The overall goal of this research is to present the synthesis and the characterization of advanced materials by exploiting the unique synergy between 2D nanomaterials (e.g., graphene, black phosphorus) and bio-derived raw materials (e.g., silk-fibroin (SF) biomaterials) in green solvents, tailored for 3D printing and electrospinning technologies [1-5]. 3D-printed SF plays a pivotal role in advancing materials science, offering innovative solutions for both health monitoring and functional devices. Moreover, we present recent results on the carbonization process of silk fibroin. A novel carbon material, pyroprotein, was prepared from SF by simple heat treatment under inert atmosphere. Potential applications such as piezoresistive and piezoelectric materials will be illustrated spanning from ultrasensitive stretchable strain sensors to smart materials for structural health monitoring.

References

1. I. Chiesa, M. R. Ceccarini, A, Guerra, G. Raffaele, L. Beati, R. Malaspina, M. Alunni Cardinali, P. Sassi, L. Valentini, C. De Maria Adv. Mater. Technol. 2025, 2402200.
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Acknowledgments

The author acknowledges financial support of the project LONG-LIFE: Innovative technoLOgies for enhanciNG LIFE-cycle sustainability of reinforced concrete structures funded by Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Perugia, the project Prin 2022 Prometheus “4D printing self-deploying bioenabled polymer scaffolds for the non-invasive treatment of bleeding intestinal ulcers”, grant: 2022BZLTTK and the National Innovation Ecosystem VITALITY – CUP J97G22000170005 and CUP B43C22000470005.