Method for silk fibroin gelation using sonication

摘要

This invention provides for a process of rapidly forming silk fibroin gelation through ultrasonication. Under the appropriate conditions, gelation can be controlled to occur within two hours after the ultrasonication treatment. Biological materials, including viable cells, or therapeutic agents can be encapsulated in the hydrogels formed from the process and be used as delivery vehicles.

主权项

1. A process of rapidly forming silk fibroin gelation, the process comprising:
exposing an aqueous silk fibroin solution to a treatment comprising ultrasonication for a period of about 5 seconds to about 60 seconds to initiate gelation, wherein the power output of ultrasonication ranges from about 10% to about 50% amplitude, and wherein the silk fibroin is selected from the group consisting of silk produced by silkworms, silk produced by spiders and variants thereof.