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Materials Science in Additive Manufacturing Fibrous silk in biomedicine

the degradation behavior of FS can be fine-tuned to meet skin, cartilage, tendon, ligament, vascular, and bone,
the distinct biological requirements of various tissues demonstrating substantial potential in tissue repair and
and organs. However, degradation is also influenced by healing enhancement.
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FS’s inherent physical and chemical properties, such as
molecular weight, β-sheet content, and hydrophobicity. 93 4.1. Skin tissue regeneration

Despite FS’s adjustable degradability, more in-depth The skin, the largest organ of the human body, plays
investigations are imperative to achieve a comprehensive crucial roles in protection, temperature regulation, and
comprehension of its degradation and clearance sensory perception. Skin damage, a common historical
mechanisms. Rigorous research into the in vivo and contemporary issue, can result from external factors
degradation behavior of FS under various conditions is affecting the epidermis or dermis, leading to inflammation,
necessary to propel the development of FS as a prominent pain, infection, and disruption of natural immune
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biodegradable and biocompatible material. defenses, ultimately prolonging healing processes.
Microbial infections, particularly bacterial infections,
4. Applications of FS -based biomaterials further complicate wound healing.
FS is a versatile biomaterial with excellent mechanical An effective wound dressing must (i) shield the wound,
properties, biocompatibility, and antimicrobial activity, (ii) prevent dehydration, (iii) permit gas exchange, (iv) be
making it highly suitable for various tissue regeneration biocompatible, and (v) deliver therapeutic agents to prevent
applications. As illustrated in Figure 2, FS-based materials infections and accelerate healing. Traditional cotton
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have been successfully applied in the regeneration of or linen dressings have notable limitations, including

Figure 2. Applications of fibrous silk-based biomaterials

Volume 4 Issue 2 (2025) 8 doi: 10.36922/MSAM025130020