Abstract
At present, silk fibroin (SF) hydrogel can be prepared by means of electrodeposition at 25 V in direct current (DC) mode. Reducing the applied voltage would provide benefits, including lower fabrication costs, less risk of high voltage shocks, and better stability of devices. Here, a simple but uncommon strategy for SF-based hydrogel preparation using 4 V in DC mode is discussed. SF was mixed and cross-linked with carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) through hydrogen bonding, then co-deposited on the graphite electrode. The thickness, mass, and shape of the SF/CMCS hydrogel were easily controlled by adjusting the electrodeposition parameters. Morphological characterization of the prepared hydrogel via SEM revealed a porous network within the fabricated hydrogel. This structure was due to intermolecular hydrogen bonding between SF and CMCS, according to the results of thermogravimetric analysis and rheological measurements. As a potential wound dressing, SF/CMCS hydrogel maintained a suitable moisture environment for wound healing and demonstrated distinct properties in terms of promoting the proliferation of HEK-293 cells and antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, histological studies were conducted on a full-thickness skin wound in rats covered with the SF/CMCS hydrogel, with results indicating that this hydrogel can promote wound re-epithelization and enhance granulation tissue formation. These results illustrate the feasibility of using the developed strategy for SF-based hydrogel fabrication in practice for wound dressing.
Highlights
Silk fibroin (SF) is the major protein in the silk produced by Bombyx mori
An SF/carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) hydrogel, prepared from a solution containing 5% SF and 2% CMCS under a voltage of 4 V in direct current (DC) mode, was selected
The prepared hydrogel can be detached from the surface of the anode and independently used as a wound dressing to implement the subsequent characterization and evaluation
Summary
Silk fibroin fiber can be dissolved in a highly concentrated salt solution [1] This solution is called regenerated silk fibroin (RSF) solution once it is desalinated. RSF can be reconstituted in various forms [3,4,5,6] Among these forms, SF-based hydrogel is attractive as it can provide a three-dimensional structure, has a high water content, soft consistency, and excellent water stability, and can closely adhere to the skin [7]. SF-based hydrogel can be prepared through the addition of a chemical cross-linking agent [8], sonication [9], or application of an electric current [10]. The use of a chemical cross-linking agent reduces the biocompatibility of the hydrogel [8], whereas sonication-induced gelation suffers from slow gel formation and an unstable structure [11]. Reducing the driving voltage of SF electrogelation can save energy, avoid potential electrochemical reactions when working with high voltages, and lower the fabrication cost for an electrogelation device, which should decrease the fabrication cost and increase product stability
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