Recent Advances in Silk Fibroin-Based Composites for Bone Repair Applications: A Review

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Orthopedic Research

Background:

• Bone defects pose significant clinical challenges requiring advanced regenerative strategies.
• Silk fibroin (SF), a natural protein, possesses favorable properties for bone tissue engineering.
• Existing bone repair materials have limitations in promoting effective regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review the application of silk fibroin and its composites in bone tissue engineering.
• To analyze preclinical studies on silk fibroin-based scaffolds for osteogenesis.
• To discuss fabrication methods, challenges, and future directions for SF in bone repair.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on preclinical studies of silk fibroin in bone tissue engineering.
• Analysis of silk fibroin's composition, structure, and physicochemical properties.
• Examination of various fabrication techniques for silk fibroin scaffolds (membranes, hydrogels, 3D printing).

Main Results:

• Silk fibroin exhibits excellent biocompatibility and tunable properties for bone regeneration.
• Numerous preclinical studies demonstrate the osteogenic potential of SF-based composite scaffolds.
• Diverse fabrication methods allow tailoring SF scaffolds for specific bone defect requirements.

Conclusions:

• Silk fibroin and its composites are highly promising materials for bone tissue engineering and regeneration.
• Further research and development are needed to overcome challenges in scaffold design and clinical translation.
• Innovative approaches like 3D printing and hydrogels offer new avenues for SF-based bone repair solutions.