Silk-based biomaterials for promoting spinal cord regeneration: A review.

The management of neurological disorders is profoundly complicated by spinal cord injury (SCI), which leads to the impairment of motor and sensory functions. A major challenge in the treatment of SCI is the formation of a dysfunctional pathological microenvironment characterized by an excessive inflammatory response, deposition of inhibitory molecules, glial scarring, and vascular dysfunction. A thorough understanding of the pathological and physiological changes following SCI is essential to elucidate the mechanisms underlying functional recovery and to develop effective therapeutic interventions.

Superb Silk Hydrogels with High Adaptability, Bioactivity, and Versatility Enabled by Photo-Cross-Linking.

The exceptional biocompatibility and adaptability of hydrogels have garnered significant interest in the biomedical field for the fabrication of biomedical devices. However, conventional synthetic hydrogels still exhibit relatively weak and fragile properties. Drawing inspiration from the photosynthesis process, we developed a facile approach to achieve a harmonious combination of superior mechanical properties and efficient preparation of silk fibroin hydrogel through photo-cross-linking technology, accomplished within 60 s.

High biocompatible bone screw enabled by a rapid and robust chitosan/silk fibroin composite material.

Hydrogel has attracted tremendous attentions due to its excellent biocompatibility and adaptability in biomedical field. However, it is challenging by the conflicts between inadequate mechanical properties and service requirements. Herein, a rapid and robust hydrogel was developed by interpenetrating networks between chitosan and silk fibroin macromolecules.

Recent progress in silk-based biosensors.

The applications of biosensors, in both medical and non-medical fields, have expanded enormously over the last few years. For conventional sensing applications, petrochemical materials, conducting polymers, metals and carbon-based materials are used. However, biosensing, especially in the medical field, places stringent material requirements of biocompatibility, biodegradability and other performance.