https://web.iitd.ac.in/~sghosh08/publications/actabio2015.pdf

Silk fibroin as biomaterial for bone tissue engineering

Silk proteins are of great interest to the scientific community owing to their unique mechanical properties and interesting biological functionality. In addition, the silk proteins are not burned out following heating, rather they are transformed into a carbonaceous solid, pyroprotein; several studies have identified potential carbon precursors for state-of-the-art technologies. However, no mechanism for the carbonization of proteins has yet been reported. Here we examine the structural and chemical changes of silk proteins systematically at temperatures above the onset of thermal degradation. We find that the β-sheet structure is transformed into an sp(2)-hybridized carbon hexagonal structure by simple heating to 350 °C. The pseudographitic crystalline layers grew to form highly ordered graphitic structures following further heating to 2,800 °C. Our results provide a mechanism for the thermal transition of the protein and demonstrate a potential strategy for designing pyroproteins using a clean system with a catalyst-free aqueous wet process for in vivo applications.

/pdf/carbonization-of-a-stable-b-sheet-rich-silk-protein-into-a-3fr4y2oovd.pdf

Carbonization of a stable β-sheet-rich silk protein into a pseudographitic pyroprotein

A comprehensive review of cryogels and their roles in tissue engineering applications.

There exists a technological need for advanced materials with improved properties for emerging biomedical applications. Recent developments in macroporous materials have demonstrated their applicability as indispensable tools in biomedical research. Cryogels, which are materials with a macroporous 3D structure, are produced as a result of controlled freezing during polymerization with a highly interconnected polymer network. Cryogels’ interest lies in their ability to address some of the limitations of their hydrogel analogues. In this review, hydrogel and cryogel basic concepts are discussed as a short primer for readers unfamiliar with the cryogels literature. Next, a general overview of the methods for synthesis and characterization of cryogels is provided, highlighting key concepts relevant to cryogels and explaining their unique properties. Finally an in‐depth overview of specific technologies and fields where cryogels have been applied is given. It is argued that the latest advances in cryogel technologies are able to address challenges in bioseparation, tissue engineering, and other emerging bioengineering disciplines.

Latest Advances in Cryogel Technology for Biomedical Applications

Low density macroporous sponges with densities less than 100 mg cm-3 are a challenge and an opportunity in advanced chemistry and material science. The challenge lies in the precise preparation of the sponges with property combinations that lead to novel applications. Bottom-up and top-down chemi-cal and engineering methods for preparation are a major focus of this review, with an emphasis on carbon and polymer materi-als. Light weight, sustainability, breathability, special wetting characteristics, large mass transfer, mechanical stability, and large pore volume are typical characteristics of sponges made of advanced materials and could lead to novel applications. Some selected sponge properties and potential applications are discussed.

Low-Density Open Cellular Sponges as Functional Materials.

https://web.itu.edu.tr/okayo/pdf/13biomacromolecules_silkcryogels.pdf

Macroporous Silk Fibroin Cryogels

https://web.itu.edu.tr/okayo/pdf/12macro_silk.pdf

Fatih Ak

Papers

Macroporous Silk Fibroin Cryogels

Diepoxide-triggered conformational transition of silk fibroin: formation of hydrogels.