Unlocking the Secrets of Silk Fibroin and Chitosan: Essential Techniques for Analyzing Biomaterials

In this interview, Jennifer Prestipino and Dr. Viviana Posada share insights about silk fibroin and chitosan, highlighting their unique properties and applications in biomedicine, along with innovative ways to enhance biomaterials.

Why is Silk Fibroin a Great Biomaterial?

Jen Prestipino: Silk fibroin comes from silkworms and is fantastic for biomedical uses, especially in drug delivery. It has excellent biocompatibility, low chances of causing immune reactions, and can hold drugs effectively. Its strong beta-sheet structure provides durability and flexibility, making it ideal for consistent drug release. Plus, we can modify silk fibroin to fit specific therapeutic needs, allowing it to meet safety and effectiveness standards.

What Makes Chitosan Important?

Viviana Posada: Chitosan is highly promising for improving how surfaces interact with biological systems. At BioANSR, we’ve used plasma nanosynthesis to develop nanostructured surfaces on chitosan. These modifications help with resisting bacteria and improving integration with tissues. By changing the surface layout and chemistry, we encourage better biological responses, which is crucial for devices like implants and wound dressings.

What Do Successful Drug Delivery Systems Need?

Jen Prestipino: Successful drug delivery systems must have several key features. They should be biocompatible, preventing harmful immune responses. They should carry adequate doses to the right location, ensuring effective treatment without affecting other areas. Finally, controlled release is critical to avoid early drug discharge, which can lead to side effects or diminished effectiveness. These aspects guide the development of various delivery systems, each designed to overcome different challenges in delivering medication.

Types of Drug Delivery Systems

Jen Prestipino: There are three main types of drug delivery systems: polymeric, inorganic, and lipid-based.

• Polymeric systems: These use natural or synthetic polymers that can break down in the body, making them safe for use. They can be tailored for better targeting but may face issues like aggregation.
• Inorganic systems: These rely on metal nanoparticles, which can be adjusted for size and charge. However, heavy metals can introduce toxicity risks.
• Lipid-based systems: Commonly known, especially after their role in COVID-19 vaccines, they can carry large amounts of drugs but may face challenges with liver uptake and toxicity.

Each system has pros and cons, making careful selection essential based on therapeutic needs.

Advantages of Silk Fibroin for Drug Delivery

Jen Prestipino: Silk fibroin has a rich history in medicine, from sutures to potential drug delivery systems. Its low immune response and strong, stable fibers make it a great choice for carrying drugs. The unique structure enhances biodegradation, allowing for sustained drug release, and it can be customized for specific delivery tasks. These features make silk fibroin an excellent candidate for developing safe, effective drug delivery systems.

How is Drug Encapsulation Efficiency Tested?

Jen Prestipino: We evaluate silk fibroin’s ability to encapsulate drugs using acetaminophen as a model



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Chitosan, Acetaminophen, Bacteria, Cell, Drug Delivery, Efficacy, Liver, Molecular Biology, Nanoparticles, Nanostructures, Polymers, Research, Spectrophotometer, Tissue Engineering