A flexible and biocompatible bombyx mori silk fibroin/wool keratin composite scaffold with interconnective porous structure

The paper describes the preparation of a porous bombyx mori silk fibroin (SF)/wool keratin (WK) composite scaffold with mimic structure and function for cartilage tissue engineering. A porous composite scaffold made from SF/WK in an appropriate concentration and mass ratio was prepared using a freeze-drying technique. Results showed that the composite scaffolds are water-insoluble; possess good mechanical properties, porosity above 80%, and pore size above 200 μm. Larger pore size and better connectivity of the composite scaffold than the pure SF scaffolds were contributed by the WK addition. The heat resistance and water-swelling of WK enhanced the thermal and mechanical properties of the composite scaffolds. In vitro cytotoxicity assessments showed cells with a good growth state, confirming no toxicity to the cells. The results of in vivo biocompatibility assessments exhibited that there is almost no inflammatory response in the implantation site tissue of the rats. The development of porous SF/WK composite scaffold has the potential in cartilage tissue engineering.