Antheraea assama Silk Fibroin‐Based Functional Scaffold with Enhanced Blood Compatibility for Tissue Engineering Applications

Abstract

The architecture and surface chemistry of a scaffold determine its utility in tissue engineering (TE). Conventional techniques have limitations in fabricating a scaffold with control over both architecture and surface chemistry. To ameliorate this, in this report, we demonstrate the fabrication of an Antheraea assama silk fibroin (AASF)‐based functional scaffold. AASF is a non‐mulberry variety having superior qualities to mulberry SF and is largely unexplored in the context of TE. First, a 3D scaffold with biomimetic architecture is fabricated. The scaffold is subsequently made blood compatible by modifying the surface chemistry through a simple sulfation reaction. EDX and FTIR analysis demonstrate the successful sulfation of the scaffold. SEM observations reveal that sulfation has no any effect on the scaffold architecture. TGA reveals that it has increased thermal stability. The sulfation reaction significantly improves the overall hydrophilicity of the scaffold, as is evident from the increase in water holding capacity; this possibly enhances the blood compatibility. The enhancement in blood compatibility of the sulfated scaffold is determined from in vitro haemolysis, protein adsorption and platelet adhesion studies. The sulfated scaffold is non‐toxic and supports cell adhesion and growth, as revealed by indirect and direct contact‐based in vitro cytotoxicity assays. This study reveals that the AASF‐based functional scaffold, which has biomimetic architecture and blood‐compatible surface chemistry, could be suitable for TE applications.

Chitosan‐finished Antheraea mylitta silk fibroin nonwoven composite films for wound dressing

“…A preweighed cup sealed with films was placed at 37 ± 0.6 °C and 50 ± 2% relative humidity in an incubator and reweighed after a regular time to 0.1‐mg accuracy. The water‐vapor transmission was calculated by the assembly weight loss in grams per meter per day …”

Development of advanced antimicrobial and sterilized plasma polypropylene grafted muga (antheraea assama) silk as suture biomaterial

“…Silk fibroin (SF) is a natural non‐absorbable bio‐polymer that is classified in two main types: (a) mulberry produced by bombycid species, Bombyx mori ( B. Mori ) and (b) non‐mulberry, having several varieties including muga, eri, tasar etc . SF represents a unique family of structural protein that is biocompatible with low antigenicity and non‐inflammatory response, mechanically superior, non‐toxic, and non‐irritating in nature .…”

“…Moreover, the chemical processes that are used to modify the surface properties of BMSF for desired biocompatibility and bio‐functionality are also associated with many disadvantages such as environmental pollution, health hazards, use of water and solvent, waste production, higher consumption of chemical, time and energy, etc . In the light of these limitations, non‐mulberry SF can be considered as better choice over BMSF due to their enhanced physico‐chemical, thermal and mechanical properties, and improved cell adhesion and therefore deserve extensive research for exploitation as novel biomaterials in various biomedical applications …”

“…6 Silk fibroin (SF) is a natural non-absorbable bio-polymer that is classified in two main types: (a) mulberry produced by bombycid species, Bombyx mori (B. Mori) and (b) nonmulberry, having several varieties including muga, eri, tasar etc. 7 SF represents a unique family of structural protein that is biocompatible with low antigenicity and non-inflammatory response, mechanically superior, non-toxic, and non-irritating in nature. [8][9][10] Such distinctive bio-physical and mechanical properties make SF an excellent biomaterial for regenerative medicine, drug delivery, tissue engineering, and bone repairing applications.…”

“…20 In the light of these limitations, non-mulberry SF can be considered as better choice over BMSF due to their enhanced physico-chemical, thermal and mechanical properties, and improved cell adhesion and therefore deserve extensive research for exploitation as novel biomaterials in various biomedical applications. 7 Among non-mulberry SFs, muga (antheraea assama, AASF), popularly known as golden silk is found only in some selected parts of Assam, India thereby making it more exclusive and sought after. 21,22 AASF is obtained from a multi-voltine silkworm called Antheraea assamensis, which is again unique only to Assam.…”