An Efficient Biosynthetic System for Developing Functional Silk Fibroin-Based Biomaterials.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Genetic Engineering
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Silk fibroin, a major silk protein, is a promising biomaterial for tissue repair and engineering.
• Functionalization of silk fibroin is crucial for expanding its applications.
• Existing methods for silk fibroin modification are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a highly-efficient biosynthetic system (Fib-H^EXP) for synthesizing recombinant proteins in silk fibers.
• To demonstrate the fabrication of functionalized silk fibroin biomaterials.
• To validate the versatility of the Fib-H^EXP system for diverse applications.

Main Methods:

• Development of a transgenic silkworm system (Fib-H^EXP) for massive recombinant protein synthesis.
• Genetic engineering of silk fibers to incorporate recombinant RFP (red fluorescent protein) and glucose oxidase (GOx).
• Fabrication of fluorescent silk fibroin (SF) biomaterials and GOx-SF hydrogels.

Main Results:

• The Fib-H^EXP system successfully synthesized recombinant RFP, comprising approximately 7.86% of silk mass.
• Fluorescent silk fibroin biomaterials were fabricated.
• Glucose oxidase-functionalized silk fibroin hydrogels exhibited antimicrobial activity, promoting infected diabetic wound healing in mice via enzymatic conversion.

Conclusions:

• The Fib-H^EXP system offers a highly-efficient method for producing functionalized silk fibroin biomaterials.
• This approach enables genetic functionalization of silk fibroin, broadening its potential applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
• The study highlights the potential of engineered silk biomaterials for therapeutic applications, such as promoting wound healing.