Electron-Driven Nanoactuators in Genetically Engineered Spider Silk Proteins

We fabricated 3d nanoactuators using genetically engineered spider silk protein via electron beam lithography (EBL). The nanoactuator can be driven by electron irradiation, with characteristic feature sizes down to the molecular scale. The well-defined molecular structure and enhanced mechanical properties of the genetically engineered spider silk protein enable precise fabrication of high-precision 3d nanostructures. By adjusting the electron beam exposure dose and acceleration voltage, the penetration depth of electrons within the protein matrix can be controlled to achieve high-precision 3d structure fabrication. Varying electron beam irradiation doses allow modulation of the 3d nanoactuator's configuration. As a proof of concept, we demonstrated a series of spider silk protein-based nanoactuators. This approach opens up new opportunities for emerging applications in bionics, nanorobotics, and related fields.