Silk-based scaffolds for tissue engineering and reconstructive surgery: mechanical and structural properties

Silk is a promising natural biomaterial that combines mechanical strength, biocompatibility, and controlled biodegradation, making it highly suitable for scaffold creation for clinical practice. This study investigates how different processing methods influence the morphological and mechanical characteristics of silk-based scaffolds. The fi ndings showed that varying the processing conditions facilitates the production of materials with tailored properties, ranging from dense, mechanically robust structures to porous, rapidly degradable scaffolds. Highdensity samples (Fibroplen-Atlas) exhibited substantial mechanical stability, making them promising candidates for surgical applications in mechanically demanding areas such as ligaments, fascia, and tendons. In contrast, more porous scaffolds (Fibroplen-Gas) demonstrated accelerated biodegradation, which is advantageous for soft tissue regeneration. These results highlight the potential of silk scaffolds for personalized applications, where the balance between mechanical stability and biodegradation rate can be adjusted according to specific clinical needs.