Silk-Based 3D Porous Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering

Abstract

Silk fibroin, extracted from the silk of the Bombyx mori silkworm, stands out as a biomaterial due to its nontoxic nature, excellent biocompatibility, and adjustable biodegradability. Porous scaffolds, a type of biomaterial, are crucial for creating an optimal microenvironment that supports cell adhesion and proliferation, thereby playing an essential role in tissue remodeling and repair. Therefore, this review focuses on 3D porous silk fibroin-based scaffolds, first summarizing their preparation methods and then detailing their regenerative effects on bone, cartilage, tendon, vascular, neural, skin, hepatic, and tracheal epithelial tissue engineering in recent years.

A greener prescription: the power of natural organic materials in healthcare

“…In ligament and tendon repair, silk supports cell attachment and proliferation, promoting better healing and integration with native tissues than synthetic materials like polyethylene terephthalate. 8,21,23 However, the scalability of silk production and its standardization for medical use still require further research and development. 22 To add on, natural rubber latex (NRL) has shown multiple applications in enhancing tissue repair in critical bone defects and chronic wounds, as well as enabling a sustained and controlled local drug release.…”

“…In ligament and tendon repair, silk supports cell attachment and proliferation, promoting better healing and integration with native tissues than synthetic materials like polyethylene terephthalate. 8,21,23 However, the scalability of silk production and its standardization for medical use still require further research and development. 22…”