Fabrication of Silk Fibroin‐Derived Fibrous Scaffold for Biomedical Frontiers

Abstract

Silk fibroin (SF), a natural protein derived from silkworms, has emerged as a promising biomaterial due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, degradation rate, and tunable mechanical properties. This review delves into the intrinsic attributes of SF that make it an attractive candidate for scaffold development in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The distinctiveness of this comprehensive review resides in its detailed exploration of recent advancements in the fabrication techniques of SF‐based fibrous scaffolds, namely electrospinning, freeze‐drying, and 3D printing. An in‐depth analysis of these fabrication techniques is conducted to illustrate their versatility in customizing essential scaffold characteristics, such as porosity, fiber diameter, and mechanical strength. The article meticulously discusses process parameters, advantages, and challenges of each fabrication technique, highlighting the innovative advancements made in the respective field. Furthermore, the review goes beyond fabrication techniques to provide an overview of the latest biomedical applications and research endeavors utilizing SF‐derived scaffolds. From nerve regeneration and wound healing to drug delivery, bone regeneration, and vascular tissue engineering, the diverse applications underscore the versatility of SF in adopting various biomedical challenges. Finally, the article emphasizes the need for standardized characterization techniques, scalable manufacturing processes, and long‐term in vivo studies.

A greener prescription: the power of natural organic materials in healthcare

“…8 Silk offers a slower degradation rate than absorbable ber sutures like polyglycolic acid (PGA). While PGA dissolves in about 60-90 days, silk can take up to two years to completely degrade in vivo, 21,22 providing prolonged support for wound healing and causing less inammatory response. In ligament and tendon repair, silk supports cell attachment and proliferation, promoting better healing and integration with native tissues than synthetic materials like polyethylene terephthalate.…”

“…8,21,23 However, the scalability of silk production and its standardization for medical use still require further research and development. 22 To add on, natural rubber latex (NRL) has shown multiple applications in enhancing tissue repair in critical bone defects and chronic wounds, as well as enabling a sustained and controlled local drug release. 24,25 As an example, the antioxidant activity of curcumin has been preserved aer incorporation into NRL, providing anti-aging benets with promising applications in the cosmetics industry.…”

“…8,21,23 However, the scalability of silk production and its standardization for medical use still require further research and development. 22…”