| 摘要 |
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a hydrogel composition having rubberlike elasticity and long-lasting water retention characteristics by blending a water-soluble polymer with a silk protein and exposing the blend in an aqueous solution to a radiation to cause crosslinking. SOLUTION: A water-soluble synthetic polymer, such as polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, or polyethylene oxide, and/or a water-soluble natural polymer can be used. The concentration of the polymer in the aqueous solution is preferably 5-15%, The silk protein comprises fibroin, sericin, or their mixture, i.e. the components constituting a silkworm powder or silk fibers; and one made water-soluble by hydrolysis, etc., or one containing water-soluble parts and water-insoluble parts mixed with each other is preferable. The concentration of the silk protein in the water solution is preferably 10-20%. The radiation used is preferablyγ-rays from Co-60 or an electron beam from an accelerator. The most preferable absorbsion does is 20-40 kGy.
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