Novel silk sericin/gelatin 3-D scaffolds and 2-D films: fabrication and characterization for potential tissue engineering applications.

In this study, we report for the first time the fabrication of novel 3-D sericin/gelatin scaffolds and 2-D films using non-mulberry Antheraea mylitta silk cocoon sericin protein. The matrices were fabricated, biophysically characterized and optimized for cell culture applications. Blended sericin/gelatin 3-D scaffolds were highly porous with an optimum pore size of 170+/-20 microm. The scaffolds were robust with enhanced mechanical strength and showed high compressibility. Swelling studies showed high swellability along with complete degradation in the presence of phosphate-buffered saline. Cytocompatibility of the matrices was evaluated using feline fibroblasts showing normal spreading and proliferation as assessed by fluorescence microscopy. Cell cycle analysis showed cytocompatibility without any cell cycle arrests. Low immunogenicity of the matrices as observed through tumor necrosis factor alpha release reveal its potential as future biopolymeric graft material. The results of this novel study lay the foundation for the use of the silk cocoon protein sericin as a biocompatible biopolymer for tissue engineering applications.