Optimization of the silk scaffold sericin removal process for retention of silk fibroin protein structure and mechanical properties.
Biomed Mater
; 5(3): 35008, 2010 Jun.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-20460689
ABSTRACT
In the process of removing sericin (degumming) from a raw silk scaffold, the fibroin structural integrity is often challenged, leading to mechanical depreciation. This study aims to identify the factors and conditions contributing to fibroin degradation during alkaline degumming and to perform an optimization study of the parameters involved to achieve preservation of fibro in structure and properties. The methodology involves degumming knitted silk scaffolds for various durations (5-90 min) and temperatures (60-100 â¦C). Mechanical agitation and use of the refreshed solution during degumming are included to investigate how these factors contribute to degumming efficiency and fibroin preservation. Characterizations of silk fibroin morphology, mechanical properties and protein components are determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), single fiber tensile tests and gel electrophoresis (SDSPAGE),respectively. Sericin removal is ascertained via SEM imaging and a protein fractionation method involving SDSPAGE. The results show that fibroin fibrillation, leading to reduced mechanical integrity, is mainly caused by prolonged degumming duration. Through a series of optimization, knitted scaffolds are observed to be optimally degummed and experience negligible mechanical and structural degradation when subjected to alkaline degumming with mechanical agitation for 30 min at 100 â¦C.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Biocompatible Materials
/
Sericins
/
Tissue Scaffolds
/
Fibroins
Type of study:
Prognostic_studies
Language:
En
Journal:
Biomed Mater
Journal subject:
ENGENHARIA BIOMEDICA
Year:
2010
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Singapore