Silk fibroin membranes with self‐assembled globular structures for controlled drug release

Abstract

ABSTRACT In this paper, we have evaluated the incorporation of a drug model and its release from silk fibroin (SF) membranes, analyzing the morphological, chemical, barrier, and biological properties. SF self‐assembled into stable globular structures, encapsulating the drug, when diclofenac sodium (DS) was incorporated into SF solution prior to membranes preparation. The membranes showed biostatic action and prevented microorganism permeation. Kinetic studies indicate that DS was released in 120 min, with Fickian diffusion as the main mechanism of release. Results of this paper emphasize the potential of SF in wound healing, with good barrier and biological properties. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020 , 137 , 48763.