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Silk-based biomaterials in biomedical textiles and fiber-based implants
Gang Li1, Yi Li2, Guoqiang Chen1
1National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk, College of Textile and Clothing Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China.
Advanced Healthcare Materials
|March 17, 2015
Summary
Silk-based biomaterials (SBBs) are increasingly used for biomedical textiles and fiber-based implants (BTFIs) due to their excellent properties. This review examines SBBs for BTFIs, covering their types, properties, modifications, and future potential.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Textile Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Biomedical textiles and fiber-based implants (BTFIs) have been clinically utilized for nearly 50 years to aid healing.
- Silk-based biomaterials (SBBs) are historically significant (e.g., sutures) and show growing promise for advanced BTFIs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the types, physical, and biological properties of SBBs for BTFIs.
- To examine the advantages and limitations of using SBBs in BTFIs.
- To explore advancements in surface coatings and modifications of SBBs for BTFIs.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review focusing on SBBs in the context of BTFIs.
- Analysis of physical and biological properties relevant to clinical applications.
- Evaluation of surface modification techniques and their impact on SBB performance.
Main Results:
- SBBs offer a unique combination of processability, tunable degradation, mechanical strength, and biocompatibility for BTFIs.
- Various modifications and surface coatings enhance the suitability of SBBs for specific applications like soft tissue repair and hygiene products.
- Established clinical use and ongoing research highlight the versatility of SBBs.
Conclusions:
- SBBs are a highly promising material class for a wide range of BTFIs.
- Continued research into modifications and surface engineering will unlock further potential.
- Future opportunities lie in optimizing SBBs for next-generation biomedical textile applications.
