Silk Fibroin-Based Biomaterials for Biomedical Applications: A Review

Since it was first discovered, thousands of years ago, silkworm silk has been known to be an abundant biopolymer with a vast range of attractive properties. The utilization of silk fibroin (SF), the main protein of silkworm silk, has not been limited to the textile industry but has been further extended to various high-tech application areas, including biomaterials for drug delivery systems and tissue engineering. The outstanding mechanical properties of SF, including its facile processability, superior biocompatibility, controllable biodegradation, and versatile functionalization have allowed its use for innovative applications. In this review, we describe the structure, composition, general properties, and…

• NR
  National Research Foundation

  Award: 2018M3A9H1023141
• KU
  Korea University
• NR
  National Research Foundation of Korea

  Awards: 2018R1A4A1022647, 2018M3A9H1023141
• BR
  Basic Research Laboratory

  Award: 2018R1A4A1022647