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<p>Biopolymeric scaffolds with the ability to retain their morphology and mechanical properties while promoting cell growth in three-dimensions (3D) similar to that of the extracellular matrix (ECM) were developed using a blend of a natural protein and a natural polysaccharide without using any crosslinking agents. Sericin, the protein used is a byproduct of silk processing and similarly, the polysaccharide chitosan is obtained from chitin which is a byproduct obtained after processing crustaceans. Both of these natural polymers are available in large quantities at affordable cost. Further, sericin is a unique water soluble and biocompatible protein which also has inherent autofluorescence. However, sericin is highly hydrophilic and hence susceptible to degradation under aqueous conditions, making it difficult to develop materials for medical applications. Attempts at blending with other polymers or chemical modifications to improve stability of sericin based biomaterials have had limited success. Chitosan is a versatile polymer commonly used in various biomaterials due to its mechanical and biological properties that are suitable for medical applications. Chitosan also contains fluorophores which provide fluorescence across a wide wave length. Utilizing these unique features of sericin and chitosan, we have developed scaffolds with stability, biocompatibility and other properties essential for tissue engineering. In this study, various proportions of sericin and chitosan were combined and converted into scaffolds. Chemical and physical interactions between sericin and chitosan led to the formation of scaffolds with high porosity, good mechanical properties (94 ± 0.3&#xa0;kPa), excellent compressibility and stability in DMEM media for over two weeks at 37&#xa0;°C. Fibroblast cells seeded on the scaffolds were able to attach, grow and proliferate, as evidenced by MTT assay and further corroborated by optical and fluorescence images where the penetration and three-dimensional growth of the cells within the scaffolds was observed. This study demonstrates that blending and lyophilization of sericin and chitosan induces self-crosslinking and results in scaffolds with properties suitable for medical applications, specifically tissue engineering.</p>

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Unique Auto Fluorescent Self Crosslinked Scaffolds from Sericin-Chitosan Blends with Excellent Stability for 3D Tissue Engineering

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年10月13日

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  • Prajwal Battampara,
  • Roopa Reddy,
  • Nidhi Lakhlani,
  • Narendra Reddy,
  • Rungnapha Yamdech,
  • Pornanong Aramwit

摘要

Biopolymeric scaffolds with the ability to retain their morphology and mechanical properties while promoting cell growth in three-dimensions (3D) similar to that of the extracellular matrix (ECM) were developed using a blend of a natural protein and a natural polysaccharide without using any crosslinking agents. Sericin, the protein used is a byproduct of silk processing and similarly, the polysaccharide chitosan is obtained from chitin which is a byproduct obtained after processing crustaceans. Both of these natural polymers are available in large quantities at affordable cost. Further, sericin is a unique water soluble and biocompatible protein which also has inherent autofluorescence. However, sericin is highly hydrophilic and hence susceptible to degradation under aqueous conditions, making it difficult to develop materials for medical applications. Attempts at blending with other polymers or chemical modifications to improve stability of sericin based biomaterials have had limited success. Chitosan is a versatile polymer commonly used in various biomaterials due to its mechanical and biological properties that are suitable for medical applications. Chitosan also contains fluorophores which provide fluorescence across a wide wave length. Utilizing these unique features of sericin and chitosan, we have developed scaffolds with stability, biocompatibility and other properties essential for tissue engineering. In this study, various proportions of sericin and chitosan were combined and converted into scaffolds. Chemical and physical interactions between sericin and chitosan led to the formation of scaffolds with high porosity, good mechanical properties (94 ± 0.3 kPa), excellent compressibility and stability in DMEM media for over two weeks at 37 °C. Fibroblast cells seeded on the scaffolds were able to attach, grow and proliferate, as evidenced by MTT assay and further corroborated by optical and fluorescence images where the penetration and three-dimensional growth of the cells within the scaffolds was observed. This study demonstrates that blending and lyophilization of sericin and chitosan induces self-crosslinking and results in scaffolds with properties suitable for medical applications, specifically tissue engineering.