Silk fibroin‐based biomaterials for spinal cord injury repair: Recent advances and future prospects

Abstract Spinal cord injury (SCI) presents significant challenges due to the profound damage it causes to motor functions and sensory. The post‐trauma environment, characterized by the formation of cystic lesions and the absence of extracellular matrix, hinders neural regeneration and compromises the survival of transplanted cells. Biomaterials offer a promising avenue by providing a supportive environment for nerve repair. Silk fibroin (SF), a natural protein extracted from the cocoons of Bombyx mori silkworms, stands out for its exceptional biodegradability, biocompatibility, and adjustable mechanical properties. SF can be fabricated into various formats, including sponges, hydrogels, and fibers, making it highly adaptable for numerous biomedical applications such as tissue engineering, wound healing, and drug delivery. Recent advancements in SF‐based biomaterials have highlighted their potential in SCI repair by mimicking the native cellular microenvironment, promoting axonal growth, and facilitating tissue repair. This review focuses on the structure and properties of SF, its environmentally friendly processing methods, and the strategies for designing composite scaffolds using SF‐based biomaterials for SCI repair. It also examines future challenges and prospects in this promising field.