Adhesive silk fibroin/magnesium composite films and their application for removable wound dressing

Abstract

Silk fibroin is a naturally abundant biomaterial renowned for its excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability, making it a promising candidate for biomedical applications like wound dressings. However, traditional silk fibroin materials often lack sufficient mechanical strength, adhesion, and the ability to modulate inflammation and oxidative stress—factors crucial for effective wound healing. To address these limitations, regenerated silk fibroin/magnesium ion [RSF/Mg(II)] composite films were developed by incorporating Mg(II) ions into RSF solutions. These films were characterized using Raman spectroscopy, mechanical testing, and biocompatibility assessments, and their wound-healing efficacy was evaluated in a mouse skin defect model. The RSF/Mg(II) composite films exhibited superior adhesion, higher transparency, and enhanced mechanical flexibility compared to pristine RSF films. They also demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties, effectively reducing cell apoptosis and reactive oxygen species levels in vitro. In vivo, the RSF/Mg Mg(II) composite films significantly accelerated wound healing in mice, improving epidermal thickness, collagen deposition, and promoting blood vessel formation. This study highlights the potential of RSF/Mg(II) composite films as advanced wound dressings with improved biocompatibility and biological activity, offering valuable insights for the development of Mg(II) ion-based biomaterials in wound healing and tissue regeneration applications.