The molecular conformation of silk fibroin regulates osteogenic cell behavior by modulating the stability of the adsorbed protein-material interface.

ABSTRACT: Silk fibroin (SF) can be used to construct various stiff material interfaces to support bone formation. An essential preparatory step is to partially transform SF molecules from random coils to β-sheets to render the material water insoluble. However, the influence of the SF conformation on osteogenic cell behavior at the material interface remains unknown. Herein, three stiff SF substrates were prepared by varying the β-sheet content (high, medium, and low). The substrates had a comparable chemical composition, surface topography, and wettability. When adsorbed fibronectin was used as a model cellular adhesive protein, the stability of the adsorbed protein-material interface, in terms of the surface stability of the SF substrates and the accompanying fibronectin detachment resistance, inc

SUBMITTER: Long Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7878842 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature