Expanding the Boundaries of silk-sericin biomaterials in Biomedical Applications

Abstract

Silk sericin (SS) has a long history as a by-product of the textile industry. SS has emerged as a sustainable material for biomedical engineering due to its material properties including water solubility, diverse impact on biological activities including antibacterial and antioxidant properties, and the ability to promote cell adhesion and proliferation. In this review, the origin, structure, properties, extraction, and underlying functions of this protein are addressed. An overview of the growing research studies and market evolution and the challenges acting as bottlenecks for sericin is presented, providing valuable insights into forthcoming challenges. The most common fabrication matrices (hydrogels, bioinks, porous and fibrous scaffolds) along with the trendiest tissue engineering applications are covered in detail. Finally, the future trends with this protein as a multifaceted toolbox for bioengineering are explored. Overall, the present review can serve as a foundation for the creation of innovative biomaterials that hold market potential, utilizing sericin as a fundamental building block.