Abstract Silk fibroin from silk gland of Bombyx mori 5th
instar larvae was utilized to fabricate films, which may find
possible applications as two-dimensional matrices for tissue
engineering. Bombyx mori cocoon fibroin is well
characterized as potential biomaterial by virtue of its good
mechanical strength, water stability, thermal properties,
surface roughness and biocompatibility. The present study
aims to characterize the biophysical, thermal, mechanical,
rheological, swelling properties along with spectroscopic
analysis, surface morphology and biocompatibility of the
silk gland fibroin films compared with cocoon fibroin.
Fibroin solutions showed increased turbidity and shear
thinning at higher concentration. The films after methanol
treatment swelled moderately and were less hydrophilic
compared to the untreated. The spectroscopic analysis of
the films illustrated the presence of various amide peaks
and conformational transition from random coil to b sheet
on methanol treatment. X-ray diffraction studies also
confirmed the secondary structure. Thermogravimetric
analysis showed distinct weight loss of the films. The films
were mechanically stronger and AFM studies showed
surfaces were rougher on methanol treatment. The matrices
were biocompatible and supported L929 mouse fibroblast
cell growth and proliferation. The results substantiate the
silk gland fibroin films as potential biomaterial matrices.