Emerging silk sericin-based formulation fortified with therapeutics in the management of diabetic wound and skin tissue regeneration.

Abstract

Sericin, a protein extracted from the cocoons of silkworms, has recently become an attractive biomaterial due to its potential as a good candidate for wound healing especially wounds seen in diabetic and immune-compromised patients. This review discusses the special biological nature of sericin such as its water-solubility and inherent moisturizing properties, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities, which can act synergistically to foster ideal conditions for wound healing. The incorporation of sericin into composite wound dressings along with other natural and synthetic polymers was found to improve the mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and overall therapeutic performance. Moreover, the review draws attention toward sericin-based materials in diabetic wound healing with a focus on promoting rapid tissue regeneration and cell proliferation and enhancing clinical outcomes that conventional therapeutics cannot serve. The review also discusses the challenges associated with the production and application of sericin-based wound dressings and outlines the prospects for this emerging field. As research continues to advance, silk sericin holds the potential to revolutionize wound care, offering innovative solutions for the effective and holistic management of complex wounds.