Biocompatible Film Made from Silkworm Cocoon

A biocompatible film is needed to cover an open or wide wounds. In this research, biocompatible film is created from cocoon of silkworm Bombyx mori. The sericin and fibroin proteins of the cocoon were separated. Only fibroin protein of the cocoon was used for this purpose. The fibroin was ground mechanically in water. The resulting fibroin solution was dropped onto a glass surface and heated at 60oC until solidify to become a film. The microstructure of the membrane was investigated by using optical microscope. The human osteosarcoma cell line (U2OS) was cultivated for 24 hours. It was found that the cells are able to attach and grow on the fibroin film of Bombyx mori during following 24 hours as documented by microscopic observation. This is an indication that the fibers may be used as degradable biomaterial.