Silk-based biomaterials

Silk from the silkworm, Bombyx mori, has been historically employed as a biomedical suture material due to its unique mechanical properties that offer significant clinical repair options. Despite reported biocompatibility issues related to residual sericin, recent findings indicate that well-characterized silkworm silk fibers and films demonstrate comparable biocompatibility both in vitro and in vivo when compared to other commonly utilized biomaterials like polylactic acid and collagen. The intrinsic mechanical advantages of silk fibers, alongside their versatility in side chain chemistries for the incorporation of growth and adhesion factors, bolster the rationale for further investigation into this class of fibrous proteins for biomaterial applications. These qualities are particularly pertinent for the design of scaffolds aimed at tissue engineering, with recent in vitro studies showing promise in supporting bone and ligament formation. While current research has predominantly focused on silkworm silk, the potential range of silk-like fibrous proteins from spiders and other insects suggests a multitude of native or bioengineered variants that could address various clinical demands.