Tissue response and biodegradation of composite scaffolds prepared from Thai silk fibroin,gelatin and hydroxyapatite

This work aimed to investigate tissue responses and biodegradation, both in vitro and in vivo, of four types of Bombyx mori Thai silk fibroin based-scaffolds. Thai silk fibroin (SF), conjugated gelatin/Thai silk fibroin (CGSF), hydroxyapatite/Thai silk fibroin (SF4), and hydroxyapatite/conjugated gelatin/Thai silk fibroin (CGSF4) scaffolds were fabricated using salt-porogen leaching, dehydrothermal/chemical crosslinking and an alternate soaking technique for mineralization. In vitro biodegradation in collagenase showed that CGSF scaffolds had the slowest biodegradability, due to the double crosslinking by dehydrothermal and chemical treatments. The hydroxyapatite deposited from alternate soaking separated from the surface of the protein scaffolds when immersed in collagenase. From in vivo biodegradation studies, all scaffolds could still be observed after 12 weeks of implantation in subcutaneous tissue of Wistar rats and also following ISO10993-6: Biological evaluation of medical devices. At 2 and 4 weeks of implantation the four types of Thai silk fibroin based-scaffolds were classified as “non-irritant” to “slight-irritant”, compared to Gelfoam^® (control samples). These natural Thai silk fibroin-based scaffolds may provide suitable biomaterials for clinical applications.     

Bioactivity of porous biphasic calcium phosphate enhanced by recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2/silk fibroin microsphere

To prepare a bioactive bone substitute, which integrates biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) and rhBMP-2/silk fibroin (SF) microsphere, and to evaluate its characteristics. Hydroxyapatite and β-tricalcium phosphate were integrated with a ratio of 60–40 %. RhBMP-2/SF (0.5 μg/1 mg) microsphere was prepared, and its rhBMP-2-release kinetics was assed. After joining pore-forming agent (Sodium chloride, NaCl), porous BCP/rhBMP-2/SF were manufactured, and its characteristics and bioactivity in vitro were evaluated. Mean diameter of rhBMP-2/SF microsphere was 398.7 ± 99.86 nm, with a loading rate of 4.53 ± 0.08 %. RhBMP-2 was released in a dual-phase pattern, of which fast-release (nearly half of protein released) focused on the initial 3 days, and slow-release sustained more than 28 days. With the increase in concentration of NaCl, greater was porosity and pore size, but smaller mechanical strength of BCP/rhBMP-2/SF. Material with 150 % (w/v) NaCl had an optimal performance, with a porosity of 78.83 %, pore size of 293.25 ± 42.77μm and mechanical strength of 31.03 MPa. Proliferation of human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hPMSCs) on leaching extract medium was similar to the normal medium (P = 0.89), which was better than that on control group (P = 0.03). Activity of alkaline phosphatase on BCP/rhBMP-2/SF surface was higher than on pure BCP at each time point except at 1 day (P < 0.05). RhBMP-2 has a burst release on early times and a sustaining release on later times. BCP/rhBMP-2/SF with 150 % (w/v) pore-forming agent has excellent porosity, pore size and mechanical strength. The biomaterial induces proliferation and differentiation hPMSCs effectively.     

Silk fibroin membranes from solvent-crystallized silk fibroin/gelatin blends: Effects of blend and solvent composition

Protein membranes have been prepared by mixing gelatin (G) with Bombyx mori silk fibroin (SF) and using aqueous methanol (MeOH) to induce SF crystallization. Amorphous blends of these polymers appear quasi-homogeneous, as discerned from visual observation, electron microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Upon subsequent exposure to aqueous MeOH, SF undergoes a conformational change from random-coil to β-sheet. This transformation occurs in pure SF, as well as in each of the G/SF blends, as discerned from FTIR spectroscopy and thermal calorimetry. The influence of MeOH-induced SF crystallization on structure and property development has been measured as functions of blend and solvent composition. By preserving a support scaffold above the G helix-to-coil transition temperature, the formation of crystalline SF networks in G/SF blends can be used to stabilize G-based hydrogels or generate SF membranes for biomaterial, pharmaceutical and gas-separation purposes. The present study not only examines the properties of G/SF blends before and after SF crystallization, but also establishes the foundation for future research into thermally-responsive G/SF bioconjugates.     

甲醇、戊二醛交联剂对丝素蛋白/明胶多孔支架的性能影响

为了对比甲醇、戊二醛两种交联剂对丝素蛋白/明胶复合多孔支架的性能影响,采用冷冻干燥法等比例制备该支架,分两组分别用甲醇和戊二醛进行交联。通过观察支架的微观形貌,测量支架的孔隙率、吸水率、溶胀率,测试热稳定性及力学性能,比较经两种交联剂处理后支架结构和性能的变化。结果表明,经戊二醛交联后的支架孔隙分布更加规则、均匀,孔隙率、吸水率、溶胀率更高,力学性能更强。采用戊二醛交联丝素蛋白/明胶复合多孔支架,能够使支架性能更加优良。     

The development of injectable gelatin/silk fibroin microspheres for the dual delivery of curcumin and piperine

The objective of this study was to develop the microspheres from gelatin (G) and silk fibroin (SF) aimed to be applied for the controlled release of curcumin and piperine. The glutaraldehyde-crosslinked G/SF microspheres at various weight blending ratios (100/0, 70/30, 50/50, and 30/70) were successfully fabricated by water in oil emulsion technique. The microspheres prepared from all compositions were in a round shape with homogeneous size distribution both in the dried (194–217 μm) and swollen states (297–367 μm). When subjected in collagenase solution at physiological condition, the G microspheres gradually degraded within 14 days while the blended G/SF microspheres, particularly at 50/50 and 30/70, were not degraded. For the release application, the microspheres were loaded with curcumin and/or piperine. It was found that the microspheres composed of SF tended to entrap curcumin and piperine with the high entrapment and loading efficiencies, possibly due to their hydrophobic interactions. The G/SF microspheres, particularly at the ratios of 50/50 and 30/70, released curcumin and piperine in a sustained manner both for the single and dual release systems. The controlled dual release of curcumin and piperine from the G/SF microspheres would prolong their half-life, provide the optimal concentrations for therapeutic effects at a target site, and improve the bioavailability of curcumin. These novel injectable microspheres dually releasing curcumin and piperine would be introduced for the treatment of diseases without the need of operation.     

Electrospun composites of PHBV,silk fibroin and nano-hydroxyapatite for bone tissue engineering

Electrospinning of fibrous scaffolds containing nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) embedded in a matrix of functional biomacromolecules offers an attractive route to mimicking the natural bone tissue architecture. Functional fibrous substrates will support cell attachment, proliferation and differentiation, while the role of HAp is to induce cells to secrete extracellular matrix (ECM) for mineralization to form bone. Electrospinning of biomaterials composed of polyhydroxybutyrate-co-(3-hydroxyvalerate) with 2% valerate fraction (PHBV), nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp), and Bombyx mori silk fibroin essence (SF), Mw = 90KDa, has been achieved for nHAp and SF solution concentrations of 2 (w/vol) % each and 5 (w/vol) % each. The structure and properties of the nanocomposite fibrous membranes were investigated by means of Scanning Electron Microscopy in combination with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (SEM/EDX), Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), uniaxial tensile and compressive mechanical testing, degradation tests and in vitro bioactivity tests. SEM images showed smooth, uniform and continuous fibre deposition with no bead formation, and fibre diameters of between 10 and 15 μm. EDX and FT-IR confirmed the presence of nHAp and SF. After one month in deionised water, tests showed less than 2% weight loss with the samples retaining their fibrous morphology, confirming that this material biodegrades slowly. After 28 days of immersion in Simulated Body Fluid (SBF) an apatite layer was visible on the surface of the fibres, proving their bioactivity. Preliminary in vitro biological assessment showed that after 1 and 3 days in culture, cells were attached to the fibres, retaining their morphology while presenting a flattened appearance and elongated shape on the surface of fibres. Young's modulus was found to increase from 0.7 kPa (± 0.33 kPa) for electrospun samples of PHBV only to 1.4 kPa (± 0.54 kPa) for samples with 2 (w/vol) % each of nHAp and SF. Samples prepared with 5 (w/vol) % each of nHAp and SF did not show a similar improvement.     

Effective removal of dyes from aqueous solution using ultrafine silk fibroin powder

Ultrafine silk fibroin powder was successfully produced using our developed machine and used as low-cost adsorbent to remove dyes in the printing and dyeing wastewater. The silk powder thus prepared was characterized by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), laser particle analyzer and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum. It showed that the silk powder with an average diameter of 3.8 μm was dominant in β-sheet structure. Dye adsorption experiments demonstrated that silk powder could effectively remove model dyes including direct orange (DO), disperse blue (DB) and methylene blue (MB) in particular. Factors influencing the adsorption of MB, e.g., solution pH, contact time, adsorption concentration and ionic strength were systematically investigated. Isotherm equilibrium studies demonstrated that MB adsorption process followed Langmuir model. The maximum adsorption capacity for MB dye was estimated to be 20.58 mg/g and the decoloration percentage could reach up to 95%. The batch experimental results suggested that silk fibroin powder could be used as an efficient sorbent to remove dyes in textile effluents.     

Print head design and control for electrohydrodynamic printing of silk fibroin

This study investigates the effect of print head design on the electrohydrodynamic printed resolution of silk fibroin. Needles with large orifices measuring at 800 μm were used to build five different print heads. The print heads were manufactured, tested, and optimized using four different silk fibroin solution concentrations of 10 wt.%, 15 wt.%, 20 wt.%, and 22 wt.% at applied voltages that ranged from 10 to 20 kV with two different flow rates of 1.5 μl/min and 2.0 μl/min. Each print head design behaved in a unique manner in terms of printed line characteristics as the flow rate, voltage and concentration were varied. The highest printed resolution of the order of 1 μm was achieved using the pinhole reservoir print head. Possible explanations for each of the observed behaviors and design criteria for future print heads are discussed.     

Nano-scaled hydroxyapatite/silk fibroin sheets support osteogenic differentiation of rat bone marrow mesenchymal cells

A novel biomaterial that was composed of nano-scaled sintered hydroxyapatite (HAp) and silk fibroin (SF) was fabricated. We cultured rat marrow mesenchymal cells (MMCs) on this biomaterial (nano-HAp/SF sheet), on bare SF sheets, and on tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS) dishes as controls, then evaluated cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation of the MMCs. After 1 h of culture, a large number of viable cells were observed on the nano-HAp/SF sheets in comparison to the controls. In addition, after 3 h of culture, the morphology of the cells on the nano-HAp/SF sheets was quite different from that on the SF sheets. MMCs extrude their cytoplasmic processes to nano-HAp particles and are well attached to the sheets. After 14 days of culture, under osteogenic conditions, the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and bone-specific osteocalcin secretion of the cells on nano-HAp/SF sheets were higher than were those on the controls. These results indicated that the surface of the nano-HAp/SF sheets is covered with appropriate HAp crystal for MMC adhesion/proliferation and that the sheets effectively support the osteogenic differentiation of MMCs. Therefore, the nano-HAp/SF sheet is an effective biomaterial that is applicable in bone reconstruction surgery.     

Preparation and cytocompatibility of silk fibroin / chitosan scaffolds

One challenge in soft tissue engineering is to find an applicable scaffold, not only having suitable mechanical properties, porous structures, and biodegradable properties, but also being abundant in active groups and having good biocompatibility. In this study, a three-dimensional silk fibroin/chitosan (SFCS) scaffold was successfully prepared with interconnected porous structure, excellent hydrophilicity, and proper mechanical properties. Compared with polylactic glycolic acid (PLGA) scaffold, the SFCS scaffold further facilitated the growth of HepG2 cells (human hepatoma cell line). Keeping the good cytocompatibility and combining the advantages of both fibroin and chitosan, the SFCS scaffold should be a prominent candidate for soft tissue engineering, for example, liver.     

Preparation and cytocompatibility of silk fibroin/chitosan scaffolds

One challenge in soft tissue engineering is to find an applicable scaffold, not only having suitable mechanical properties, porous structures, and biodegradable properties, but also being abundant in active groups and having good biocompatibility. In this study, a three-dimensional silk fibroin/chitosan (SFCS) scaffold was successfully prepared with interconnected porous structure, excellent hydrophilicity, and proper mechanical properties. Compared with polylactic glycolic acid (PLGA) scaffold, the SFCS scaffold further facilitated the growth of HepG2 cells (human hepatoma cell line). Keeping the good cytocompatibility and combining the advantages of both fibroin and chitosan, the SFCS scaffold should be a prominent candidate for soft tissue engineering, for example, liver.     

Preparation and properties of calcium sulfate bone cement incorporated with silk fibroin and Sema3A-loaded chitosan microspheres

To search for new bioactive materials which can be used as the substitute of bone repairing and drug carriers, Sema3A-loaded chitosan microspheres (SLCM) and silk fibroin (SF) were mixed with calcium sulfate cement (CSC). SEM, particle size analysis and swelling rate determination were performed to study properties of the microspheres. The drug loading, encapsulation efficiency and drug release rate were determined by ELISA. Microspheres with different SLCM weight contents (0.5%, 1% and 5%) were prepared to determine which one has the strongest mechanical properties and the appropriate setting time. It was revealed that CSC/SF/0.5SLCM has satisfactory mechanical properties, and its in vitro biocompatibility was assessed by MTS. Chitosan microspheres (5--18 μm) were globular, the surface was smooth, and the swelling rate is (77.02±5.57)%. With this formula, the setting time was increased with the addition of SLCM in CSC/SF, and the cumulative drug release rate is 44.62% in 28 d. XRD results demonstrate that the main component is calcium sulfate. Also it was found that CSC/SF/0.5SLCM supports the growth of MC3T3 cells. Thus the preparation of CSC/SF/0.5SLCM was reliable, and the products had good structures, physical properties and biocompati-bility, appearing to be a promising bone substitute material.     

Genipin交联丝素蛋白纳米纤维膜的制备与性能

利用Genipin对再生丝素蛋白进行交联改性,并通过静电纺丝法制备交联的丝素蛋白纳米纤维膜.利用场发射扫描电镜、红外光谱仪、X射线衍射仪、热重分析仪以及拉力机等对其结构与性能进行表征与测试.结果表明,随着交联剂Genipin质量比的增加,交联度增加,静电纺丝素蛋白纳米纤维平均直径增大,标准偏差增大;Genipin交联对丝素蛋白纳米纤维结晶结构影响不大,但热性能提高;常温条件下,随着Genipin质量比从2％提高至15％,丝素蛋白纳米纤维膜的力学性能逐渐增强,质量比为10％时,其力学性能较好,拉伸强度和断裂应变分别为19.6 MPa和5.9％;随着试验温度从40℃升高到200℃,丝素蛋白纳米纤维膜的拉伸强度和断裂应变先增大然后减小,当试验温度为80℃时,其力学性能较好,拉伸强度和断裂应变分别为41.6 MPa和8.6％.     

丝素蛋白在室温离子液体中的溶解与再生性能研究

室温离子液体1-烯丙基-3-甲基氯代咪唑和1-(2-羟乙基)-3-甲基氯代咪唑是丝素蛋白的新型良溶剂.丝素蛋白在1-烯丙基-3-甲基氯代咪唑和1-(2-羟乙基)-3-甲基氯代咪唑中的溶解度分别为14.5%(质量分数)(100℃)和8.0%(质量分数)(80℃).向离子液体丝素溶液中加入乙醇或正丁醇可获得再生丝素蛋白.XRD和FT-Raman研究表明再生丝素蛋白膜的构象主要是β-折叠结构.TGA数据表明再生丝素蛋白的热稳定性比天然丝素纤维有所降低,热失重残留物有所增加.同时,机械性能和溶失率分析结果显示从离子液体中再生的丝素蛋白表现出良好的湿态机械性能和优异的稳定性.     

丝素蛋白/羟基磷灰石复合材料的制备及性能表征

为了改善羟基磷灰石( HAP) 的脆性和新骨诱导性, 采用共沉淀法合成HAP , 盐溶法制备丝素蛋白(SF) , 在胶体状态下将HAP 和SF 复合得到了SF/ HAP 复合材料。采用扫描电镜(SEM) 、X 射线衍射(XRD) ,傅立叶红外光谱( FIR) 对复合材料结构和化学组成进行了分析, 在模拟体液中检验了复合材料的生物活性, 并对其抗压强度进行了测定。结果表明: HAP 与SF 在纳米尺度进行了复合, 复合材料中SF 主要以β-折叠构象存在,酰胺Ⅴ红外特征峰消失,β-折叠构象的其他峰发生了移动, 表明HAP 与SF 间存在化学结合; 模拟体液中浸泡18 天后, 复合材料表面形成了片层状的HAP ; 与纯的HAP 晶体比较, 复合材料结构稳定, 具有较好生物活性和骨诱导性, 其抗压强度可达63 MPa , 可望成为理想的骨组织替换和工程支架材料。      

Genipin交联丝素蛋白纳米纤维膜的制备与性能

利用Genipin对再生丝素蛋白进行交联改性, 并通过静电纺丝法制备交联的丝素蛋白纳米纤维膜。利用场发射扫描电镜、 红外光谱仪、 X射线衍射仪、 热重分析仪以及拉力机等对其结构与性能进行表征与测试。结果表明, 随着交联剂Genipin质量比的增加, 交联度增加, 静电纺丝素蛋白纳米纤维平均直径增大, 标准偏差增大;Genipin交联对丝素蛋白纳米纤维结晶结构影响不大, 但热性能提高;常温条件下, 随着Genipin质量比从2%提高至15%, 丝素蛋白纳米纤维膜的力学性能逐渐增强, 质量比为10%时, 其力学性能较好, 拉伸强度和断裂应变分别为19.6 MPa和5.9%;随着试验温度从40 ℃升高到200 ℃, 丝素蛋白纳米纤维膜的拉伸强度和断裂应变先增大然后减小, 当试验温度为80 ℃时, 其力学性能较好, 拉伸强度和断裂应变分别为41.6 MPa和8.6%。     

Analysis of structure and properties of biodegradable regenerated silk fibroin fibers

In this paper, the molecular weight change of native silk fibroin fibers when they are dissolved in neutral salt solution, and the relationships of structural change of the regenerated SF fibers with their mechanical properties and degradability have been studied. The results shows that the mechanical properties of regenerated SF fibers are lower than those of native SF fibers, but the biodegradability is raised.     

Controlled release of heparin from blended polyurethane and silk fibroin film

Polyurethane was blended with silk fibroin and heparin to prepare a heparin-releasing system. The release rate and the percentage of the cumulative amount of the released heparin can be controlled by the loading amount of heparin in the film, the composition ratio of silk fibroin to polyurethane, and the thickness of the film. The slower and more sustained release of heparin can be obtained by increasing the film thickness, the loading amount of heparin and the content of silk fibroin in the film. Thus the high bioactivity and long lasting antithrombogenicity of the raw heparin can be maintained for the blended film. The coagulation time tests showed that the composite film had good blood compatibility.     

Fabrication and characterization of silk fibroin/bioactive glass composite films

Composite films of silk fibroin (SF) with nano bioactive glass (NBG) were prepared by the solvent casting method, and the structures and properties of the composite films were characterized. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy analysis shows that the random coil and β-sheet structure co-exist in the SF films. Results of field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) indicate that the NBG particles are uniformly dispersed in the SF films. The measurements of the water contact angles suggest that the incorporation of NBG into SF can improve the hydrophilicity of the composites. The bioactivity of the composite films was evaluated by soaking in 1.5 times simulated body fluid (1.5 × SBF), and formation of a hydroxycarbonate apatite (HCA) layer was determined by XRD and FESEM. The results show that the SF/NBG composite film is bioactive as it induces the formation of HCA on the surface of the composite film after soaking in 1.5 × SBF for 7 days. In vitro osteoblasts attachment and proliferation tests show that the composite film is a good matrix for the growth of osteoblasts. Consequently, the incorporation of NBG into the SF film can enhance both the bioactivity and biocompatibility of the film, which suggests that the SF/NBG composite film may be a potential biomaterial for bone tissue engineering.     

Fabrication and characterization of bioactive silk fibroin/wollastonite composite scaffolds

Composite scaffolds of silk fibroin (SF) with bioactive wollastonite were prepared by freeze-drying. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy analysis showed that random coil and β-sheet structure co-existed in the SF scaffold. The mechanical performance, surface hydrophilicity and water-uptake capacity of the composite scaffolds were improved compared with those of pure SF scaffold. The bioactivity of the composite scaffold was evaluated by soaking in a simulated body fluid (SBF), and formation of a hydroxycarbonate apatite (HCA) layer was determined by FT-IR and XRD. The results showed that the SF/wollastonite composite scaffold was bioactive as it induced the formation of HCA on the surface of the composite scaffold after soaking in SBF for 5 days. In vitro cell attachment and proliferation tests showed that the composite scaffold was a good matrix for the growth of L929 mouse fibroblast cells. Consequently, the incorporation of wollastonite into the SF scaffold can enhance both the mechanical strength and bioactivity of the scaffold, which suggests that the SF/wollastonite composite scaffold may be a potential biomaterial for tissue engineering.