Bombyx mori silkworms weave a cocoon by secreting a substance from their glands at the final stage of larval development. This secretion consists of fibroin and sericin proteins. Fibroin, which forms the thread part, is a soft, white, and shiny fiber composed of two chains: a heavy chain and a light chain connected by disulfide bonds, and is a glycoprotein.
Fibroin, a protein in fiber form, stands out due to its exceptional material properties, biocompatibility, biodegradability, high durability, and ease of processing. Thanks to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and applicability, it is considered a notable bioactive material for tissue engineering applications. It is used in the production of 3D scaffolds combined with various materials (natural or synthetic polymers, drugs, nanoparticles, growth factors, bioactive molecules, etc.) that support wound healing. In addition, silk fibroin has been utilized in various in-vivo studies for applications involving the brain, soft tissue, subcutaneous tissue, and bone. The silk fibroin protein is widely applied in cell culture studies, wound dressings, drug delivery, enzyme immobilization, and scaffolds in bone/tissue engineering. Silk fibroin is a durable, lightweight, and flexible material. Due to its unique physical and chemical properties, it can be used in numerous industrial and medical applications.
APPLICATION AREAS OF SILK FIBROIN
Medical Applications:
Silk fibroin can be used as a surgical suture material. It is also employed as wound dressings and suture materials to promote wound healing. Due to its biological compatibility and ability to interact with tissues, it is often preferred in medical applications.
Cosmetic Products:
Silk fibroin can be used in skin and hair care products to provide moisturizing and rejuvenating properties. It adds softness and shine to the skin and hair.
Biotechnology:
Silk fibroin is used as a carrier and coating material in biotechnological applications. It is preferred in micro-scale systems that enhance the stability of biotechnological products.
Material Science and Engineering:
Silk fibroin is a subject of research in material science and engineering. Studies on the properties of biologically derived materials inspire new material designs and applications.
