Matrices based on silk fibroin from the non-mulberry silkworm Antheraea mylitta and the mulberry silkworm
Bombyx mori have demonstrated good applicability in regenerative medicine. However, the
cocoons of A. mylitta are underutilized in part due to their lack of solubility in traditional organic solvents.
Therefore, the present work investigates the solubilization and processing of degummed fibers obtained
from the cocoons of both silkworm species into hydrogels using ionic liquids (ILs). The developed hydrogels
exhibited a rubbery consistency, viscoelastic behavior and rapid degradation in the presence of protease
XIV. Scanning electron and confocal microscopy images suggest that human adipose stem cells
(hASCs) are able to adhere to and migrate at different levels within the hydrogel structures. Moreover,
the MTS assay demonstrated the maintenance of cell metabolic activity for up to 28 days, while DNA
quantification showed that hASCs were able to proliferate on the seeded hydrogels. The findings indicate
that complete IL removal from the fabricated hydrogels results in a positive hASCs cellular response. Thus
the present approach provides a unique opportunity to broaden the processability and application of silk
fibroin obtained from A. mylitta cocoons for regenerative medicine, namely cartilage regeneration.