Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics Research Group

Papers in Scientific Journals

Silk hydrogels from non-mulberry and mulberry silkworm cocoons processed with ionic liquids

abstract

Matrices based on silk fibroin from the non-mulberry silkworm Antheraea mylitta and the mulberry silkworm Bombyx mori have demonstrated good applicability in regenerative medicine. However, the cocoons of A. mylitta are underutilized in part due to their lack of solubility in traditional organic solvents. Therefore, the present work investigates the solubilization and processing of degummed fibers obtained from the cocoons of both silkworm species into hydrogels using ionic liquids (ILs). The developed hydrogels exhibited a rubbery consistency, viscoelastic behavior and rapid degradation in the presence of protease XIV. Scanning electron and confocal microscopy images suggest that human adipose stem cells (hASCs) are able to adhere to and migrate at different levels within the hydrogel structures. Moreover, the MTS assay demonstrated the maintenance of cell metabolic activity for up to 28days, while DNA quantification showed that hASCs were able to proliferate on the seeded hydrogels. The findings indicate that complete IL removal from the fabricated hydrogels results in a positive hASCs cellular response. Thus the present approach provides a unique opportunity to broaden the processability and application of silk fibroin obtained from A. mylitta cocoons for regenerative medicine, namely cartilage regeneration.

info.journal
Acta Biomaterialia
info.volume
9
info.issue
11
info.pagination
8972-8982
info.publisher
Elsevier
info.issn
1742-7061
info.url
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1742706113003371
info.keywords
3D scaffolds, ionic liquids, Silk Fibroin
info.rights
Open Access
info.peerReviewed.label
info.peerReviewed.yes
info.status
published
sidebar.yearOfPublication
2013
sidebar.doi
10.1016/j.actbio.2013.06.044
sidebar.datePublished
2013-07-09
sidebar.googleScholarsidebar.bibTexsidebar.rtf
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