Silk-based biomaterials for wound care and tissue regeneration

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PhD; 2023; Materials engineering

For most individuals, wound healing is a highly organized, straightforward process. However, there are instances where external intervention becomes necessary to support the body’s innate healing mechanism. In this thesis, four such unmet clinical challenges were identified: rapid blood clotting, personalized treatment of burns and chronic wounds, and stretchable implants. Herein, we present novel solutions utilizing silk protein in various formats, each serving a distinct purpose in its respective application. Silk protein (silk fibroin) is being leveraged as a promising biomaterial with potent wound-healing activity. The first experimental chapter describes efforts to develop a potent hemostat for hemorrhage control. The primary goal was to develop a first-aid product for use in a pre-hospital setting where professional healthcare providers are not readily available (such as for battlefield injuries, road accidents, etc.). Herein, a bilayered hemostatic foam was designed such that the top bioactive layer served as a tissue interfacial layer to minimize rebleeding without compromising the clotting abilities. The subsequent two chapters describe strategies for personalized treatment of difficult-to-heal wounds: burns and chronic wounds.