SILK PROTEINS IN BIO MEDICAL APPLICATIONS- A REVIEW

Textile Technology

Silk is a natural polymer synthesized and secreted by specialized silk gland of the silk worm. Silk is evolved as an ideal biomaterial can provide functional insight into relationships between polymer science and molecular biology. Silk proteins can be recovered from the silk during the processing chain of textile manufacture.The silkworm is being used as bio-factory to produce functional protein, promoting as a valuable biomaterial resource for modern applications .The superior moisture absorbance of silk fibre constructs bio-active textiles, while insulator and tensile properties substitute automotive and building construction applications. The silk sericin and fibroin proteins are prospective wound healing agents and are anti-oxidant and bio-adhesive mediators of human body. Beside its safety numerous studies have demonstrated its outstanding characteristics as a material for biomedical applications in the last few years. Especially its mechanical toughness/resilience based on the molecular structure, its slow rate of degradation and high processability have led to the use of silk in regenerative approaches of different tissues. Sericin protein can be cross-linked, copolymerized, and blended with other macromolecular materials, especially artificial polymers, to produce materials with improved properties. The protein is also used as an improving reagent or a coating material for natural and artificial fibers, fabrics, and articles.

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