title: Chemically cross-linked silk fibroin hydrogel with enhanced elastic properties, biodegradability, and biocompatibility.
abstract: In this study, the synthesis of silk fibroin (SF) hydrogel via chemical cross-linking reactions of SF due to gamma-ray (γ-ray) irradiation was investigated, as were the resultant hydrogel's properties. Two different hydrogels were investigated: physically cross-linked SF hydrogel and chemically cross-linked SF hydrogel irradiated at different doses of γ-rays. The effects of the irradiation dose and SF concentration on the hydrogelation of SF were examined. The chemically cross-linked SF hydrogel was compared with the physically cross-linked one with regard to secondary structure and gel strength. Furthermore, the swelling behavior, crystallinity, and biodegradation of the SF hydrogels were characterized. To assay cell proliferation, the cell viability of human mesenchymal stem cells on the lyophilized SF hydrogel scaffolds was evaluated, and no significant cytotoxicity against human mesenchymal stem cells was observed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Advanced Organic Materials and Textile Engineering System, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea.
authors.forename: Min Hee
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Advanced Organic Materials and Textile Engineering System, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea.
authors.forename: Won Ho
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Park
mesh_terms: D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000494:pharmacology*; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D019245:Compressive Strength / Q000187:drug effects; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents / Q000737:chemistry*; D065546:Drug Liberation; D004548:Elasticity; D005349:Fibroins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005612:Freeze Drying; D006801:Humans; D020136:Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D059630:Mesenchymal Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D016062:Porosity
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D020136:Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate; D005349:Fibroins
keywords: biodegradation rate; cross-linking; gamma irradiation; hydrogels; silk fibroin