An All-Protein Multisensory Highly Bionic Skin
Shengyou Li, Andeng Liu, Wu Qiu, Yimeng Wang, Guoqing Liu, Jiarong Liu, Yating Shi, Yaxian Li, Jianing Li, Wenjie Cai, Cheolmin Park, Meidan Ye, Wenxi Guo
Abstract
To achieve a highly realistic robot, closely mimicking human skin in terms of materials and functionality is essential. This paper presents an all-protein silk fibroin bionic skin (SFBS) that emulates both fast-adapting (FA) and slow-adapting (SA) receptors. The mechanically different silk film and hydrogel, which exhibited skin-like properties, such as stretchability (>140%), elasticity, low modulus (<10 kPa), biocompatibility, and degradability, were prepared through mesoscopic reconstruction engineering to mimic the epidermis and dermis. Our SFBS, incorporating SA and FA sensors, demonstrated a highly sensitive (1.083 kPa –1 ) static pressure sensing performance ( in vitro and in vivo ), showed the ability to sense high-frequency vibrations (50–400 Hz), could discriminate materials and sliding, and could even identify the fine morphological differences between objects. As proof of concept, an SFBS-integrated rehabilitation glove was synthesized, which could help stroke patients regain sensory feedback. In conclusion, this work provides a practical approach for developing skin equivalents, prostheses, and smart robots.