Preparation and characterization of novel silk protein-based material for orthopaedic internal fixation
PU Xiaobing
ZHENG Guan
SHI Chenglong
FENG Xinglong
ZHANG Tao
XIA Hong
YIN Qingshui
ZHANG Yu
Abstract：Objective To explore the preparation method and characterization of a new silk protein-based material used for orthopaedic internal fixation. Methods Unglued natural cocoon was dissolved by ternary solution, and then the material with good mechanical properties was obtained after the treatment of dialysis, freeze-drying and redissolution. Microstructures of the surface and cross section of the material were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), main components and elements on the surface of the material were measured by energy disperse spectrometer, and the characteristic spectral lines were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer; Thermal properties, contact angles, biomechanical properties, water absorption and degradation characteristics were examined simultaneously. Results Dense structure of the material was observed by SEM, carbon, nitrogen and oxygen were the major elements in the surface of the material, and the absorption peaks showed obvious distribution at 1622.44 cm-1 and 1513.98 cm-1 when using FTIR spectrometer. Thermogravimetric analyzer and differential scanning calorimeter tests proved that the material had the property of good thermal tolerance; Contact angle was (106.8 ± 0.9)° , displaying significantly hydrophobic feature;Biomechanical test showed the average maximum load was (437 ± 52) N, which was enough to meet the current mechanical need for orthopaedic fixation. Modified material was still absorbent and biodegradable: speed of water absorption began increasing 2 h after being soaked, and it reached saturation after 48 hours' soaking, with the maximum of the rate of water uptake was (30.7 ± 0.3) %; Diameter of the material increased with the soaking time, and the increasing rate of diameter reached (17.9 ± 1.5)% at 48 h after soaking; The degradation curve of the material conformation was in accordance with the rules of second-order function. Conclusion New developed silk protein-based material for orthopaedic internal fixation has the advantages of dense structure, good thermal tolerance, high mechanical stability and biodegradability.
Keywords：SilkFracture fixationinternalBiocompatible materialsProtein structuresecondaryBiomechanicsTemperaturePhysicsSolubilityBiodegradationenvironmental
Publication Date：2016-01-01
Online Publishing Date：2025-08-15(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：8( 158-165 )