A Study on the Application of Weaver Ant Silk in Wound Healing

Silk produced by weaver ants is a naturally available non-woven fibroin-based nanofiber. Weaver ant larvae extrude proteins in the form of hollow nanofibers, which the adult ants use to build their nests. Weaver ant silk is a protein-rich substance, and protein aids in wound healing. It also has a high level of chemical resistance. Even though it has a diameter of only a few nanometres, it is also hollow in nature, making it a unique fiber of existence. Because it has the capacity for wound healing and uniform drug release, drugs can be loaded to speed up the healing process. In this research work, the weaver ant silk protein is extracted and tested for its potential in wound healing by means of wound scratch assay and drug release rate. In-vitro wound scratch assay test showed 74% wound healing in 100 µl concentration of the weaver ant protein. Drug release test showed gradual delivery of drug from weaver ant silk membrane at 1.36% in one hour to 7.89% in 12 h, proving its ability to withhold any drug and release it slowly.