In vivo reparative regeneration of skin using a cream based on silk proteins: spidroin, fibroin, and sericin

BACKGROUND: Disruption of the stages of reparative regeneration leads to insufficient formation of the extracellular matrix and the development of chronic wounds, which require a personalized therapeutic approach. Modern regenerative medicine utilizes biopolymers, such as silk proteins, as the basis for wound dressings and drug delivery systems, which possess a number of unique properties. The biocompatibility, influence on intracellular signaling pathways, and antibacterial activity of spidroin (spider silk protein), fibroin, and sericin (the basis of insect silk) make them potentially applicable as wound healing agents. AIM: The aim of the study is to characterize the effect of a cream based on a solution of silk spidroin, fibroin, and sericin proteins on skin regeneration in a comparative experiment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 30 male rats with surgically created full-thickness excisional skin defects measuring 20 mm in diameter on their backs. The rats were then divided into three groups: group 1 received daily topical application of the investigated cream, group 2 received a commercial panthenol product, group 3 served as the control group, with wounds left to heal spontaneously. The process of reparative regeneration and reactive changes were assessed through clinical blood analysis, planimetric measurements of wound closure, and histomorphometric analysis of tissue samples. RESULTS: The treatment group exhibited a positive trend in wound healing (p=0.010) with faster complete skin closure (by day 14) compared to the control group. Evaluation of the inflammatory response revealed no significant changes in blood parameters (moderate granulocytosis and signs of acute posthemorrhagic anemia) and reduced immune cell infiltration compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: The combination of spider silk proteins (spidroin) and insect silk proteins (fibroin and sericin) has the potential to enhance cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation, as well as extracellular matrix production. They also exhibit anti-inflammatory activity without possessing immunogenic properties. These characteristics provide a basis for the potential use of these proteins as standalone therapeutic agents, including in the clinical management of wounds with impaired healing.