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Published on: April 13, 2022
Silk fibroin/cholinium gallate-based architectures as therapeutic tools
Joana M Gomes1, Simone S Silva1, Emanuel M Fernandes1
13B's Research Group, I3Bs-Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal; ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
Researchers developed novel 3D sponges from silk fibroin and a biocompatible ionic liquid (Bio-IL) to manage inflammatory diseases. These silk fibroin/Bio-IL sponges effectively reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines and supported cell growth, showing promise for tissue engineering.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Inflammatory diseases pose significant health challenges, necessitating innovative therapeutic strategies.
- Natural resources combined with biologically active compounds offer a promising avenue for developing advanced biomedical tools.
- Silk fibroin (SF) is a biocompatible natural polymer with potential in regenerative medicine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize novel 3D porous sponges combining silk fibroin (SF) with a biocompatible ionic liquid (Bio-IL), cholinium gallate (Ch[Gallate]).
- To evaluate the impact of Ch[Gallate] concentration on the structural, mechanical, and degradation properties of SF/Ch[Gallate] sponges.
- To assess the cytocompatibility and anti-inflammatory potential of the developed SF/Ch[Gallate] sponges for managing inflammatory diseases.
Main Methods:
- Freeze-drying technique was employed to fabricate 3D SF/Ch[Gallate] sponges with varying Ch[Gallate] concentrations (≤3% w/v).
- Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) were used to analyze structural changes.
- Mechanical properties, water uptake, degradation rates, and cell viability/proliferation (human adipose stem cells) were evaluated.
- Quantification of pro-inflammatory (TNF-α, IL-6) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines released from activated human monocytes (THP-1) was performed.
Main Results:
- The incorporation of Ch[Gallate] positively influenced β-sheet formation in SF without altering the native silk structure.
- SF/Ch[Gallate] sponges exhibited tunable mechanical properties, antioxidant activity, and controlled degradation rates.
- The sponges demonstrated high water uptake capacity and supported human adipose stem cell growth and proliferation for up to 7 days.
- A significant reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) was observed in the presence of Ch[Gallate], alongside a decrease in IL-10.
Conclusions:
- The developed SF/Ch[Gallate] sponges represent a promising biomaterial for tissue engineering applications targeting inflammatory processes.
- The combination of natural silk fibroin with bioactive cholinium gallate offers a sustainable and effective approach for developing anti-inflammatory biomedical tools.
- These bioactive sponges demonstrate potential for therapeutic applications in managing inflammatory diseases due to their cytocompatibility and ability to modulate inflammatory responses.
