Silk fibroin protein modified acellular dermal matrix for tissue repairing and regeneration

Worldwide the demand of skin-graft has been increasing day by day, for these different biomaterials and techniques have been used. In the present study, we have fabricated Silk Fibroin (SF) modified hybrid acellular goat-dermal matrix (SF-AGDM) by modifying the AGDM in different concentration SF- 5, 10, 15%, for enhancing the wound healing process. The grafts (AGDM and SF-AGDM) were evaluated for skin tissue regeneration by subjecting it through physical, chemical and biological characterization. SLS analysis showed the molecular weight of SF was 10,000 Da. Here, we found that SF-AGDM modified with low concentration of SF showed good porosity 78.56 ± 14.30% and pore size 74.69 ± 28.66 μm as similar to the AGDM. FTIR analysis showed the shifting of NH stretching (3400-3600 cm^-1), amide I band at 3427 cm^-1 and 1641 cm^-1 and disappearance of the peaks of CH asymmetrical stretching (3000-2800 cm^-1), amide II and amide III band, which indicate formation of amide linkage or other interaction between the SF protein and AGDM. In vitro cell culture studies by seeding 3 T3 mouse fibroblast cells on the scaffold revealed excellent cell viability, proliferation rate and adhesion in the scaffold. Pre-clinical study done in albino mice model showed within 14 days, all the wounds were completely cured, full thickness skin was regenerated without any significant inflammatory response. SF-ADGM results better healing as compared to the unmodified AGDM, which indicates the synergetic effect of SF coupled with acellular ECM based matrix. Thus, SF-AGDM is biocompatible, cost-effective material that can be potentially applied for tissue engineering application.