Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 4, 2026
06:11
In Vivo Targeted Expression of Optogenetic Proteins Using Silk/AAV Films
Published on: February 26, 2019
9.2K
In vivo bioresponses to silk proteins
Amy E Thurber1, Fiorenzo G Omenetto2, David L Kaplan2
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA; Program in Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology, Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University, Boston, MA, 02111, USA.
Biomaterials
|September 1, 2015
Summary
Silk biomaterials demonstrate favorable in vivo biological responses, including controlled degradation and mild inflammation. They promote tissue remodeling and vascularization, making them suitable for various biomedical applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Immunology
Background:
- Silk fibroin and spider silk are versatile biomaterials for drug delivery, tissue engineering, and implantable devices.
- Successful clinical use of implanted materials requires appropriate in vivo biological interactions.
- Understanding these interactions is crucial for optimizing silk-based medical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of in vivo biological responses to silk materials.
- To focus on degradation, immune/inflammatory responses, and tissue remodeling, including vascularization.
- To highlight the suitability of silk for clinical applications based on its bioresponse.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive review of existing literature on in vivo biological responses to silk (silkworm and spider).
- Analysis of degradation kinetics, inflammatory and immune cell recruitment, foreign body response, and tissue regeneration.
- Examination of factors influencing silk biointegration, such as fabrication methods and material modifications.
Main Results:
- Silk degradation rates vary from hours to years, dependent on fabrication.
- Silk elicits a mild, transient inflammatory response with decreasing immune cell presence over time.
- Silk materials support tissue ingrowth, vascularization, and remodeling, with potential for native tissue replacement without mineralization (except in calcified tissues).
Conclusions:
- Silk biomaterials exhibit low immunogenicity and favorable in vivo biological responses.
- Their tunable degradation and remodeling capabilities make them ideal for diverse biomedical applications.
- Silk's ability to integrate with host tissues supports its potential for regenerative medicine and implantable devices.
