2 research outputs found
Recombinant Spider Silk Hydrogels for Sustained Release of Biologicals
Therapeutic
biologics (i.e., proteins) have been widely recognized
for the treatment, prevention, and cure of a variety of human diseases
and syndromes. However, design of novel protein-delivery systems to
achieve a nontoxic, constant, and efficient delivery with minimal
doses of therapeutic biologics is still challenging. Here, recombinant
spider silk-based materials are employed as a delivery system for
the administration of therapeutic biologicals. Hydrogels made of the
recombinant spider silk protein eADF4(C16) were used to encapsulate
the model biologicals BSA, HRP, and LYS by direct loading or through
diffusion, and their release was studied. Release of model biologicals
from eADF4(C16) hydrogels is in part dependent on the electrostatic
interaction between the biological and the recombinant spider silk
protein variant used. In addition, tailoring the pore sizes of eADF4(C16)
hydrogels strongly influenced the release kinetics. In a second approach,
a particles-in-hydrogel system was used, showing a prolonged release
in comparison with that of plain hydrogels (from days to week). The
particle-enforced spider silk hydrogels are injectable and can be
3D printed. These initial studies indicate the potential of recombinant
spider silk proteins to design novel injectable hydrogels that are
suitable for delivering therapeutic biologics
Structural Insights into Water-Based Spider Silk Protein–Nanoclay Composites with Excellent Gas and Water Vapor Barrier Properties
Nature reveals a
great variety of inorganic–organic composite materials exhibiting
good mechanical properties, high thermal and chemical stability, and
good barrier properties. One class of natural bio-nanocomposites,
e.g. found in mussel shells, comprises protein matrices with layered
inorganic fillers. Inspired by such natural bio-nanocomposites, the
cationic recombinant spider silk protein eADF4(κ16) was processed
together with the synthetic layered silicate sodium hectorite in an
all-aqueous setup. Drop-casting of this bio-nanocomposite resulted
in a thermally and chemically stable film reflecting a one-dimensional
crystal. Surprisingly, this bio-nanocomposite coating was, though
produced in an all-aqueous process, completely water insoluble. Analyzing
the structural details showed a low inner free volume due to the well-oriented
self-assembly/alignment of the spider silk proteins on the nanoclay
surface, yielding high oxygen and water vapor barrier properties.
The here demonstrated properties in combination with good biocompatibility
qualify this new bio-nanocomposite to be used in packaging applications