Silk Fibroin–Based Biomaterial Scaffold in Tissue Engineering: Present Persuasive Perspective

Purpose

A significant naturally occurring fibrous protein, silk fibroin has great potential for use in tissue engineering. The technique of combining cells with scaffold materials and suitable growth factors to replace or regenerate damaged or degenerated tissue or organs is known as tissue engineering (TE). In TE, the scaffold material is the primary template for developing new tissue. This work aims to document the most recent advancements in scaffolds based on silk fibroin for tissue engineering.

Methods

This study reviews the vast array of journals from the years 1995 to 2024, emphasising techniques for creating silk fibroin and using it to heal tissue.

Results

The characteristic features of silk—biocompatibility, exceptional mechanical performance, controlled degradation, and the ability to produce materials derived from it in multiple formats—have sparked and expanded the application of this substance in regenerative medicine. SF can be used as an additive in bio-inks for 3D bioprinting that makes cell-rich structures that resemble organs and tissues using digital blueprints. Exogenous stem and progenitor cells with therapeutic potential can be encapsulated and implanted using this substance, which can also be used for the controlled release of medicines and factors.

Conclusion

Earlier studies revealed an alteration of silk fibroin by using biofunctionalisation methods and/or developing innovative composite formulations in an effort to improve the performance of silk beyond what it naturally does and move silk-based polymers closer to the therapeutic domain of tissue regeneration.

Lay Summary

Silk fibroin is an important fibrous protein that occurs naturally and has a lot of potential applications in tissue engineering. Tissue engineering (TE) is the process of replacing or regenerating damaged or degenerated tissue or organs by mixing cells with scaffold materials and appropriate growth factors. In tissue engineering, the scaffold material acts as the primary template for the synthesis of new tissue. This article aims to present a summary of the most recent advancements in scaffolds based on silk fibroin for tissue engineering. Through a survey of the many articles released between 1995 and 2024, this study focusses on techniques for creating silk fibroin and using it to promote tissue healing. Silk fibroin (SF), a naturally occurring protein with exceptional mechanical characteristics, biodegradability, bioavailability, and biocompatibility, is a substance that is commonly dissolved in water and is easily reconstituted into a range of material morphologies, including films, mats, hydrogels, and sponges, using a variety of fabrication techniques. This article describes the mechanical and physicochemical properties of SF and reviews a range of recently manufactured SF-based scaffolds. Common applications of SF-based scaffolds, which include bone, cartilage, ligament, tendon, skin, wound healing, tympanic membrane and 3D bioprinting are emphasised.

Graphical Abstract