12/3/2010
In vitro biocompatibility of electrospun silk fibroin mats with Schwann cells
( 3490–3494)Journal of Applied Polymer  Science 119 #6 (2010)
Xu et al showed that the electrospun SF mats had a nanofibrous structure with favorable physical properties and supported the survival and growth of the cultured Schwann cells. The results suggest that the electrospun SF mats might become a candidate scaffold for tissue-engineered nerve grafts to promote peripheral nerve regeneration.  (RDC 12/9/2010)

11/26/2010
Evaluation of gel spun silk-based biomaterials in a murine model of bladder augmentation  
 (808-818) Biomaterials 32  #3 (2011)
Mauney et al evaluated the efficacy of a gel spun silk-based matrix for bladder augmentation in a murine model.  They showed that silk matrices were capable of supporting both urothelial and smooth muscle regeneration at the defect site.  Gel spun silk-based matrices are useful for functional bladder tissue engineering applications.  (RDC 11/22/2010)
Multilayered silk scaffolds for meniscus tissue engineering  
(639-651) Biomaterials 32  #2 (2011)
Mandal et al of Tufts University attempted to fabricate a knee meniscus grafts three layered wedge shaped silk meniscal scaffold system engineered to mimic native meniscus architecture.  The scaffolds were seeded with human fibroblasts (outside) and chondrocytes (inside) in a spatial separated mode similar to native tissue.  Improved scaffold mechanical properties along with ECM alignment with time in culture suggest this multiporous silk construct as a useful micro-patterned template for directed tissue growth with respect to form and function of meniscus-like tissue.  (RDC 11/22/2010)