Silk biomaterials and methods of use thereof
First Claim
1. A composition comprising a therapeutic agent and an aqueous solution of a silk fibroin obtained from silkworm silk or spider silk comprising a biocompatible polymer, wherein the aqueous solution of silk fibroin is free of solvents other than water.
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Abstract
The present invention provides an all-aqueous process and composition for production of silk biomaterials, e.g., fibers, films, foams and mats. In the process, at least one biocompatible polymer, such as poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) (a well-documented biocompatible material), was blended with the silk protein prior to processing e.g., electrospinning. We discovered that this step avoids problems associated with conformational transitions of fibroin during solubilization and reprocessing from aqueous solution which lead to embrittled materials. Moreover, the process avoids the use of organic solvents that can pose problems when the processed biomaterials are exposed to cells in vitro or in vivo.
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Citations
19 Claims
- 1. A composition comprising a therapeutic agent and an aqueous solution of a silk fibroin obtained from silkworm silk or spider silk comprising a biocompatible polymer, wherein the aqueous solution of silk fibroin is free of solvents other than water.
- 4. A composition comprising (i) fibroin obtained from silkworm silk or spider silk, (ii) a therapeutic agent and (iii) a biocompatible polymer selected from polyethylene oxide, fibronectin, polyaspartic acid, polylysine, pectin, dextrans, and combinations of two or more thereof, wherein the composition if free of solvents other than water.
Specification