Novel Approaches and Biomaterials for Bone Tissue Engineering: A Focus on Silk Fibroin

Abstract

Bone tissue engineering (BTE) represents a multidisciplinary research field involving many aspects of biology, engineering, material science, clinical medicine and genetics to create biological substitutes to promote bone regeneration. The definition of the most appropriate biomaterials and structures for BTE is still a challenge for researchers, aiming at simultaneously combining different features such as tissue generation properties, biocompatibility, porosity and mechanical strength. In this scenario, among the biomaterials for BTE, silk fibroin represents a valuable option for the development of functional devices because of its unique biological properties and the multiple chances of processing. This review article aims at providing the reader with a general overview of the most recent progresses in bone tissue engineering in terms of approaches and materials with a special focus on silk fibroin and the related mechanisms involved in bone regeneration, and presenting interesting results obtained by different research groups, which assessed the great potential of this protein for bone tissue engineering.

The study of self-regulating α-TCP based composite by micro/nano scaled silk fibroin and α-CSH on physicochemical and biological properties of bone cement

“…It showed that SFF can affect the properties of α-TCP-based bone cement to a certain extent. And SFFs can induce apatite deposition on its surfaces, 19 which may increase the maximum compressive strength of materials. And when the content of α-CSH in α-CSH/α-TCP powders was 15 wt%, the Ca/P was 1.7 in the degradation process, which is closest to the calcium-phosphorus ratio of the inorganic component HA in human bone, and the compressive strength of the composite bone cement material was the strongest.…”

“…16,17 Nano silk fibroin fiber solution (SFFs) has been also used as a curing liquid for bone cement materials 18 to induce apatite deposition and regulate the mineralization process. 19 The interface adhesion between incompatible phases is the key factor in determining the mechanical properties of inorganic-polymer hybrid composites. Cao proposed that SF when combined with hydroxyapatite (HA), could act as an interface coupling agent and provide nucleation sites for new apatite deposition to promote bone regeneration.…”

Resorbable Membranes for Guided Bone Regeneration: Critical Features, Potentials, and Limitations

“…This is because the protein molecules lose their ability to interact with each other and form a stable network, which leads to a decrease in the mechanical properties. Various strategies have been developed to overcome this brittleness, such as cross-linking, blending with other polymers, or incorporating plasticizers. , To tackle this problem, Geão et al designed a flexible SF membrane by adding glycerol (GLY) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as plasticizers. GLY is a clear, colorless, and odorless liquid that is widely added to plastics to increase their flexibility and durability, and to personal skincare products as a moisturizer .…”

The osteogenic effects of sponges synthesized with biomaterials and nano-hydroxyapatite

“…When sericin is removed, collagen-like immune response occurs in the body, which persists for six months. It starts to decompose after approximately one year, loses tensile strength after one year, and completely decomposes within two years (Paladini and Pollini 2022). Therefore, it exhibits excellent mechanical properties, controllable biodegradability, and excellent cytocompatibility.…”

“…Therefore, it exhibits excellent mechanical properties, controllable biodegradability, and excellent cytocompatibility. Thus, silk fibroin is applied in tissue engineering in the form of fibers, films, microspheres, and porous scaffolds and is widely studied as a biomaterial (Paladini and Pollini 2022). The mechanical properties of the silk scaffold are considerably weaker than those of the original bone, and silk itself cannot be used as an osteogenic material (Pankaew and White 2020).…”