RPI ID:
2019-087-401

Innovation Summary:
A non-covalent, bottom-up coating method enables the formation of silk fibroin-based layers on chemically inert and geometrically complex surfaces. The process uses kosmotropic agents to facilitate smooth, homogeneous coatings that are tunable in thickness and free of inhomogeneities. These coatings can incorporate organic or inorganic therapeutic additives and are compatible with both organic and inorganic substrates. Silk fibroin materials exhibit low cytotoxicity, minimal inflammatory response, and high thermal and solvent resistance, making them ideal for biomedical applications.

Challenges / Opportunities:
Existing surface modification methods struggle with chemically inert substrates, complex geometries, and compatibility with biologically active components. Covalent approaches require specific chemistries and toxic reagents, while non-covalent methods often yield incomplete or unstable coatings. This silk fibroin-based strategy offers a universal, biocompatible solution for creating stable, functional coatings across diverse materials and topographies.
Key Benefits / Advantages:
✔ Compatible with inert and complex surfaces
✔ Biocompatible and low cytotoxicity
✔ Tunable coating thickness
✔ Enables therapeutic molecule loading
✔ Solvent-free and non-toxic process
✔ Stable and homogeneous coatings

Applications:
• Biomedical implants
• Drug delivery devices
• Biosensors
• Regenerative medicine scaffolds
• Diagnostic surfaces

Keywords:
silk fibroin, surface coating, biomedical materials, drug delivery, non-covalent modification, biocompatibility

 

Intellectual Property:
Published US Patent Application No. 17/640,595