Silk2Heal - an antimicrobial wound healing patch for diabetic foot ulcers

Purpose and goal

Within this project we have investigated the possibility to combine two types of silk to develop a novel kind of wound care products. As a bulk material to fabricate patches with good mechanical properties and porosity, we have used silk from the silkworm. To incorporate advanced properties for slow healing wounds we have functionalised the material with antimicrobial properties. This is achieved by a coating of recombinantly produced silk which is bioactivated at genetic level with antimicrobial peptides.

Expected results and effects

By utilisation of silk-silk interactions between a patch made of silkworm silk and recombinant silk with specific function, we have developed a prototype of an advanced wound patch. In this way, it has been possible to incorporate antibacterial effect which is not provoking resistance of bacteria. The best guard against bacterial infections is to quickly heal the wound. Therefore we have used the same strategy to also incorporate bioactive functions which promote healing of skin cells.

Planned approach and implementation

Within this project we have combined the benefits of two types of silk. Our project partner in India has developed a strong and elastic bulk material with high porosity, which we can coat with advanced functions. In the beginning of the project we developed our two types of silk materials in parallel. Thereafter, the combination was optimized. Analyses of the functions obtained were performed at several laboratories, with complementary techniques.