Silk Fibroin Biomaterials in Tissue Engineering

Silk fibroin, a natural protein derived predominantly from the cocoons of Bombyx mori, has emerged as a versatile biomaterial for regenerative medicine. Its unique combination of high tensile strength, tunable biodegradation, excellent biocompatibility and minimal immunogenicity enables the fabrication of diverse scaffold formats, including films, fibres, hydrogels, sponges and three-dimensional printed constructs. The molecular architecture of silk fibroin—rich in β-sheet crystalline domains interspersed with amorphous regions—supports mechanical resilience while permitting controlled erosion in physiological environments. Processing methods such as electrospinning, freeze-drying, solvent casting and physical or chemical crosslinking allow precise regulation of porosity, surface topography and mechanical stiffness, all of which influence cell adhesion, migration and differentiation. Recent advances in micro-patterning and bioprinting have further expanded the ability to recreate tissue-specific architectures, from bone and cartilage to skin and vascular grafts. Functionalisation strategies, including incorporation of growth factors, peptides or nanoparticles, have enhanced osteoinduction, angiogenesis and antimicrobial activity. Recombinant and engineered silk variants promise bespoke degradation rates and biologically active motifs, offering a roadmap towards fully customised implants. Globally, silk fibroin platforms are advancing from bench to bedside, with ongoing efforts to standardise processing, scale manufacturing and secure regulatory approval for clinical applications.

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Silk Fibroin Biomaterials in Tissue Engineering publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in silk fibroin biomaterials in tissue engineering across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Silk fibroin: The structural protein extracted from silkworm silk, valued for strength and biocompatibility.

Scaffold: A three-dimensional template that supports cell adhesion, proliferation and tissue formation.

Biocompatibility: The ability of a material to perform with an appropriate host response in a specific application.

β-sheet: A common protein secondary structure providing crystalline regions that impart mechanical strength.

Electrospinning: A method using an electric field to fabricate nanofibrous mats from polymer solutions.

Hydrogel: A hydrophilic polymer network capable of retaining large amounts of water, mimicking soft tissue environments.

References

1. A Review of Structure Construction of Silk Fibroin Biomaterials from Single Structures to Multi-Level Structures. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2017).
2. Silk Fibroin as a Functional Biomaterial for Tissue Engineering. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2021).