Julian 

Water-responsive materials change their shape in response to changes in relative humidity (RH). Commonly found in nature, WR Materials have countless potential applications, including energy generation and storage, soft robotics, and even oral medicine. The Chen lab aims to elucidate the properties of various WR materials and develop applications for them. One WR material of interest for the lab is silk. Recent research involved the modification of silk to improve its energy potential. Silk protein was treated with methanol, heat, and humidity in order to change the structure of the protein, and consequently, its water responsiveness. Using infrared-based microscopy and mechanical analysis devices, the properties of the tuned silk were measured. It was found that all three modified types of silk responded to changes in humidity at similar rates. However, each experienced radically different energy outputs. My research this summer will focus on further understanding how to tune this silk protein to create more favorable properties. Specifically, I will work on creating an apparatus to tune the silk in new ways and testing the silk. Overall, the Chen Lab’s work is at the forefront of understanding and implementing an understudied form of energy, which has great potential.