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Materials with structural coloration capable of multimode color manipulation are gaining growing significance for advanced encryption and high‐security anti‐counterfeiting applications. Among the most promising candidates are naturally derived biomaterials, owing to their renewable, biocompatible, and biodegradable features for developing sustainable, bio‐interfaced photonic platforms. Nevertheless, structural color encryption strategies developed from biological materials usually exhibit limited optical operation modes, lowering their encryption capability and security level. Here, an all‐biomass‐based photonic crystal platform is reported that hierarchically integrates chiral nematic and inverse opal structures through a combination of colloidal assembly, silk protein self‐assembly, and chiral self‐assembly of cellulose nanocrystals, enabling multiplex structural color manipulation in 2D and 3D spaces. The platform's Janus‐style integration brings specular and diffuse reflection, direction‐dependent reflection, circular dichroism, and birefringence into a single form, thereby facilitating multimode structural color tuning in a 2D plane by altering the illumination‐viewing modes. The inherent shape plasticity of silk proteins allows the subsequent creation of 3D photonic platforms with diverse configurations, offering additional spatial flexibility for color encoding. It is demonstrated that this all‐biomass‐based photonic framework exhibits versatile, multilevel, and high‐capacity encryption capability in 2D and 3D spaces, representing an innovative solution to bolster security measures against counterfeiting for future technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sericin-derived oligopeptides (SDOs) from yellow silk cocoons exhibit antihypertensive and hypoglycemic properties in both in vitro and in vivo studies. This study investigated the acute toxicity of SDOs as a novel food for human consumption using female ICR mice and Wistar rats, as well as the chronic toxicity test on both sexes of Wistar rats. Clinical chemistry, hematology, and histopathological studies revealed that SDOs were safe for a single dose of 2000 mg   k g − 1 body weight (BW) and daily oral administration of 50, 100, and 200 mg   k g − 1 BW for six months. The chronic toxicity study additionally measured the rats' systolic blood pressure (SBP) and blood sugar monthly as they slowly aged. In the 2nd month for male rats and the 4th month for both sexes, SDOs had a significant hypotensive effect on Wistar rats' blood pressure, lowering it from 130 mmHg to a plateau at 110–115 mmHg. In contrast, the blood pressure of the control rats exceeded 140 mmHg after five months. Nonetheless, the hypoglycemic effect was not observed. Measurements of SBP and blood glucose in aged rats during chronic toxicity tests yielded insights beyond ordinary toxicity, including the health and fitness of the lab rats, perhaps resulting in novel discoveries or areas of study that justify the sacrifice of the animals' lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xingxiang Ji,1,* Yanyan Li,2,* Jingsheng Wang,3,* Gang Wang,3,* Bin Ma,4 Jingfei Shi,5 Chao Cui,6,7 Ruiming Wang1 1State Key Laboratory of Biobased Material and Green Papermaking, Qilu University of Technology, Shandong Academy of Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, 250353, People’s Republic of China; 2Key Laboratory of Maternal & Fetal Medicine of National Health Commission of China, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, 250014, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Taian, Shandong, 271000, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Taian City Taishan District People’s Hospital, Taian, Shandong, 271000, People’s Republic of China; 5Department of Clinical and Basic Medicine, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250000, People’s Republic of China; 6Scientific Research Department, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University Dezhou Hospital, Dezhou, Shandong, 253000, People’s Republic of China; 7Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Taian City Central Hospital of Qingdao University, Taian, Shandong, 271000, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Chao Cui, Scientific Research Department, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University Dezhou Hospital, Dezhou, Shandong, 253000, People’s Republic of China, Email hbkjcuichao@126.com Ruiming Wang, State Key Laboratory of Biobased Material and Green Papermaking, Qilu University of Technology, Shandong Academy of Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, 250353, People’s Republic of China, Email ruiming3k@163.comAbstract: Silk protein, as a natural polymer material with unique structures and properties, exhibits tremendous potential in the biomedical field. Given the limited production and restricted properties of natural silk proteins, molecular biotechnology has been extensively applied in silk protein genetic engineering to produce novel silk proteins with specific properties. This review outlines the roles of major model organisms, such as silkworms and spiders, in silk protein production, and provides a detailed introduction to the applications of gene editing technologies (eg, CRISPR-Cas9), transgenic expression technologies, and synthetic biology techniques in silk protein genetic engineering. By analyzing the genetic factors influencing silk protein expression, this review further elaborates on the innovative applications of silk proteins in drug delivery systems, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (eg, skin, bone, cartilage, and vascular repair), as well as antibacterial immune strategies. Notably, modified silk proteins expressed by transgenic silkworms demonstrate significant advantages in enhancing drug bioavailability and promoting cell proliferation and differentiation. In conclusion, silk protein gene engineering, through continuous innovations in molecular biotechnology, has provided an effective pathway for the production of high-performance silk protein materials. The extensive applications of these modified silk proteins in the biomedical field have not only expanded the functionality of silk proteins but also offered new approaches to address medical challenges. In the future, the development of silk protein gene engineering will further rely on interdisciplinary integration to promote in-depth research and the expansion of industrial applications of silk proteins.Keywords: silk protein, genetic engineering, molecular biotechnology, performance optimization, biomedical applications, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine

With exceptional photochromic and photoluminescent properties, spiropyrans have demonstrated significant potential for advanced information encryption and anti‐counterfeiting applications. However, its inherent water insolubility leads to incompatibility with aqueous polymers, and even more, its ease of leaching from the matrix hinders the formation of stable stimuli‐responsive platforms through direct blending with all polymers. Here, the fabrication of amphiphilic spiropyran‐octapeptide molecules is reported that can spontaneously self‐assemble into highly water‐dispersible supramolecular nanofibers in water. These assemblies exhibit universal polymer matrix compatibility while retaining the rapid photo‐responsiveness of spiropyrans. The formation of strong interactions between the supramolecular assembly and polymer chains ensures the long‐term stability of the resultant stimuli‐responsive materials in aqueous environments. These platforms fully preserve the base polymers’ processing properties, with silk fibroin as the matrix offering exceptional opportunities for constructing photo‐responsive platforms in various forms (e.g., films, gels, fibers, and coatings) with multiple functionalities using diverse solution processing techniques. Integrating distinct photochromic and photoluminescent responses within a single format without interference, combined with environmental stability and processing flexibility, enables the creation of dual‐mode, high‐security encryption devices for diverse application scenarios. The outlined strategy provides innovative concepts for developing high‐performance, versatile intelligent systems utilizing stimulus‐responsive molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spider silk is a natural protein-based biomaterial, which is secreted through spiders' silk glands, and a type of bioelastic fiber, and is one of the best materials produced in nature. Spider silk fibers, which are biologically compatible and biodegradable, are very light and very thin. Besides having high elasticity, these fibers have high mechanical and specific strength, as well. Such properties of spider silk offer an ideal alternative for many products that require high performance. In addition to obtaining spider silk fiber from spiders by natural means, recombinant DNA technology is also used for the same purpose in a chemical manner. Fiber formation is observed after the DNA required to produce the main protein that forms the spider silk is taken, and then placed in bacteria-yeast, plants, insects or mammals. Industrially, the development of fibers with spider silk's characteristics offers a promising potential in the field of high-performance fibers. As a result of the studies to date, many studies within the scope of biomimetics science have found applications in textile sector. Spider fibers, which are one of the special fibers that present potential in many areas of the textile industry, are investigated in this study, as well. Here, spiders, obtaining fiber from spiders, properties of spider silk fibers, and the spider silk fibers' areas of use are included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioartificial livers have showcased significant value in the treatment of acute liver failure (ALF). Current efforts are directed toward overcoming challenges in the development of microcarriers, with a specific emphasis on integrating higher‐density liver cells to enhance detoxification capabilities. Here, inspired by the radial filtration model in hepatic lobules, ion‐specific silk fibroin microcarriers are proposed with biomimetic niches for cultivating functional liver cells at high density. These biomimetic microcarriers are generated by capillary microfluidic device with controllable adjustments of ion type or concentration within the aqueous phase. When cultivating human induced pluripotent stem cell ‐differentiated mature liver cells on these recrystallized microcarriers, notably enhanced cell proliferation activity, as well as increased metabolic and secretory functionality is observed. Based on these features, the microcarrier‐integrated bioreactor can effectively reduce hepatic transaminase levels and significantly improve urea, albumin production, and survival rate in rabbit ALF models is demonstrated. Thus, it is believed that the biomimetic microcarriers and their derived bioreactor may hold potential for clinical applications in managing ALF and other liver diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrophysiological interface is essential for understanding electrical activities within biological organisms and human‐machine interaction. However, traditional preformed bioelectrodes show insufficient interface contact with hairy and irregular skin, causing signal attenuation and distortion. Here, an on‐skin‐formed silk protein bioelectrode is reported with a conformable and robust interface, achieving a high signal‐to‐noise ratio for electromyographic signals, showing up to a 38.9% increase compared to traditional ones. The fluid‐gel transition of silk protein is induced by a gelling agent composed of ethanol and sodium alginate, leading to a conformable and seamless interface with hairy and irregular human skin, thus resulting in a high signal‐to‐noise ratio. The developed bioelectrode can record electrophysiological signals stably, even underwater. Additionally, human‐machine interaction using electromyographic signals is designed to precisely control the model car's motion trajectory. This work presents an effective method for developing a seamless and conformable electrophysiological interface in bioelectronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Creating photonic crystals that can integrate and switch between multiple structural color images will greatly advance their utility in dynamic information transformation, high‐capacity storage, and advanced encryption, but has proven to be highly challenging. Here, it is reported that by programmably integrating newly developed 1D quasi‐periodic folding structures into a 3D photonic crystal, the generated photonic superstructure exhibits distinctive optical effects that combine independently manipulatable specular and anisotropic diffuse reflections within a versatile protein‐based platform, thus creating different optical channels for structural color imaging. The polymorphic transition of the protein format allows for the facile modulation of both folding patterns and photonic lattices and, therefore, the superstructure's spectral response within each channel. The capacity to manipulate the structural assembly of the superstructure enables the programmable encoding of multiple independent patterns into a single system, which can be decoded by the simple adjustment of lighting directions. The multifunctional utility of the photonic platform is demonstrated in information processing, showcasing its ability to achieve multimode transformation of information codes, multi‐code high‐capacity storage, and high‐level numerical information encryption. The present strategy opens new pathways for achieving multichannel transformable imaging, thereby facilitating the development of emerging information conversion, storage, and encryption media using photonic crystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functional foods, introduced in the early 1980s, offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition and are increasingly demanded due to growing consumer awareness of diet-health relationships. This review explores insect-based functional foods, highlighting their nutritional benefits, health implications, and applications. Edible insects, such as crickets, mealworms, and locusts, are rich in protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, making them a promising solution for food security and sustainability. Insect-based foods contribute to weight management, cardiovascular health, anti-inflammatory properties, gut health, and potential anti-cancer benefits. Despite most insects being low in calcium and potassium, they are high in phosphorus and, to a lesser extent, magnesium. Active components like royal jelly, bee pollen, and extracts from Tenebrio molitor and Periplaneta americana L. have shown potential in osteoporosis prevention by improving bone density and reducing bone resorption. Silk sericin-based functional foods also exhibit preventive and therapeutic effects against bone loss. However, challenges such as regulatory barriers, food safety concerns, consumer acceptance, potential allergenicity, and the need for standardization and quality control must be addressed. This review underscores the potential of insect-based functional foods in enhancing health and well-being, particularly for osteoporosis prevention, and highlights the need for further research and regulatory harmonization to facilitate their adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyurethane/silk protein–bismuth halide oxide composite films were fabricated using a blending-wet phase transformationin situsynthesis method. The crystal structure, micromorphology, and optical properties were conducted using XRD, SEM, and UV-Vis DRS characterize techniques. The results indicated that loaded silk protein enhanced the hydrophilicity and pore structure of the polyurethane composite films. The active species BiOX were observed to grow as nanosheets with high dispersion on the internal skeleton and silk protein surface of the polyurethane–silk protein film. The photocatalytic efficiency of BiOX/PU-SF composite films was assessed through the degradation of Rhodamine B under visible light irradiation. Among the tested films, the BiOBr/PU-SF composite exhibited the highest removal rate of RhB at 98.9%, surpassing the removal rates of 93.7% for the BiOCl/PU-SF composite and 85.6% for the BiOI/PU-SF composite. Furthermore, an active species capture test indicated that superoxide radical (•O2−) and hole (h+) species played a predominant role in the photodegradation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The improper and inadequate treatment of industrial, agricultural, and household wastewater exerts substantial pressure on the existing ecosystem and poses a serious threat to the health of both humans and animals. To address these issues, different types of materials have been employed to eradicate detrimental pollutants from wastewater and facilitate the reuse of water resources. Nevertheless, owing to the challenges associated with the degradation of these traditional materials post‐use and their incompatibility with the environment, natural biopolymers have garnered considerable interest. Silk protein, as a biomacromolecule, exhibits advantageous characteristics including environmental friendliness, low carbon emissions, biodegradability, sustainability, and biocompatibility. Considering recent research findings, this comprehensive review outlines the structure and properties of silk proteins and offers a detailed overview of the manufacturing techniques employed in the production of silk‐based materials (SBMs) spanning different forms. Furthermore, it conducts an in‐depth analysis of the state‐of‐the‐art SBMs for water treatment purposes, encompassing adsorption, catalysis, water disinfection, desalination, and biosensing. The review highlights the potential of SBMs in addressing the challenges of wastewater treatment and provides valuable insights into prospective avenues for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sericin-derived oligopeptides (SDOs) from yellow silk cocoons exhibit antihypertensive and hypoglycemic properties in both in vitro and in vivo studies. This study investigated the acute toxicity of SDOs as a novel food for human consumption using female ICR mice and Wistar rats, as well as the chronic toxicity test on both sexes of Wistar rats. Clinical chemistry, hematology, and histopathological studies revealed that SDOs were safe for a single dose of 2000 mg kg−1 body weight (BW) and daily oral administration of 50, 100, and 200 mg kg−1 BW for six months. The chronic toxicity study additionally measured the rats’ systolic blood pressure (SBP) and blood sugar monthly as they slowly aged. In the 2nd month for male rats and the 4th month for both sexes, SDOs had a significant hypotensive effect on Wistar rats’ blood pressure, lowering it from 130 mmHg to a plateau at 110–115 mmHg. In contrast, the blood pressure of the control rats exceeded 140 mmHg after five months. Nonetheless, the hypoglycemic effect was not observed. Measurements of SBP and blood glucose in aged rats during chronic toxicity tests yielded insights beyond ordinary toxicity, including the health and fitness of the lab rats, perhaps resulting in novel discoveries or areas of study that justify the sacrifice of the animals’ lives.

Critical-sized bone defects, commonly encountered in clinical orthopedic surgery, present a significant challenge. One of the promising solutions is to prepare synthetic bone substitute materials with precise structural control, mechanical compatibility, and enhanced osteogenic induction performance, nevertheless the successful preparation of such materials remains difficult. In this study, a two-step technique, integrating an extrusion-based printing process with biomimetic mineralization induced by alkaline phosphatase (ALP), was developed. Initially, a pre-cured hydrogel of regenerated silk fibroin (RSF) with a small quantity of hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) and ALP was prepared through heating the mixed aqueous solution. This pre-cured hydrogel demonstrated thixotropic property and could be directly extruded into predetermined structures through a 3D-printer. Subsequently, the 3D-printed RSF-based materials with ALP underwent biomimetic in situ mineralization in calcium glycerophosphate (Ca-GP) mineralizing solution, utilizing the polymer chains of RSF as templates and ALP as a trigger for cleaving phosphate bonds of Ca-GP. The resulting 3D-printed RSF-mineral composites including hydrogel and sponge possessed adjustable compression modulus of megapascal grade and variable hydroxyapatite content, which could be controlled by manipulating the duration of the mineralization process. Moreover, these 3D-printed RSF-mineral composites demonstrated non-cytotoxicity towards rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. Therefore, they may hold great potential for applications involving the replacement of tissues characterized by osteoinductivity and intricate structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The management of diabetic wounds remains a critical therapeutic challenge. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) gel, PRP-derived exosomes (PRP-Exos), and mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MSC-Exos) have demonstrated therapeutic potential in wound treatment. Unfortunately, their poor mechanical properties, the short half-lives of growth factors (GFs), and the burst release of GFs and exosomes have limited their clinical applications. Furthermore, proteases in diabetic wounds degrade GFs, which hampers wound repair. Silk fibroin is an enzyme-immobilization biomaterial that could protect GFs from proteases. Herein, we developed novel dual-crosslinked hydrogels based on silk protein (SP) (sericin and fibroin), including SP@PRP, SP@MSC-Exos, and SP@PRP-Exos, to promote diabetic wound healing synergistically. SP@PRP was prepared from PRP and SP using calcium gluconate/thrombin as agonist, while SP@PRP-Exos and SP@MSC-Exos were derived from exosomes and SP with genipin as crosslinker. SP provided improved mechanical properties and enabled the sustained release of GFs and exosomes, thereby overcoming the limitations of PRP and exosomes in wound healing. The dual-crosslinked hydrogels displayed shear-induced thinning, self-healing, and eradication of microbial biofilms in a bone-mimicking environment. In vivo, the dual-crosslinked hydrogels contributed to faster diabetic wound healing than PRP and SP by upregulating GFs expression, down-regulating matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression, and by promoting an anti-NETotic effect, angiogenesis, and re-epithelialization. Hence, these dual-crosslinked hydrogels have the potential to be translated into a new generation of diabetic wound dressings.

For over five millennia, humans have benefited from the valuable byproducts of Bombyx mori silkworms nourished on mulberry leaves and a multitude of potential applications remains available due to the diverse array of silkworm varieties. In this work, we discuss the utilization of Daehwangjam (DHJ), golden silk (GS), and Juhwangjam (JHJ), distinctive colored silks found in Korea, as chemosensors. These novel silks emit fluorescence under external stimuli and show a diminishing fluorescence intensity when exposed to HCl vapor. The considerable surface-to-volume ratio of these cocoons allows for the identification of 5 ppm, 300 ppm, and 3000 ppm HCl vapors through decreased fluorescence intensity. The results show the suitability of natural DHJ, GS, and JHJ for applications in biosensing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The regulation of insect growth and development is intricately governed by the levels of juvenile hormone and 20-hydroxyecdysone. Juvenile hormone esterase is a key catabolic enzyme of juvenile hormone that is involved in the growth, development, and metamorphosis of insects. In this study, we identified the juvenile hormone esterase genes Bmjhe1–9 in silkworm and found that Bmjhe6 was specifically expressed in the silk gland. In order to explore the function of Bmjhe6, the expression of Bmjhe6 was down-regulated in an RNA interference experiment. The results showed that the development of the silk gland was changed as well as the juvenile hormone pathway genes. Interestingly, Bmjhe6 was secreted into the silk gland lumen and cocoon silk, which may have new functions. This study provides some theoretical basis for the regulation of tissue growth and development as well as silk protein synthesis by juvenile hormone esterase, and servers as a reference for the study of juvenile hormone esterase in other insects. Juvenile hormone esterase (JHE) is the specific enzyme that degrades juvenile hormone (JH) and regulates the JH titer in insects. JH also regulates the development of the silk gland and the synthesis and secretion of silk proteins in Bombyx mori. Here, we identified nine possible JHE family members, Bmjhe1–9. Notably, Bmjhe6 is specifically expressed in the silk gland. Using semi-quantitative, quantitative real-time RT-PCR and Western blot, it was confirmed that Bmjhe6 was specifically expressed in the middle silk gland (MSG) with high levels in the anterior region of the MSG (A-MSG). The immunofluorescence localization analysis revealed that Bmjhe6 is produced within cells, secreted into the gland lumen, and co-transported with silk proteins into the anterior silk gland (ASG). In vitro hormone induction experiments demonstrated that Bmjhe6 responds to a JH analog, increasing its expression after 12–24 h, whereas 20-hydroxyecdysone inhibited it. In addition, Bmjhe6 knockdown using dsBmjhe6 injections accelerated larval development, resulting in increased larval body and silk gland weight. This induced disordered sericin genes (Ser2, Ser3) expression, and key genes in the JH synthesis pathway (BmKr-h1 and BmMet1) were significantly upregulated along with the transcription factors (SGF-1 and Sage). These results indicate that Bmjhe6 plays an important role in silk gland growth and silk protein synthesis by modulating JH signal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silk secreted by Bombyx mori L. silkworm has become one of the most important biomaterials, due to its excellent biocompatibility, controllable biodegradability, superior processability, and unique mechanical properties. Silk fibroin and sericin, as the two components of silk, contain abundant polar functional groups, and thus can bind metal ions through electrostatic interaction and chelation. Based on this binding, silk proteins not only can be used to fabricate ecofriendly and efficient adsorbents to remove heavy metals from waterbodies, but also can synthesize metal nanostructures (nanoparticles or nanoclusters) to form silk/metal composites with amazing optical or electrochemical characteristics. This binding also can be manipulated to optimize silk's performance. This review focuses on discussing and summarizing advances in the use of silk fibroin and sericin for heavy metal ion-contaminated water remediation, biosensing materials, and electrochemical materials from the perspective of the interaction between silk proteins and metal ions. The performance enhancement of silk using metal ions is also analyzed. Moreover, the silk proteins' interactions with metal ions and related structural features that contribute to the above sustainable applications are illustrated to lay a theoretical foundation. This review will favor the expansion of the applications of silk in both the traditional textile field and new biomaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasingly pervasive problem of counterfeiting affects both individuals and industry. In particular, public health and medical fields face threats to device authenticity and patient privacy, especially in the post-pandemic era. Physical unclonable functions (PUFs) present a modern solution using counterfeit-proof security labels to securely authenticate and identify physical objects. PUFs harness innately entropic information generators to create a unique fingerprint for an authentication protocol. This paper proposes a facile protein self-assembly process as an entropy generator for a unique biological PUF. The posited image digitization process applies a deep learning model to extract a feature vector from the self-assembly image. This is then binarized and debiased to produce a cryptographic key. The NIST SP 800-22 Statistical Test Suite was used to evaluate the randomness of the generated keys, which proved sufficiently stochastic. To facilitate deployment on physical objects, the PUF images were printed on flexible silk-fibroin-based biodegradable labels using functional protein bioinks. Images from the labels were captured using a cellphone camera and referenced against the source image for error rate comparison. The deep-learning-based biological PUF has potential as a low-cost, scalable, highly randomized strategy for anti-counterfeiting technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficient production of silkworm silk is crucial to the silk industry. Silk protein synthesis is regulated by the juvenile hormone (JH) and 20-Hydroxyecdysone (20E). Therefore, the genetic regulation of silk production is a priority. JH binding protein (JHBP) transports JH from the hemolymph to target organs and cells and protects it. In a previous study, we identified 41 genes containing a JHBP domain in the Bombyx mori genome. Only one JHBP gene, BmJHBPd2, is highly expressed in the posterior silk gland (PSG), and its function remains unknown. In the present study, we investigated the expression levels of BmJHBPd2 and the major silk protein genes in the high-silk-producing practical strain 872 (S872) and the low-silk-producing local strain Dazao. We found that BmJHBPd2 was more highly expressed in S872 than in the Dazao strain, which is consistent with the expression pattern of fibroin genes. A subcellular localization assay indicated that BmJHBPd2 is located in the cytoplasm. In vitro hormone induction experiments showed that BmJHBPd2 was upregulated by juvenile hormone analogue (JHA) treatment. BmKr-h1 upregulation was significantly inhibited by the overexpression of BmJHBPd2 (BmJHBPd2OE) at the cell level when induced by JHA. However, overexpression of BmJHBPd2 in the PSG by transgenic methods led to the inhibition of silk fibroin gene expression, resulting in a reduction in silk yield. Further investigation showed that in the transgenic BmJHBPd2OE silkworm, the key transcription factor of the JH signaling pathway, Krüppel homolog 1 (Kr-h1), was inhibited, and 20E signaling pathway genes, such as broad complex (Brc), E74A, and ultraspiracle protein (USP), were upregulated. Our results indicate that BmJHBPd2 plays an important role in the JH signaling pathway and is important for silk protein synthesis. Furthermore, our findings help to elucidate the mechanisms by which JH regulates silk protein synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Riboflavin sodium phosphate has been confirmed as a promising biomass product derived from natural plants. In this paper, a novel method of dyeing and multifunctional modification of silk fabric by impregnation with riboflavin sodium phosphate was proposed, such that protein silk fabric can be endowed with bright yellow color and multi-functionality. The results of this paper confirmed that the pH and concentration of riboflavin sodium phosphate solution are critical factors for dyeing and multifunctional modification. Attractively, the photochromic performance was one of the most distinctive features of the modified silk fabric, and the dyed silk fabric turned into fluorescent green from original yellow under 365 nm ultraviolet lamp. Furthermore, the modified silk fabric exhibited good antibacterial properties with a high inhibition rate of 92% for Escherichia coli. Besides, the flame retardancy of silk fabric was significantly improved after modification. The damaged length of modified silk fabric with 40% owf riboflavin sodium phosphate was lower than 10.4 cm and passed the B1 classification. As revealed by the result of this paper, riboflavin sodium phosphate is sufficiently effective in serving as an ecofriendly multifunctional agent for strengthening the add-value of silk textiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gitishree Das,1 Sujin Seo,2 In-Jun Yang,3 Ly Thi Huong Nguyen,3 Han-Seung Shin,2 Jayanta Kumar Patra1 1Research Institute of Integrative Life Sciences, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyangsi, Republic of Korea; 2Department of Food Science & Biotechnology, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyangsi, Republic of Korea; 3Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, Gyeongju, Republic of KoreaCorrespondence: Jayanta Kumar Patra, Research Institute of Integrative Life Sciences, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyangsi, 10326, Republic of Korea, Tel +82-31-961-5625, Email jkpatra@dongguk.eduIntroduction: A number of biological wastes and factory waste materials have been tested recently for the eco-friendly biosynthesis of nanoparticles. Sericin protein (SSP) is usually removed from the silk cocoon during the degumming process in the process of making the silk, and this sericin protein is normally thrown away by the sericulture industries as waste materials. It is found that this sericin protein possesses a number of biological properties.Methods: Considering this, in the present study, an effort has been made to biosynthesize gold nanoparticles (SSP-AuNPs) using the waste sericin solution as the reducing and capping agent and investigate its biopotential in terms of its wound healing, antioxidant and antibacterial activities.Results: The synthesis of SSP-AuNPs was perceived by the visual color change and confirmed by UV-Vis spectroscopy with absorption maxima at 522 nm. Further characterization of SSP-AuNPs was done by TEM, EDS, XRD, FTIR, DLS, zeta potential, TGA, AFM, etc. The size of SSP-AuNPs was found out to be 54.82 nm as per the particle size analyzer and the zeta potential is − 19.8 mV. The SSP-AuNPs displayed promising wound healing potential of 70.96 and 69.76% wound closure rate at 5 and 10 μg/mL respectively as compared to 74.91% by the Centella asiatica taken as a positive control. It also exhibited promising antioxidant potential in terms of the DPPH, ABTS free radical scavenging, reducing power potential, and total antioxidant capacity. Besides, the SSP-AuNPs also displayed significant antibacterial activities against the tested pathogenic bacterial with the diameter of inhibition zones ranging between 12.10 and 14.96 mm as compared to the positive control cephalexin that displayed inhibition zones ranging between 12.08 and 13.24 mm.Discussion: Taken together, SSP-AuNPs could serve as an interesting candidate for food, cosmetics, and biomedical fields in the applications of wound healing, cosmetics, antibacterial bandages, and ointments, etc.Keywords: silk cocoon, biowaste, sericin, silk protein, biosynthesis, wound healing, antioxidant, antibacterial, gold nanoparticles, wound healing

Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) has become a serious healthcare burden, and presents a huge impact on the physical and mental health of patients. Here, we developed an actively separated microneedle patch (PAA/NaHCO3-Silk MN) based on silk protein for sustained release of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH). Silk protein, as a friendly carrier material for proteins, could be constructed in mild full-water conditions and ensure the activity of rhGH. After manually pressing PAA/NaHCO3-Silk MN patch to skin for 1 min, active separation is achieved by absorbing the interstitial fluid (ISF) to trigger HCO3‒ in the active backing layer to produce carbon dioxide gas (CO2). In rats, the MN patch could maintain the sustained release of rhGH for more than 7 days, and produce similar effects as daily subcutaneous (S.C.) injections of rhGH in promoting height and weight with well tolerated. Moreover, the PAA/NaHCO3-Silk MN patch with the potential of painless self-administration, does not require cold chain transportation and storage possess great economic benefits. Overall, the PAA/NaHCO3-Silk MN patch can significantly improve patient compliance and increase the availability of drugs, meet current unmet clinical needs, improve clinical treatment effects of GHD patients.

Overcoming the formidable challenge of achieving multifunctionality and a seamless bio-interface for triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) is a persistent pursuit. Here, a biomaterial-based nanocomposite designed for both energy harvesting and storage is presented. Molybdenum disulfide nanosheets (MoS 2 -NSs) are securely and uniformly incorporated into silk fibroin (SF). The resulting MoS 2 -NS/SF TENG, in conjunction with a tribo-negative polymer, exhibits an open-circuit voltage (V oc) of 0.95 kV, an average short-circuit current (I sc) of 2.2 μA, and an output power density of 60 μW/cm2—sufficient to illuminate 40 light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Notably, exposure to light triggers a substantial increase in V oc s by more than 26 %. Additionally, the MoS 2 -NS/SF nanocomposite enables efficient energy storage, with a frequency-dependent dielectric constant ranging from 28.2 to 2.6. This underscores its potential as a versatile electronic material platform for wearable devices, seamlessly integrating motion sensing, energy harvesting, and charge storage capabilities. [Display omitted] • A Silk fibroin-MoS 2 (MoS 2 -NS/SF) nanocomposites based TENG device is presented. • MoS 2 -NS/SF and PVBVA act as positive and negative triboelectric material. • A high V oc (∼0.95 kV), I sc (∼2.2 μA), and a power density (∼78 mW/cm2) are obtained. • The TENG device shows a high sensitivity against light illumination. • MoS 2 -NS/SF nanocomposite can also be utilized as a charge storing device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim: People have used many natural materials such as plant leaves, roots, liquids derived from plants, and animal products to treat wounds throughout history. It can be said that the research on wound care in recent years have focused on traditional and natural products again. This study aimed to investigate the effects of sweetgum oil, propolis, silk protein, and Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS) on wound healing in an experimental excisional wound model. Materials and methods: Including 36 Balb/c inbreed mice in the study were divided equally into four groups. Two circular excisional wounds were created on the dorsal skin of mice under anesthesia using a punch biopsy device. The wounds of the first group of mice were topically dressed with sweetgum oil, the second group mice with propolis, the third group mice with silk protein, and the fourth group mice with ABS daily. Tissue samples were taken from the wounds of mice on the 7th and 14th day of wound formation, and histological examinations were performed. On the 14th day, the wounds created in all mice were healed, and the experiment was terminated. Results: Mice in the silk protein group had faster wound healing. There was no statistical difference between the groups in immunohistochemical examinations. In the ABS group, the findings of the inflammatory process were more prominent. Conclusion: In conclusions, propolis, sweetgum oil, silk protein, and ABS positively affect different parameters in wound healing and support wound healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) has become a serious healthcare burden, and presents a huge impact on the physical and mental health of patients. Here, we developed an actively separated microneedle patch (PAA/NaHCO 3 -Silk MN) based on silk protein for sustained release of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH). Silk protein, as a friendly carrier material for proteins, could be constructed in mild full-water conditions and ensure the activity of rhGH. After manually pressing PAA/NaHCO 3 -Silk MN patch to skin for 1 min, active separation is achieved by absorbing the interstitial fluid (ISF) to trigger HCO 3 ‒ in the active backing layer to produce carbon dioxide gas (CO 2). In rats, the MN patch could maintain the sustained release of rhGH for more than 7 days, and produce similar effects as daily subcutaneous (S.C.) injections of rhGH in promoting height and weight with well tolerated. Moreover, the PAA/NaHCO 3 -Silk MN patch with the potential of painless self-administration, does not require cold chain transportation and storage possess great economic benefits. Overall, the PAA/NaHCO 3 -Silk MN patch can significantly improve patient compliance and increase the availability of drugs, meet current unmet clinical needs, improve clinical treatment effects of GHD patients. Silk-based growth hormone microneedle patch could be transported and stored at room temperature, and realize self-management without producing hazardous waste. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Naturally derived protein-based biopolymers are considered potential biomaterials in biomedical applications and eco-friendly materials for replacing current petroleum-based polymers due to their good biocompatibility, low environmental impact, and tunable degradability. However, current strategies for fabricating protein-based materials with superior properties and tailored functionality in a scalable manner are still lacking. Here, we demonstrate an aqueous-based scalable approach for fabricating silk protein-based films through controlled molecular self-assembly (CMS) of silk proteins with plasticizers and salt ions. The films fabricated using this method can achieve a toughness of up to 64±5 MJ/m3 with a stretchability of up to 574±31%. We also demonstrate the tunable enzymatic degradability, low in vitro cytotoxicity, and good in vivo biocompatibility of the films. Furthermore, the films can be patterned with predesigned complex structures through laser cutting and functionalized with bioactive components. The functional silk protein-based films show great potential in various applications, including flexible electronics, bioelectronics, tissue engineering, and bioplastic packaging. Inspired by the naturally optimized multi-scale self-assembly of silk proteins in natural silks, we develop an aqueous-based approach for scalable production of superior protein-based films through controlled molecular self-assembly (CMS) of silk proteins with glycerol and calcium ions. The prepared silk films present outstanding mechanical properties, controlled enzymatic biodegradability, low in vitro cytotoxicity, and good in vivo biocompatibility. Notably, the films fabricated using this method can achieve a high toughness of 64±5 MJ/m3 with a stretchability of 594±31%. The approach introduced in this work provides a facile route toward making silk-based materials with superior properties. It also paves new avenues for developing functional protein-based materials with precisely controlled structures and properties for various applications. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical unclonable functions (PUFs) are emerging as a cutting-edge technology for enhancing information security by providing robust security authentication and non-reproducible cryptographic keys. Incorporating renewable and biocompatible materials into PUFs ensures safety for handling, compatibility with biological systems, and reduced environmental impact. However, existing PUF platforms struggle to balance high encoding capacity, diversified encryption signatures, and versatile functionalities with sustainability and biocompatibility. Here, all-biomaterial-based unclonable anti-counterfeiting labels featuring multi-mode encoding, multi-level cryptographic keys, and multiple authentication operations are developed by imprinting biomimetic-grown calcites on versatile silk protein films. In this label, the inherent non-clonability comes from the randomized characteristics of calcites, mediated by silk protein during crystal growth. The successful embedding of photoluminescent molecules into calcite lattices, assisted by silk protein, allows the resulting platform to utilize fluorescence patterns alongside birefringence for high-capacity encoding. This design facilitates easy and rapid authentication through Hamming distance and convolutional neural networks using standard cameras and portable microscopes. Moreover, angle-dependent polarization patterns enable multi-level key generation, while multi-spectral fluorescence signals offer multi-channel keys. The developed anti-counterfeiting labels combine biodegradability, green manufacture, easy authentication, high-level complexity, low cost, robustness, patternability, and versatility, offering a practical and high-security solution to combat counterfeiting across various applications., (© 2024 Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

Nanopatterning on biomaterials has attracted significant attention as it can lead to the development of biomedical devices capable of performing diagnostic and therapeutic functions while being biocompatible. Among various nanopatterning techniques, electron-beam lithography (EBL) enables precise and versatile nanopatterning in desired shapes. Various biomaterials are successfully nanopatterned as bioresists by using EBL. However, the use of high-energy electron beams (e-beams) for high-resolutive patterning has incorporated functional materials and has caused adverse effects on biomaterials. Moreover, the scattering of electrons not absorbed by the bioresist leads to proximity effects, thus deteriorating pattern quality. Herein, EBL-based nanopatterning is reported by inducing molecular degradation of amorphous silk fibroin, followed by selectively inducing secondary structures. High-resolution EBL nanopatterning is achievable, even at low-energy e-beam (5 keV) and low doses, as it minimizes the proximity effect and enables precise 2.5D nanopatterning via grayscale lithography. Additionally, integrating nanophotonic structures into fluorescent material-containing silk allows for fluorescence amplification. Furthermore, this post-exposure cross-linking way indicates that the silk bioresist can maintain nanopatterned information stored in silk molecules in the amorphous state, utilizing for the secure storage of nanopatterned information as a security patch. Based on the fabrication technique, versatile biomaterial-based nanodevices for biomedical applications can be envisioned., (© 2024 Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

The increasingly pervasive problem of counterfeiting affects both individuals and industry. In particular, public health and medical fields face threats to device authenticity and patient privacy, especially in the post-pandemic era. Physical unclonable functions (PUFs) present a modern solution using counterfeit-proof security labels to securely authenticate and identify physical objects. PUFs harness innately entropic information generators to create a unique fingerprint for an authentication protocol. This paper proposes a facile protein self-assembly process as an entropy generator for a unique biological PUF. The posited image digitization process applies a deep learning model to extract a feature vector from the self-assembly image. This is then binarized and debiased to produce a cryptographic key. The NIST SP 800-22 Statistical Test Suite was used to evaluate the randomness of the generated keys, which proved sufficiently stochastic. To facilitate deployment on physical objects, the PUF images were printed on flexible silk-fibroin-based biodegradable labels using functional protein bioinks. Images from the labels were captured using a cellphone camera and referenced against the source image for error rate comparison. The deep-learning-based biological PUF has potential as a low-cost, scalable, highly randomized strategy for anti-counterfeiting technology.

The efficient synthesis of silk protein is heavily reliant on the ingestion of massive nutrients during the peak growth phase in the silkworm. However, the molecular mechanism of nutritional regulation of silk protein synthesis remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the impact of nutrient deficiency on the synthesis of silk protein. Nutritional deficiency led to a reduction in silk yield, accompanied by decreased levels of silk proteins and fibroin heavy chain (FibH)-activating transcription factors SGF1 and Dimm. Furthermore, insulin enhanced the protein levels of SGF1 and Dimm, which can be attenuated by specific inhibitors of PI3K. Co-immunoprecipitation analysis showed that the nutrient pathway factor protein kinase B (Akt) could interact with SGF1 protein. Knockdown of Akt reduced the phosphorylation level of SGF1 and impedes its nuclear translocation. Further studies revealed that SGF1 was directly bound to Fkh site in the 22–43 region upstream of ATG of Dimm gene to activate its transcription. In conclusion, during the peak growth phase, nutrition promotes the massive synthesis of silk protein through the PI3K-Akt-SGF1-Dimm pathway. This study offers valuable insights into the efficient synthesis of silk proteins and establishes a theoretical foundation for improving silk yield. • Nutritional deficiency decreases the expression level of silk proteins and associated factors, thereby reducing silk yield. • PI3K/Akt pathway regulates protein levels of SGF1 and facilitates its phosphorylation and translocation into the nucleus. • SGF1 directly binds to the Fkh element in the 22∼43 region upstream of ATG of Dimm to activate its transcription. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The central processes driving biological phenomena are based on the conduction of ions and electrons in biomaterials, implying the possibility of achieving a fully biomaterial‐based electronic skin. However, finding the appropriate biomaterials for electronic skins is still challenging. Here, a photoresponsive, self‐healable, and biomaterial‐based optoelectronic skin (OE‐skin) fabricated with melanin nanoparticles and silk protein is proposed and the electronic properties and their mechanisms in the artificially generated OE‐skin are reported. Not only does silk protein hydrogel provide a transparent and skin‐compatible platform for use as OE‐skin but it also provides the appropriate environment for melanin to demonstrate high electrical conductivity. The OE‐skin can be considered a p‐type semiconducting material showing high conductivity of up to 6 mS cm−1 in addition to a 40% enhancement in the conductivity by green laser and ultraviolet light emitting diode illuminations. Additionally, the OE‐skin autonomously heals itself from multiple cuts, allowing the restoration of its electrical properties. These material properties enable applications for strain‐sensors, humidity sensors, and ultraviolet light sensors, as well as image pixels to convert light‐lettering into electrical signals. The proposed fully biomaterial‐based OE material platform offers a new way for next‐generation electronic skins to achieve a seamless interface with the human body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current diagnostics call for rapid, sensitive, and selective screening of physiologically important biomarkers. Point-of-care (POC) devices for the rapid, reliable, and easy acquisition of bioinformation at, or near the patient, offer opportunities for better healthcare management. Electrochemical biosensors with high sensitivity and ease of miniaturization are advantageous for such applications. We report a photolithographically micropatterned PEDOT:PSS and silk protein-based fully organic 3-electrode sensor (O3ES) for ultralow volume (single drop—10 µL) detection of analytes in whole blood. The O3ES produces reliable electrochemical signals in whole blood from a mouse model with minimal biofouling interference. The O3ES is demonstrated as a portable device for the simultaneous detection of dopamine, ascorbic acid and uric acid using voltammetry techniques. The O3ES displays excellent sensitivity towards each analyte in whole blood, and in the presence of each other. The water-based, ambient processing of the sensors allows the immobilization of enzymes in the organic working electrode. Amperometric detection of uric acid via uricase with high sensitivity in whole blood is demonstrated. Finally, the performance of the O3ES under enzymatic degradation is studied by monitoring sensitivity over an operating lifetime of ~14 days. This work demonstrates the realization of low-cost, disposable POC sensors capable of detecting blood metabolites using ultralow sample volumes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silk protein builds one of the strongest natural fibers based on its complex nanocomposite structures. However, the mechanical performance of silk protein, related to its molecular structure and packing is still elusive. In this study, we constructed an atomistic silk protein network model, which reproduces the extensive connection topology of silk protein with structure details of the β-sheet crystallites and amorphous domains. With the silk protein network model, we investigated the structure evolution and stress distribution of silk protein under external loading. We found a pre-stretching treatment during the spinning process can improve the strength of silk protein. This treatment improves the properties of silk protein network, i.e., increases the number of nodes and bridges, makes the nodes distributed homogeneously, and induces the bridges in the network well aligned to the loading direction, which is of great benefit to the mechanical performances of silk protein. Our study not only provides a realized atomistic model for silk protein network that well represents the structures and deformations of silk proteins under loading, but also gains deep insights into the mechanism how the pre-loading on silk proteins during spinning improves the mechanical properties of silk fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silk is a semidilute solution of randomly coiled associating polypeptide chains that crystallize following the stretch-induced disruption, in the strong extensional flow of extrusion, of the solvation shell around their amino acids. We propose that natural silk spinning exploits both the exponentially broad stretch distribution generated by associating polymers in extensional flow and the criterion of a critical concentration of sufficiently stretched chains to nucleate flow-induced crystallization. To investigate the specific-energy input needed to reach this criterion in start-up flow, we have coupled a model for the Brownian dynamics of a bead-spring-type chain, whose beads represent coarse-grained Gaussian chain segments, to the stochastic, strain-dependent binding and unbinding of their associations. We have interpreted the simulations with the aid of analytic calculations on simpler, tractable models with the same essential physical features. Our simulations indicate that the associations hamper chain alignment in the initial slow flow, but, on the other hand, facilitate chain stretching at low specific work at later, high rates. We identify a minimum in the critical specific work at a strain rate just above the stretch transition (i.e., where the mean stretch diverges), which we explain in terms of analytical solutions of a two-state master equation. We further discuss how the silkworm appears to exploit the chemical tunability of the associations to optimize chain alignment and stretching in different locations along the spinning duct: this delicate mechanism also highlights the potential biomimetic industrial benefits of chemically tunable processing of synthetic association polymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The advances in products based on nanotechnology have directed extensive research on low-cost, biologically compatible, and easily degradable materials. Main body Sericin (SER) is a protein mainly composed of glycine, serine, aspartic acid, and threonine amino acids removed from the silkworm cocoon (particularly Bombyx mori and other species). SER is a biocompatible material with economic viability, which can be easily functionalized due to its potential crosslink reactions. Also, SER has inherent biological properties, which makes possible its use as a component of pharmaceutical formulations with several biomedical applications, such as anti-tumor, antimicrobials, antioxidants and as scaffolds for tissue repair as well as participating in molecular mechanisms attributed to the regulation of transcription factors, reduction of inflammatory signaling molecules, stimulation of apoptosis, migration, and proliferation of mesenchymal cells. Conclusion In this review, the recent innovations on SER-based nano-medicines (nanoparticles, micelles, films, hydrogels, and their hybrid systems) and their contributions for non-conventional therapies are discussed considering different molecular mechanisms for promoting their therapeutic applications.

Memristors based neuromorphic devices can efficiently process complex information and fundamentally overcome the bottleneck of traditional computing based on von Neumann architecture. Meanwhile, natural biomaterials have attracted significant attention for biologically integrated electronic devices due to their excellent biocompatibility, mechanical flexibility, and controllable biodegradability. Thus, biomaterial‐based memristors may have a transformative impact on bridging electronic neuromorphic systems and biological systems. However, the working voltage in biological system is low, but the operation voltages of conventional memristors are high, violating the energy‐efficient biological system. Here, high‐performance silk fibroin‐based threshold switching (TS) memristors are demonstrated, which reveal an on‐current of 1 mA, a low threshold voltage (Vth) of 0.17 V, a high selectivity of 3 × 106, and a steep turn‐on slope of <2.5 mV dec–1. Meanwhile, the silk TS devices depict outstanding device uniformity and stability even at high humidity (80%) and temperature (70 °C) environments. The silk TS devices exhibit typical short‐term plasticity (STP) of biological synapses including pair‐pulse facilitation (PPF). More importantly, a leaky integrate‐and‐fire (LIF) artificial neuron is successfully realized based on the volatile characteristics of silk TS memristors. These achievements pave the way for utilizing silk biomaterials in advanced bioelectronics and neuromorphic computing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Memristors based neuromorphic devices can efficiently process complex information and fundamentally overcome the bottleneck of traditional computing based on von Neumann architecture. Meanwhile, natural biomaterials have attracted significant attention for biologically integrated electronic devices due to their excellent biocompatibility, mechanical flexibility, and controllable biodegradability. Thus, biomaterial‐based memristors may have a transformative impact on bridging electronic neuromorphic systems and biological systems. However, the working voltage in biological system is low, but the operation voltages of conventional memristors are high, violating the energy‐efficient biological system. Here, high‐performance silk fibroin‐based threshold switching (TS) memristors are demonstrated, which reveal an on‐current of 1 mA, a low threshold voltage (Vth) of 0.17 V, a high selectivity of 3 × 106, and a steep turn‐on slope of

Compared to conventional fibers, electrospun porous nanofibers with hierarchical structures often involve additional active sites, interfaces, and internal spaces which boost the performances of functional materials. Here in this study, coaxial composite cellulose acetate@silk fibroin (CA@SF) fibrous membranes are constructed through an electrostatic spinning technique combining solvent-induced phase separation. Hierarchical core-shell structures on the fibers are achieved, which significantly increases the surface area and benefits the mechanical property, flux, as well as the electroless deposition of Ag nanoparticles. The total electromagnetic shielding efficiency of the sandwiched hierarchical CA@SF@Ag composite membrane with a thickness of only 100 μm reaches up to 100 dB, surpassing around 82% beyond nonhierarchical ones. To be noticed, when post-treated by ethanol, the membrane enables an enhanced tensile strength of up to 10 MPa with a thickness of only 50 μm. Our findings pave the way to the application of electrospun fiber membranes in the field of ultrathin electromagnetic shielding films.

Developing hybrid hydrogel dressings with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, angiogenetic, and antibiofilm activities with higher bone tissue penetrability to accelerate diabetic wound healing and prevent diabetic foot osteomyelitis (DFO) is highly desirable in managing diabetic wounds. Herein, the glycopeptide teicoplanin is used for the first time as a green reductant to chemically reduce graphene oxide (GO). The resulting teicoplanin-decorated reduced graphene oxide (rGO) is incorporated into a mixture of silk proteins (SP) and crosslinked with genipin to yield a physicochemically crosslinked rGO-SP hybrid hydrogel. This hybrid hydrogel exhibits high porosity, self-healing, shear-induced thinning, increased cell proliferation and migration, and mechanical properties suitable for tissue engineering. Moreover, the hybrid hydrogel eradicates bacterial biofilms with a high penetrability index in agar and hydroxyapatite disks covered with biofilms, mimicking bone tissue. In vivo, the hybrid hydrogel accelerates the healing of noninfected wounds in a diabetic rat and infected wounds in a diabetic mouse by upregulating anti-inflammatory cytokines and downregulating matrix metalloproteinase-9, promoting M2 macrophage polarization and angiogenesis. The implantation of hybrid hydrogel into the infected site of mouse tibia improves bone regeneration. Hence, the rGO-SP hybrid hydrogel can be a promising wound dressing for treating infectious diabetic wounds, providing a further advantage in preventing DFO., (© 2024 Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

Aqueous zinc-iodine (Zn-I 2 ) batteries hold potential for large-scale energy storage but struggle with shuttle effects of I 2 cathodes and poor reversibility of Zn anodes. Here, an interfacial gelation strategy is proposed to suppress the shuttle effects and improve the Zn reversibility simultaneously by introducing silk protein (SP) additive. The SP can migrate bidirectionally toward cathode and anode interfaces driven by the periodically switched electric field direction during charging/discharging. For I 2 cathodes, the interaction between SP and polyiodides forms gelatinous precipitate to avoid the polyiodide dissolution, evidenced by excellent electrochemical performance, including high specific capacity and Coulombic efficiency (CE) (215 mAh g -1 and 99.5% at 1 C), excellent rate performance (≈170 mAh g -1 at 50 C), and extended durability (6000 cycles at 10 C). For Zn anodes, gelatinous SP serves as protective layer to boost the Zn reversibility (99.7% average CE at 2 mA cm -2 ) and suppress dendrites. Consequently, a 500 mAh Zn-I 2 pouch cell with high-loading cathode (37.5 mg iodine cm -2 ) and high-utilization Zn anode (20%) achieves remarkable energy density (80 Wh kg -1 ) and long-term durability (>1000 cycles). These findings underscore the simultaneous modulation of both cathode and anode and demonstrate the potential for practical applications of Zn-I 2 batteries., (© 2024 The Author(s). Advanced Materials published by Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is a naturally derived bioactive macromolecule and has been used to improve the performance of silk fibroin (SF) biomaterials for soft tissue regeneration. However, it is still a challenge to use a chemical-free method to prepare water-insoluble SF/CS scaffolds. Here, a novel all-aqueous process was developed to prepare SF/CS scaffolds with controlled properties. Freezing-annealing treatment was used to induce silk I crystallization of SF to entrap CS macromolecules. It was found that the addition of CS did not prevent silk I crystallization of SF, even with a ratio as high as 10 % addition ratio. With increasing CS content, the water solubility of the scaffolds increased due to insufficient silk I crystals. The physicochemical properties of the scaffolds were evaluated, and the results showed that the water binding capacity and mechanical properties of the SF scaffolds can be effectively regulated by adding only less than 5 % CS content. This study provides a green strategy, including all-aqueous, low temperature, and without the use of toxic chemicals or solvents, to prepare bioactive SF/CS scaffolds for use in tissue engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the present study is to formulate and evaluate Silk based film forming spray for wound healing. On the wound surface the solution solidifies into a film which can deliver the active moiety on site of action. The spray solution was prepared by simple mixing of active extract of Centella Asiatica, Silk Protein and various film forming polymers. Silk protein form scaffold for active fibroblast movement and Asiaticosides from Centella Asiatica extract improve and fasten collagen synthesis. A clear yellowish solution was obtained. The formulations (F1-F8) had a pH range between 5.5-6.5, which was close to the pH of skin. The viscosity of formulation in range of 25-50 cps, completely dry film formed within 5 min in open environment. The Effects of polymers, plasticizers and solvents on spreadability. Surface tension and Spray angle were studied. The high content of ethanol in the formulation fastens the drying time. The results indicated that formulation (F8) showed good spreadability and less drying time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current diagnostics call for rapid, sensitive, and selective screening of physiologically important biomarkers. Point-of-care (POC) devices for the rapid, reliable, and easy acquisition of bioinformation at, or near the patient, offer opportunities for better healthcare management. Electrochemical biosensors with high sensitivity and ease of miniaturization are advantageous for such applications. We report a photolithographically micropatterned PEDOT:PSS and silk protein-based fully organic 3-electrode sensor (O3ES) for ultralow volume (single drop—10 µL) detection of analytes in whole blood. The O3ES produces reliable electrochemical signals in whole blood from a mouse model with minimal biofouling interference. The O3ES is demonstrated as a portable device for the simultaneous detection of dopamine, ascorbic acid and uric acid using voltammetry techniques. The O3ES displays excellent sensitivity towards each analyte in whole blood, and in the presence of each other. The water-based, ambient processing of the sensors allows the immobilization of enzymes in the organic working electrode. Amperometric detection of uric acid via uricase with high sensitivity in whole blood is demonstrated. Finally, the performance of the O3ES under enzymatic degradation is studied by monitoring sensitivity over an operating lifetime of ~14 days. This work demonstrates the realization of low-cost, disposable POC sensors capable of detecting blood metabolites using ultralow sample volumes.

Due to the poor repair ability of cartilage tissue, regenerative medicine still faces great challenges in the repair of large articular cartilage defects. Quercetin is widely applied as a traditional Chinese medicine in tissue regeneration including liver, bone and skin tissues. However, the evidence for its effects and internal mechanisms for cartilage regeneration are limited. In the present study, the effects of quercetin on chondrocyte function were systematically evaluated by CCK8 assay, PCR assay, cartilaginous matrix staining assays, immunofluorescence assay, and western blotting. The results showed that quercetin significantly up-regulated the expression of chondrogenesis genes and stimulated the secretion of GAG (glycosaminoglycan) through activating the ERK, P38 and AKT signalling pathways in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, in vivo experiments revealed that quercetin-loaded silk protein scaffolds dramatically stimulated the formation of new cartilage-like tissue with higher histological scores in rat femoral cartilage defects. These data suggest that quercetin can effectively stimulate chondrogenesis in vitro and in vivo , demonstrating the potential application of quercetin in the regeneration of cartilage defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Novel fabrication of dipeptide and curcumin onto the silk protein hydrogel dressing. • Designed materials have promising cell compatibility and effective bacterial inhibition. • Metal chelating L-carnosine has greatly influencing the inactivation of MMP-9. • This hydrogel dressing could be accelerate therapeutic potential of diabetic wound healing. The infected diabetic wound ulcer is a significant problem for the diabetic patients, which leads to removal of affected foot site due to its delayed/non-healing tissues. The poly-microbial infections and active matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are the significant influencing factors to delayed healing in diabetic mice. The main purposes of present investigation are to evaluation the targeted inactivation of MMP and avoid polymicrobial infections by using a combined therapeutic effect of metal chelating dipeptide (L-carnosine) and curcumin with the biocompatible silk protein hydrogel (L-car@cur/SF) dressing in the infected diabetic wound ulcer. The in vitro biological assay methods, such as, cell viability, anti-oxidant activity, anti-inflammatory macrophage cells and inhibition collagenase exhibited that the designed hydrogel matrix to be human cell compatible and could be accelerate for significant diabetic healing potential. The activation of cur/SF matrix by the L-carnosine was persuading the inactivation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) through its potent chelating effects of Zn2+ ions from the MMP-9 active center. The L-car@cur/SF hydrogel was demonstrated for the effective MMP-9 inactivation and bacterial inhibition via in vivo mice wound site, which indorsed the diabetic wound healing efficiency in streptozotocin-tempted diabetic mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Silk fibroin and chitosan are commonly used as scaffolds in tissue engineering, but there are some shortcomings in their separate application. When they are mixed, they can be modified each other. They give full play to each other's advantages and become ideal composite scaffolds. OBJECTIVE: To prepare Silk fibroin/chitosan composite scaffold and determineits properties. METHODS: The silk fibroin/chitosan composite scaffolds were prepared by freeze-drying method. The morphology and structure of the composite scaffolds were examined by scanning electron microscopy. The properties of the composite scaffolds were tested by thermogravimetric analysis, mechanical properties test, and cytotoxicity test. The quaternion chitosan was prepared. The nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum was detected by nuclear magnetic resonance instrument. The potential and particle size distribution were detected by Zeta potentiometer. The protection of DNA was detected by gel eledrophoresis. The binding with DNA was observed by transmission electron microscope. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The results of scanning electron microscopy showed that the silk fibroin/chitosan composite scaffolds had a good three-dimensional pore structure, with a pore size of 50-100 urn. (2) The results of thermogravimetric analysis showed that when the temperature was less than 200 °C, the mass loss rate of silk fibroin/chitosan composite scaffold was lower. When the temperature increased to 200-500 °C, the mass loss rate of the scaffold began to accelerate, and the loss amount increased. At 800 °C, the residual mass of the composite scaffold was 38%. (3) The maximum strain of silk fibroin/chitosan composite scaffold reached 94.94%, and the maximum stress was 7.01 MPa. (4) The results of CCK-8 experiment showed that silk fibroin/chitosan composite scaffolds had no cytotoxicity to rabbit bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and had good cell compatibility. (5) The results of nuclear magnetic resonance spectra showed that the quaternion degree of quaternary ammonium chitosan was about 20%. (6) The particle size distribution of quatemized chitosan was (588.56±52.39) nm, and the surface of quatemized chitosan was positively charged with a potential of (16.3±3.92) mV, which was beneficial to the combination with DNA. (7) The results of gel electrophoresis experiments showed that the higher the proportion of quaternion chitosan, the better the encapsulation of DNA. When the ratio of chitosan/DNA was 1 : 3, the encapsulation effect was achieved. (8) The results of transmission electron microscopy showed that most of the particles of quatemized chitosan/DNA were solid and round; the particle size difference was small; and the average particle size was about 200 nm. (9) The results showed that silk fibroin/chitosan composite scaffolds had a good biocompatibility and cell permeability, which was conducive to the growth of cells between scaffolds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]