Biomimetic tussah silk/chitosan composite scaffolds with radial pore architecture for enhanced wound repair

The composition and topological architecture of scaffolds play a pivotal role in wound regeneration by modulating the cellular microenvironment to promote cell migration, proliferation, and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. In this study, we developed biomimetic tussah silk nanofiber (TSn)/chitosan (CS) composite scaffolds with a radial pore architecture to enhance wound healing. These scaffolds demonstrated favorable physicochemical properties, including high porosity, superior water absorption, and tunable mechanical strength. Notably, increasing the CS content enhanced both the radial structural integrity and antibacterial efficacy of the TSn/CS scaffolds. In vitro studies revealed excellent biocompatibility, as evidenced by robust NIH3T3 cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation. Furthermore, in vivo assessments using a rat full-thickness skin defect model confirmed that the TSn/CS scaffolds significantly accelerated wound closure, promoted angiogenesis, and supported tissue regeneration. Together, these findings highlight the potential of TSn/CS scaffolds as a promising therapeutic platform for advanced wound healing applications.