A Robust Sericin Hydrogel Formed by a Native Sericin from Silkworm Bodies

Sericin hydrogels with a serial of excellent properties are attractive in tissue engineering but still limited due to their poor mechanical strength. In this study we report a robust sericin hydrogel with high elastic modulus (310 kPa) that was formed by a native sericin solution with high concentration (16 %, w/v) collected from silkworm bodies. The hydrogel was performed via H2O2 and presented gelling kinetics within 30 s. This hydrogel possesses eximious elasticity, good cytocompatibility, and more stable in solution as well as porous structure. In addition, the hydrogel system is suitable for loading bioactive molecules owing to its wonderful sustained manner for delivering bioactive reagent. Together, our study indicates that the sericin hydrogel may serve as a new multifunctional platform for extending the application of sericin in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Automated summary

This study reports a sericin hydrogel with high elastic modulus, excellent elasticity, good cytocompatibility, and stable solution and porous structure. It is also suitable for loading bioactive molecules.