Application of silk proteins spidroin, fibroin, and sericin-based cream for reparative skin regeneration in vivo

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Impaired reparative regeneration leads to insufficient extracellular matrix formation and the development of chronic wounds, necessitating a personalized therapeutic approach. In modern regenerative medicine, biopolymers such as silk proteins serve as the basis for wound dressings and drug delivery systems due to their unique properties. The biocompatibility, modulation of intracellular signaling pathways, and antibacterial activity of spidroin (spider silk protein), fibroin, and sericin (silkworm silk proteins) suggest their potential for wound healing applications.

AIM: To evaluate the effects of a spidroin, fibroin, and sericin-based cream on skin regeneration in rats.

METHODS: The study included 30 male rats, in which full-thickness excisional skin defects (20 mm in diameter) were created on the back. The animals were divided into three groups: the experimental group, which received daily applications of the test cream, and two control groups—one treated with 5% dexpanthenol and the other left to undergo natural wound healing. Planimetric and histomorphometric analyses, along with clinical blood tests, were performed to assess reparative regeneration and systemic reactive changes.

RESULTS: The application of the test cream significantly accelerated wound healing, with complete skin restoration in the experimental group by day 14 compared to the untreated control group. Analysis of inflammatory activity showed moderate granulocytosis and signs of acute posthemorrhagic anemia without pronounced inflammatory alterations in blood parameters. Additionally, immune cell infiltration was lower in the experimental group than in the controls.

CONCLUSION: The combination of spider silk proteins (spidroin) and silkworm silk proteins (fibroin and sericin) enhances cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation, promotes extracellular matrix formation, and exerts anti-inflammatory effects without immunogenic properties. These findings support the potential clinical use of this silk protein-based formulation as a therapeutic agent for treating wounds with pathological regeneration.

Keywords

skin regeneration / chronic wound / silk proteins / spidroin / fibroin / sericin

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