Silk protein-based hydrogels: Promising advanced materials for biomedical applications

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Hydrogels mimic biological tissues, with silk proteins offering advantages over conventional polymers.
• Silk fibroin hydrogels possess favorable material properties, biocompatibility, and processability for biomedical uses.
• Existing research focuses on controlling silk fibroin hydrogel properties and integrating novel features.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of advances in silk protein-based hydrogels, focusing on fibroin.
• To describe fabrication approaches for silk fibroin hydrogels.
• To review applications in tissue engineering and controlled release, and discuss future potential.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication methods for silk fibroin hydrogels are described.
• Strategies for property enhancement, including composite formation and genetic engineering, are discussed.
• Literature review of silk fibroin hydrogel applications and potential.

Main Results:

• Silk fibroin hydrogels demonstrate potential in overcoming limitations of conventional hydrogels.
• Composite formation and genetic engineering offer routes to improve silk fibroin hydrogel properties.
• Applications in tissue engineering and controlled release are reviewed.

Conclusions:

• Silk fibroin hydrogels are promising biomaterials with high mechanical strength and biocompatibility.
• Further research into silk-based hydrogels is warranted for diverse biomedical applications.
• This review consolidates current knowledge and future directions for silk fibroin hydrogels.