Applications of silk-based biomaterials in biomedicine and biotechnology

Abstract

Silk-based biomaterials have gained significant importance making them a promising choice for the future of medical technology due to their versatility and biocompatibility. They can be fabricated and tailored through various processing methods such as electrospinning, freeze-drying, and 3D printing, to achieve specific properties and structures namely sponges, hydrogels, films, and scaffolds that can be utilized for different biomedical applications. Biocompatibility, a unique property of silk-based biomaterials, has been demonstrated through both in vivo and in vitro studies and to date many studies have reported the successful use of these silk-based biomaterials in different fields of medicine. In this review, we have elaborately discussed different types of silk, their structural composition, and biophysical properties. Also, the current review focuses on highlighting various biomedical applications of engineered and fabricated silk-based biomaterials which aid in the treatment of certain infections and diseases related to skin, eyes, teeth, bone, heart, nerves, and liver. Furthermore, we have consolidated the advancements of silk-based biomaterials in the different fields of biotechnology such as sensors, food coating and packaging, textiles, drug delivery, and cosmetics. However, the research in this field continues to expand and more significant observations must be generated with feasible results for their reliable use in different biomedical applications.