Journal of Biotechnology & Biomaterials
Open Access

Musculoskeletal diseases; Regenerative medicine; Musculoskeletal disorders; Fibroin based biomaterials

Introduction

Silk fibroin, derived from the silkworm Bombyx mori, is a natural protein with exceptional mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. These properties make silk fibroin an attractive candidate for musculoskeletal tissue engineering, where the regeneration of complex tissues such as bone, cartilage, and tendon requires scaffolds that can mimic the native tissue microenvironment and support cellular growth and differentiation.

Description

In bone tissue engineering, silk fibroin-based scaffolds have been extensively studied for their ability to promote osteogenic differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) and facilitate bone formation [1,2]. The porous structure and mechanical properties of silk fibroin scaffolds closely resemble those of native bone tissue, providing a supportive environment for cell adhesion, proliferation, and mineralization [3,4]. Furthermore, the incorporation of bioactive molecules, such as growth factors or osteoinductive agents, into silk fibroin matrices enhances their regenerative potential, leading to improved bone healing and defect repair. Similarly, in cartilage tissue engineering, silk fibroinbased hydrogels and scaffolds have shown promise in promoting chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs and supporting the formation of cartilage-like tissues [5]. The tunable mechanical properties and biocompatibility of silk fibroin allow for the development of scaffolds that mimic the viscoelasticity and biochemical composition of native cartilage, facilitating cell attachment, matrix production, and tissue integration. Additionally, the controlled release of growth factors or chondrogenic inducers from silk fibroin matrices further enhances cartilage regeneration and repair [6,7]. Silk fibroin-based biomaterials have also been investigated for tendon and ligament tissue engineering, where the hierarchical structure and mechanical properties of silk fibroin scaffolds closely resemble those of native tendon and ligament tissues [8]. Silk fibroin matrices provide a conducive environment for tenogenic differentiation of MSCs and the organization of collagen fibers, leading to the formation of functional tendon-like tissues. Moreover, the incorporation of growth factors or tenogenic inducers into silk fibroin scaffolds enhances tendon regeneration and improves mechanical strength and functionality [9,10].

Conclusion

Overall, silk fibroin-based biomaterials hold great promise for the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases, offering customizable scaffolds with tailored properties for promoting tissue regeneration and repair. Ongoing research efforts aimed at optimizing silk fibroin scaffold design, enhancing bioactivity, and elucidating their interactions with cells and tissues are essential for translating these innovations into effective clinical therapies. With continued advancements in silk fibroin-based biomaterials, regenerative medicine holds the potential to revolutionize the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders and improve patient outcomes.

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