Application of Silk Fibroin Hydrogel in Bone Tissue Engineering

Abstract

Silk fibroin (SF) hydrogel has emerged as a promising biomaterial for bone tissue engineering (BTE) due to its excellent biocompatibility, controllable degradation, and versatile processing capabilities. This review summarizes recent advancements in the application of SF hydrogel and its composites in BTE, focusing on its properties, preparation methods, and innovative modifications to enhance mechanical strength and biofunctionality. The shape of hydrogel improves the biocompatibility of SF material, making it better used in bone tissue engineering. SF hydrogel has demonstrated significant potential in addressing bone defects, osteoarthritis, periodontal regeneration, antibiotic delivery, and stem cell therapy. Composite materials, such as collagen, chitosan, and alginate, further expand its applications by improving mechanical and biological performance. The introduction of more composite materials further enhanced the application of SF hydrogel in bone tissue engineering. Despite these advancements, challenges remain, including the need for improved mechanical properties, reduced immune responses, and more extensive clinical validation. Future research should prioritize large-animal studies and clinical trials to facilitate the translation of SF hydrogel-based therapies into clinical practice.