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Long-Lasting Thixotropic Natural Polymeric Hydrogel Based on Silk Nanofibrils
Ling Chen1,2, Liangyan Sun1,3, Wen Liu1,3
1State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Department of Orthodontics, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital & School of Stomatology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, People's Republic of China.
ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering
|June 23, 2023
Summary
Researchers developed a novel, injectable regenerated silk fibroin (RSF) hydrogel with rapid self-healing properties. This biocompatible material, prepared via simple ultrasonic treatment, shows promise for biomedical applications like bone repair.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Hydrogels mimic physiological tissue properties, making them ideal biomedical materials.
- Thixotropic hydrogels are gaining attention due to their injectability and rapid recovery.
- Regenerated silk fibroin (RSF) offers a biocompatible base for advanced hydrogel development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simple, rapid method for preparing a regenerated silk fibroin (RSF) hydrogel with long-lasting thixotropy.
- To investigate the self-healing and biocompatibility properties of the novel RSF hydrogel.
- To demonstrate the potential of RSF hydrogels for functionalization with nanoparticles for specific biomedical applications.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of RSF hydrogel via ultrasonic treatment of RSF solution followed by incubation.
- Assessment of hydrogel thixotropy and rapid self-healing properties through rheological measurements (storage modulus recovery after high shear strain).
- Evaluation of RSF hydrogel biocompatibility with cell culture and demonstration of functionalization by preparing an RSF/hydroxyapatite (HAP) hybrid hydrogel.
Main Results:
- A regenerated silk fibroin (RSF) hydrogel with excellent and long-lasting thixotropy was successfully prepared in under 15 minutes.
- The hydrogel demonstrated rapid self-healing, recovering over 90% of its storage modulus within 20 seconds after 1000% shear strain.
- The RSF hydrogel exhibited excellent biocompatibility, supporting normal cell growth and proliferation. The RSF/HAP hybrid hydrogel promoted osteoblastic differentiation.
Conclusions:
- A facile and rapid method for producing injectable, thixotropic, and self-healing RSF hydrogels has been established.
- The developed RSF hydrogels maintain inherent biocompatibility and can be easily functionalized with nanoparticles.
- The RSF/HAP hybrid hydrogel shows significant potential for bone tissue engineering and repair applications.
