Promotive Effects of a Silk Film on Epidermal Recovery from Full‐Thickness Skin Wounds

Abstract

Abstract. We examined the effects of the transparent fibroin film (silk film) on full‐thickness skin wounds. Full‐thickness dermatotomies (15 mm × 9 mm) were prepared on the dorsal wall of CRJ:CD‐1 nu/nu (ICR nu/nu) mice. The area of the wounds dressed with silk film was reduced to 10% of that made by the dermatotomy 14 days after the dermatotomy and were covered with regenerated epidermis 21 days after the dermatotomy. In contrast, less recovery and epidermal regeneration were found 14 days after dermatotomy in the wounds dressed with a conventional hydrocolloid dressing (Duro Active). Furthermore, only partial incomplete epidemal growth was obtained 21 days after dermatotomy. Most importantly, the healing time of wounds dressed with silk film was 7 days shorter than those dressed with DuoActive dressing. The silk film showed an almost similar or slightly better promotive effect as the lyophilized porcine dermis (Alloask D), which is used as a dressing for burns, ulcers, and decubitis. Histologic findings revealed that there was greater collagen regeneration and less inflammation and neutrophil‐lymphocyte infiltration of the wounds dressed with silk film than with DuoActive dressing. It is clear that regeneration of the epidermis and dermis of the wound beds covered with silk film was faster than with DuoActive dressing. Finally, silk film is easily obtainable, sterilizable, and transparent, and it allows easy observation of tissue recovery. Therefore, silk film offers advantages over other dressings and may be clinically useful for wound treatment.

Biocompatibility of helicoidal multilamellar arginine-glycine-aspartic acid-functionalized silk biomaterials in a rabbit corneal model

“…Studies have confirmed that silk fibroin films support the adhesion and proliferation of a variety of cells in vitro, and behaves in a similar way to that under in vitro conditions. 13,14,[24][25][26] Striations at micron and submicron level can be printed on the surface of the silk films, which guide the cells and the subsequent arrangement of the extracellular matrix. 13,25,27,28 In addition, the silk fibroin can also be made into optical transparent films.…”

Preparation of Gel Film fromBombyx moriSilk Sericin and Its Characterization as a Wound Dressing

“…7) It is assumed that the highly hydrophilic nature of sericin contributes to the observed wound healing effect by maintaining a moist environment and absorbing excess exudate from wounds. The usefulness of sericin as a film wound dressing was also suggested by Tsubouchi et al: the incorporation of sericin in fibroin films, whose availability as a wound dressing has been examined, 8,9) improved the flexibility of the films. 10) For wound dressings, flexibility is an important factor to enable close and soft contact with the skin.…”

In vivo degradation of three-dimensional silk fibroin scaffolds

“…Previous studies showed that two-dimensional silk fibroin films have good biocompatibility [6,[20][21][22]. Recent progress in processing techniques has yielded three-dimensional porous silk fibroin scaffolds with control of morphological and structural features [23][24][25].…”