Characterization of silk fibroin 3D composites modified by collagen

Silk fibroin 3D composites with the addition of collagen were prepared through the lyophylisation process. The structure of composites was studied by ATR-FTIR technique and was observed by a scanning electron microscope. Mechanical properties were studied and compared with those of a silk fibroin 3D sponge. Moreover, miscibility studies of silk fibroin with collagen blends of different compositions were investigated using the viscometric method before the lyophylisation process. Viscometric studies indicate that silk fibroin/collagen blends are miscible at any composition at 25 degrees C. Scanning electron microscopy observations showed that in the lyophilisation process of silk fibroin/collagen blend a porous material can be obtained. The results showed that the addition of collagen to silk fibroin led to the decrease of tensile strength. However, Young modulus increased with an increasing amount of collagen. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.