Synthesis and characterization of nanofibroin hydrogels from Colombian silkworm Bombyx mori L.

Abstract

Fibroin is a natural insoluble protein that are used as a scaffolding material in regenerative medicine. In this work, fibroin hydrogels obtained from the silkworm Bombyx Mori L. were synthesized by two different methods (vortex and sonication). Samples were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy, Infrared and Thermogravimetric analysis. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by the MTT method on adherent and non-adherent cells. The results indicate that nanofibers can be obtained by both vortex and sonication methods. Vortex samples have higher thermal stability. The MTT test revealed that hydrogels have low cytotoxicity in the cells lines evaluated.