Solution Blow Spinning of Programmable Biofunctionalized Polymer Fibers

The integration of biological functionality into synthetic materials offers a powerful route to creating advanced responsive systems. This work introduces a method for fabricating biofunctional polymer fibers by incorporating DNA-programmable cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) systems into the fiber matrix using solution blow spinning (SBS). We demonstrate successful protein production in biofunctional fibers in both single-polymer and coaxial configurations. Three different protein reporters are produced in situ, confirming biological activity postfabrication. The resulting fibers act as a versatile platform where biological functions can be user-defined. Characterization of fiber morphology, composition, and mechanical properties is described, and the potential utility of the fibers is demonstrated in respirator masks and sampling swab materials. This technique, combining complex biological functionality and tunable fiber characteristics, opens avenues for developing advanced materials for applications, such as portable sensing, smart textiles, and active filtration.