (B) hybrid films are achieved by solubilizing both silk and bamboo fibers in formic acid with added CaCl2. Infrared spectroscopy indicates that SF, when combined with bamboo, undergoes a conformational transition, providing evidence of an increase in SF crystallinity. Exploiting the intrinsic absorption of SF in the ultraviolet region, UV-Vis spectroscopy was used to assess the glass transition temperature (Tg) of SF/B films, showing a decrease in Tg by increasing the SF content. The addition of 10 wt% SF to the B matrix improved the elastic modulus by about 10% while conserving the strain at break with respect to the neat B films, increasing the UV shielding properties, while water absorption suggested the material's hydrophilic and swelling capacity even after one month. The hybrid films showed, under solar irradiation, a photoprotective behavior on keratinocyte human cells by increasing cellular viability. These findings may find potential applications in functional fabrics.