Transgenic silkworms producing functionalized silk with medical applications: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Silk, traditionally prized for its biocompatibility, strength, and versatility, has gained significant attention in the field of biomedical applications. Recent advancements in genetic engineering have led to the development of transgenic silkworms capable of producing functionalized silk with enhanced properties, making it suitable for a variety of medical applications. These innovations leverage the unique ability of silkworms to spin silk fibers and modify the protein structure to incorporate functional biomolecules such as antimicrobial peptides, growth factors, and anticancer agents. This review explores the state-of-the-art progress in creating transgenic silkworms that produce functionalized silk for medical applications. We focus on the genetic modifications that enable these advancements, the properties of the resulting silk, and the potential uses in wound healing, drug delivery, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. Furthermore, challenges related to scalability, safety, and regulatory approval are discussed, along with future directions for further development in this promising field.