Degradation behavior of silk fibroin biomaterials - a review

Abstract

Silk fibroin-based biomaterials have developed widely for biomedical applications including soft tissue engineering and bone implants. Controlling the degradation rate is very notable in maintaining the performance of biomaterials in carrying out their functions. This review was focused on the process of biodegradation of silk fibroin and its controllers including among other factors that influence the degradation process, mechanisms, behavior, the role of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and the effect of molecular weight. All studies in this paper provide more in-depth knowledge about the biodegradation of silk fibroin enzymatically as well as UV radiation effect.