IMMUNONEUTRAL SILK-FIBER-BASED MEDICAL DEVICES

摘要

Silk is purified to eliminate immunogenic components (particularly sericin) and is used to form tissue-supporting prosthetic devices for implantation. T he fabrics can carry functional groups, drugs, and other biological reagents. Applications include hernia repair, tissue wall reconstruction, and organ support, such as bladder slings. The silk fibers are arranged in parallel an d, optionally, intertwined (e.g., twisted) to form a construct; sericin may be extracted at any point during the formation of the fabric, leaving a constru ct of silk fibroin fibers having excellent tensile strength and other mechanica l properties.