title: Processing and characterisation of a novel electropolymerized silk fibroin hydrogel membrane.
abstract: Silk fibroin can be made into various forms of biocompatible medical materials, including hydrogel due to its excellent properties. Here, we report a novel method for the preparation of electropolymerized silk fibroin hydrogel membrane (ESFHM), which is formed on a nanoporous film as a barrier using a homemade device at a higher DC voltage. Regenerated silk fibroin solution in Tris buffer (pH 6.55-7.55) was added into a reservoir with a negative charge, and the silk molecules migrated toward the positive charge at 80VDC, resulting in the formation of the ESFHM on the barrier film. Barrier film with a MWCO of 10 kDa is favourable to the formation of the ESFHM. Semi-transparent ESFHM with a swelling ratio of 1056.4% predominantly consisted of a mixture of β-sheets and α-helix crystalline structures. SEM studies revealed that the ESFHM consisted of a 3D mesh structure woven by a chain of silk fibroin nanoparticles with a size of approximately 30 nanometres, similar to a pearl necklace. In vitro studies indicated that the ESFHM was degradable and was sufficient for cell adhesion and growth. Thus, ESFHM is a promising candidate for loading bioactive protein and appropriate cells, as artificial skin or for use in transplantation.
authors.affiliation: Silk Biotechnology Laboratory, School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University; RM702-2303, No. 199, Renai Road, Dushuhu Higher Edu. Town, Suzhou 215123; P. R. China.
authors.forename: Hai-Yan
authors.initials: HY
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: Silk Biotechnology Laboratory, School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University; RM702-2303, No. 199, Renai Road, Dushuhu Higher Edu. Town, Suzhou 215123; P. R. China.
authors.forename: Yu-Qing
authors.initials: YQ
authors.lastname: Zhang
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000138:chemical synthesis*; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D002460:Cell Line; D019245:Compressive Strength; D055664:Electrochemical Techniques; D005349:Fibroins / Q000737:chemistry*; D020100:Hydrogels / Q000138:chemical synthesis*; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008422:Materials Testing; D051379:Mice; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000648:ultrastructure; D058105:Polymerization; D016062:Porosity; D012967:Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate / Q000737:chemistry; D017550:Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; D013059:Spectrum Analysis, Raman; D013501:Surface-Active Agents / Q000737:chemistry; D013718:Tensile Strength; D014961:X-Ray Diffraction
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D020100:Hydrogels; D013501:Surface-Active Agents; D012967:Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate; D005349:Fibroins