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Tian Z, Zhao C, Huang T, Yu L, Sun Y, Tao Y, Cao Y, Du R, Lin W, Zeng J. Silkworm Cocoon: Dual Functions as a Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Raw Material of Promising Biocompatible Carriers. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:817. [PMID: 39065668 PMCID: PMC11279987 DOI: 10.3390/ph17070817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The silkworm cocoon (SC), both as a traditional Chinese medicine and as the raw material for biocompatible carriers, has been extensively used in the medical and biomedical fields. This review elaborates on the multiple functions of SC, with an in-depth analysis of its chemical composition, biological activities, as well as its applications in modern medicine. The primary chemical components of SC include silk fibroin (SF), silk sericin (SS), and other flavonoid-like bioactive compounds demonstrating various biological effects. These include hypoglycemic, cardioprotective, hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial actions, which highlight its potential therapeutic benefits. Furthermore, the review explores the applications of silk-derived materials in drug delivery systems, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and in vitro diagnostics. It also highlights the progression of SC from laboratory research to clinical trials, emphasizing the safety and efficacy of SC-based materials across multiple medical domains. Moreover, we discuss the market products developed from silk proteins, illustrating the transition from traditional uses to contemporary medical applications. This review provides support in understanding the current research status of SC and the further development and application of its derived products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijie Tian
- School of Chemistry & Environmental Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Technology, Shanghai 201418, China;
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Reproductive Health Drug and Devices, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies (SIBPT), Shanghai 200032, China; (C.Z.); (T.H.); (L.Y.); (Y.T.); (Y.C.)
| | - Chuncao Zhao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Reproductive Health Drug and Devices, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies (SIBPT), Shanghai 200032, China; (C.Z.); (T.H.); (L.Y.); (Y.T.); (Y.C.)
| | - Ting Huang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Reproductive Health Drug and Devices, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies (SIBPT), Shanghai 200032, China; (C.Z.); (T.H.); (L.Y.); (Y.T.); (Y.C.)
| | - Lining Yu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Reproductive Health Drug and Devices, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies (SIBPT), Shanghai 200032, China; (C.Z.); (T.H.); (L.Y.); (Y.T.); (Y.C.)
| | - Yijie Sun
- Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China;
| | - Yian Tao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Reproductive Health Drug and Devices, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies (SIBPT), Shanghai 200032, China; (C.Z.); (T.H.); (L.Y.); (Y.T.); (Y.C.)
| | - Yunfeng Cao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Reproductive Health Drug and Devices, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies (SIBPT), Shanghai 200032, China; (C.Z.); (T.H.); (L.Y.); (Y.T.); (Y.C.)
| | - Ruofei Du
- Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China;
| | - Wenhui Lin
- School of Chemistry & Environmental Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Technology, Shanghai 201418, China;
| | - Jia Zeng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Reproductive Health Drug and Devices, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies (SIBPT), Shanghai 200032, China; (C.Z.); (T.H.); (L.Y.); (Y.T.); (Y.C.)
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Agostinacchio F, Fitzpatrick V, Dirè S, Kaplan DL, Motta A. Silk fibroin-based inks for in situ 3D printing using a double crosslinking process. Bioact Mater 2024; 35:122-134. [PMID: 38312518 PMCID: PMC10837071 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2024.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The shortage of tissues and organs for transplantation is an urgent clinical concern. In situ 3D printing is an advanced 3D printing technique aimed at printing the new tissue or organ directly in the patient. The ink for this process is central to the outcomes, and must meet specific requirements such as rapid gelation, shape integrity, stability over time, and adhesion to surrounding healthy tissues. Among natural materials, silk fibroin exhibits fascinating properties that have made it widely studied in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. However, further improvements in silk fibroin inks are needed to match the requirements for in situ 3D printing. In the present study, silk fibroin-based inks were developed for in situ applications by exploiting covalent crosslinking process consisting of a pre-photo-crosslinking prior to printing and in situ enzymatic crosslinking. Two different silk fibroin molecular weights were characterized and the synergistic effect of the covalent bonds with shear forces enhanced the shift in silk secondary structure toward β-sheets, thus, rapid stabilization. These hydrogels exhibited good mechanical properties, stability over time, and resistance to enzymatic degradation over 14 days, with no significant changes over time in their secondary structure and swelling behavior. Additionally, adhesion to tissues in vitro was demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Agostinacchio
- National Interuniversity Consortium of Material Science and Technology, Florence, Italy
- BIOtech Research Center and European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Vincent Fitzpatrick
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Sandra Dirè
- Materials Chemistry Group & “Klaus Müller” Magnetic Resonance Laboratory, Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - David L. Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Antonella Motta
- BIOtech Research Center and European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
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蔡 武, 李 箭, 李 棋. [Research progress on bioactive strategies for promoting tendon graft healing after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction]. ZHONGGUO XIU FU CHONG JIAN WAI KE ZA ZHI = ZHONGGUO XIUFU CHONGJIAN WAIKE ZAZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF REPARATIVE AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY 2023; 37:1292-1299. [PMID: 37848327 PMCID: PMC10581880 DOI: 10.7507/1002-1892.202306088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Objective To review the bioactive strategies that enhance tendon graft healing after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), and to provide insights for improving the therapeutic outcomes of ACLR. Methods The domestic and foreign literature related to the bioactive strategies for promoting the healing of tendon grafts after ACLR was extensively reviewed and summarized. Results At present, there are several kinds of bioactive materials related to tendon graft healing after ACLR: growth factors, cells, biodegradable implants/tissue derivatives. By constructing a complex interface simulating the matrix, environment, and regulatory factors required for the growth of native anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), the growth of transplanted tendons is regulated at different levels, thus promoting the healing of tendon grafts. Although the effectiveness of ACLR has been significantly improved in most studies, most of them are still limited to the early stage of animal experiments, and there is still a long way to go from the real clinical promotion. In addition, limited by the current preparation technology, the bionics of the interface still stays at the micron and millimeter level, and tends to be morphological bionics, and the research on the signal mechanism pathway is still insufficient. Conclusion With the further study of ACL anatomy, development, and the improvement of preparation technology, the research of bioactive strategies to promote the healing of tendon grafts after ACLR is expected to be further promoted.
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Affiliation(s)
- 武峰 蔡
- 四川大学华西医院骨科 骨科研究所(成都 610041)Department of Orthopedics, Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan Chengdu, 610041, P. R. China
| | - 箭 李
- 四川大学华西医院骨科 骨科研究所(成都 610041)Department of Orthopedics, Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan Chengdu, 610041, P. R. China
| | - 棋 李
- 四川大学华西医院骨科 骨科研究所(成都 610041)Department of Orthopedics, Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan Chengdu, 610041, P. R. China
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Mu X, Amouzandeh R, Vogts H, Luallen E, Arzani M. A brief review on the mechanisms and approaches of silk spinning-inspired biofabrication. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1252499. [PMID: 37744248 PMCID: PMC10512026 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1252499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Silk spinning, observed in spiders and insects, exhibits a remarkable biological source of inspiration for advanced polymer fabrications. Because of the systems design, silk spinning represents a holistic and circular approach to sustainable polymer fabrication, characterized by renewable resources, ambient and aqueous processing conditions, and fully recyclable "wastes." Also, silk spinning results in structures that are characterized by the combination of monolithic proteinaceous composition and mechanical strength, as well as demonstrate tunable degradation profiles and minimal immunogenicity, thus making it a viable alternative to most synthetic polymers for the development of advanced biomedical devices. However, the fundamental mechanisms of silk spinning remain incompletely understood, thus impeding the efforts to harness the advantageous properties of silk spinning. Here, we present a concise and timely review of several essential features of silk spinning, including the molecular designs of silk proteins and the solvent cues along the spinning apparatus. The solvent cues, including salt ions, pH, and water content, are suggested to direct the hierarchical assembly of silk proteins and thus play a central role in silk spinning. We also discuss several hypotheses on the roles of solvent cues to provide a relatively comprehensive analysis and to identify the current knowledge gap. We then review the state-of-the-art bioinspired fabrications with silk proteins, including fiber spinning and additive approaches/three-dimensional (3D) printing. An emphasis throughout the article is placed on the universal characteristics of silk spinning developed through millions of years of individual evolution pathways in spiders and silkworms. This review serves as a stepping stone for future research endeavors, facilitating the in vitro recapitulation of silk spinning and advancing the field of bioinspired polymer fabrication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Mu
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
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Sahoo JK, Hasturk O, Falcucci T, Kaplan DL. Silk chemistry and biomedical material designs. Nat Rev Chem 2023; 7:302-318. [PMID: 37165164 DOI: 10.1038/s41570-023-00486-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Silk fibroin has applications in different medical fields such as tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, drug delivery and medical devices. Advances in silk chemistry and biomaterial designs have yielded exciting tools for generating new silk-based materials and technologies. Selective chemistries can enhance or tune the features of silk, such as mechanics, biodegradability, processability and biological interactions, to address challenges in medically relevant materials (hydrogels, films, sponges and fibres). This Review details the design and utility of silk biomaterials for different applications, with particular focus on chemistry. This Review consists of three segments: silk protein fundamentals, silk chemistries and functionalization mechanisms. This is followed by a description of different crosslinking chemistries facilitating network formation, including the formation of composite biomaterials. Utility in the fields of tissue engineering, drug delivery, 3D printing, cell coatings, microfluidics and biosensors are highlighted. Looking to the future, we discuss silk biomaterial design strategies to continue to improve medical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Onur Hasturk
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Thomas Falcucci
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - David L Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA.
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Mu X, Gerhard-Herman MD, Zhang YS. Building Blood Vessel Chips with Enhanced Physiological Relevance. ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES 2023; 8:2201778. [PMID: 37693798 PMCID: PMC10489284 DOI: 10.1002/admt.202201778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Blood vessel chips are bioengineered microdevices, consisting of biomaterials, human cells, and microstructures, which recapitulate essential vascular structure and physiology and allow a well-controlled microenvironment and spatial-temporal readouts. Blood vessel chips afford promising opportunities to understand molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying a range of vascular diseases. The physiological relevance is key to these blood vessel chips that rely on bioinspired strategies and bioengineering approaches to translate vascular physiology into artificial units. Here, we discuss several critical aspects of vascular physiology, including morphology, material composition, mechanical properties, flow dynamics, and mass transport, which provide essential guidelines and a valuable source of bioinspiration for the rational design of blood vessel chips. We also review state-of-art blood vessel chips that exhibit important physiological features of the vessel and reveal crucial insights into the biological processes and disease pathogenesis, including rare diseases, with notable implications for drug screening and clinical trials. We envision that the advances in biomaterials, biofabrication, and stem cells improve the physiological relevance of blood vessel chips, which, along with the close collaborations between clinicians and bioengineers, enable their widespread utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Mu
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Roy J. Carver Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Marie Denise Gerhard-Herman
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Yu Shrike Zhang
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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Guo J, Xu C, Yang B, Li H, Wu G. The Size Effect of Silver Nanoparticles on Reinforcing the Mechanical Properties of Regenerated Fibers. Molecules 2023; 28:1750. [PMID: 36838738 PMCID: PMC9965295 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28041750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Regenerated silk fibroin (RSF), made from discarded silk cocoons, can be processed into regenerated silk fibers by a simple, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly wet-spinning process. However, the breaking strength and toughness of most RSF fibers are lower than those of natural silk. In this study, Ag nanoparticles (NPs) of different sizes were introduced into RSF to form RSF/AgNPs hybrid fibers by wet spinning. The effects of AgNPs of different sizes on the mechanical properties and structure of the hybrid fibers were investigated. The results demonstrated that the mechanical properties of hybrid fibers were significantly improved, especially the breaking strain, after the addition of four different sizes of AgNPs. With the reduction in AgNPs size (2-60 nm), the breaking strength and breaking strain of hybrid fibers tended to increase. The results showed that the hybrid fibers containing 2 nm AgNPs were remarkable, with excellent mechanical properties and toughness, and the breaking strain reached 138.27%, which was far greater than blank RSF fibers (15.02%) and even natural silk (about 21%). The S-FTIR and WAXD showed that, compared with the larger AgNPs, the smaller AgNPs contributed more to the formation of silk fibroin β-sheet and crystallinity, and reduced the β-crystallite size. This study is helpful to understand the relationship between the size of nanoparticles and the mechanical properties of hybrid fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianjun Guo
- College of Agriculture, Anshun University, Anshun 561000, China
- College of Biotechnology and Sericultural Research Institute, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China
| | - Chen Xu
- College of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Pollutant Sensitive Materials and Environmental Remediation, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei 235000, China
| | - Hang Li
- College of Biotechnology and Sericultural Research Institute, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China
| | - Guohua Wu
- College of Biotechnology and Sericultural Research Institute, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China
- College of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China
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