Silk fibroin-based scaffolds for tissue engineering

Abstract

Silk fibroin is an important natural fibrous protein with excellent prospects for tissue engineering applications. With profound studies in recent years, its potential in tissue repair has been developed. A growing body of literature has investigated various fabricating methods of silk fibroin and their application in tissue repair. The purpose of this paper is to trace the latest developments of SF-based scaffolds for tissue engineering. In this review, we first presented the primary and secondary structures of silk fibroin. The processing methods of SF scaffolds were then summarized. Lastly, we examined the contribution of new studies applying SF as scaffolds in tissue regeneration applications. Overall, this review showed the latest progress in the fabrication and utilization of silk fibroin-based scaffolds.

Genetic Functionalization of Protein-Based Biomaterials via Protein Fusions

“…Protein-based materials are widely applied in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (reviewed in refs –). ,,, Because cells respond to both mechanical and chemical cues, matching the materials’ properties to the target tissue is very important for tissue regeneration or engineering. The sequence of recombinant self-assembling proteins can be easily modified to alter the structural or mechanical properties of the resulting materials using standard molecular biology techniques, as in hybrid materials composed of silk elastin and collagen sequences. ,,,− ,− This plasticity allows the properties of the materials to be tailored to suit a variety of applications . A large number of proteins and peptides function as chemical cues that control cell behavior and support cell growth, attachment, and proliferation within the scaffold.…”

“…These bandages were composed, in part, of Mussel Adhesive Protein fused to peptides derived from VEGF and fibronectin . Recently, the Xia lab fused PDGF-BB to silk sericin to create hydrogels that both augmented osteogenesis by mesenchymal stem cells and inhibited cell differentiation into adipocytes. Despite lacking a folded protein structure, peptides can be surprisingly potent. An ELP, modified with peptides to promote laminin adhesion and hydroxyapatite binding, forms osteoid tissue and enhances bone healing in vivo .…”