Engineering silk-based biomaterials: Extraction, modification, and reprocessing strategies in biomedical applications

Natural silk, renowned for its remarkable mechanical properties, biocompatibility, degradability, and scalability in production, has become a promising biomaterial for regenerative medicine. Recent advances in silk chemistry and biomaterials engineering have enabled functional modifications of silk and its derived proteins, introduced novel properties, and broadened their application potential. These innovations address limitations in conventional industrial materials, such as hydrogels, scaffolds, and films, thereby significantly expanding their practical utility. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of the structural characteristics of silk and its derived proteins, focusing on the methods used for their extraction, modification, and reprocessing. Furthermore, it explores the latest developments in silk-based biomaterials across three pivotal domains: regenerative medicine, drug delivery, and cosmetics. Finally, the review discusses current challenges and offers insights into the future prospects of silk-based biomaterials.