Silk fibroin–Zinc Metal-Organic Framework interface (SF-Zn-MOF)

The Silk fibroin–Zinc Metal-Organic Framework (SF-Zn-MOF) interface represents a hybrid biomaterial system combining the structural biocompatibility of silk fibroin with the high porosity and functional versatility of zinc-based metal-organic frameworks, such as ZIF-8 (Mao et al., 2018, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces). This interface is primarily utilized in regenerative medicine and drug delivery rather than acting as a biological receptor or enzyme target. The silk fibroin component provides a flexible, biodegradable matrix that enhances the stability and biocompatibility of the MOF particles, which are often used to encapsulate antimicrobial agents or growth factors (PubMed: 30141903). In therapeutic applications, the interface governs the release kinetics of loaded drugs and the degradation-dependent release of bioactive zinc ions, which possess inherent antibacterial properties and promote osteogenesis or wound healing (He et al., 2019, Chemical Engineering Journal). While not a therapeutic target itself, the SF-Zn-MOF interface is a critical engineering component in the development of advanced wound dressings and tissue engineering scaffolds. Its performance is defined by the coordination chemistry between the amino/carboxyl groups of the silk protein and the zinc centers of the MOF (PubMed: 29451757).

Other names

Silk fibroin-ZIF-8 compositeSF-Zn-MOF hybridSilk fibroin-Zinc MOF scaffoldSF/ZIF-8 interfaceSilk fibroin-Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 composite

The interface facilitates the controlled release of encapsulated therapeutic agents and bioactive metal ions (e.g., Zn2+) through matrix degradation and diffusion, while providing a biocompatible structural environment for tissue regeneration.