Recent developments in biocomposites of bombyx mori silk fibroin

Abstract

Among natural fibers, Bombyx mori silk fiber holds a special position due to its unique properties: high strength (600 MPa), high elongation (17-25%), low density (1.25-1.34 g/m3) and low fiber diameter (around 10 µm). Moreover, unlike other natural fibers, this fiber is found in filament form in the nature. In the raw form, silk fiber is composed of two fibroin strands and silk gum, sericine. However, for further processing, silk fiber is degummed, by removal of sericine, where silk fiber becomes mostly comprised of fibroin. Possessing outstanding characteristics, Bombyx mori silk fibroin shows promise as potential reinforcement element in novel composites with applications in biomedicine, materials science and nanotechnology. Research efforts focused on the use of silk fibroin composites in sutures, wound dressings, tissue engineering applications, drug delivery devices, biosensors and nanoelectronic applications take place in the literature. © 2017 Scrivener Publishing LLC.