Abstract
Objective: To fabricate and investigate the properties of fibroin and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogels containing sericin prepared using high-pressure carbon dioxide (CO(2)). Approach: In this study, fibroin/PVA hydrogels with and without sericin were prepared using the high-pressure CO(2) method. The physical and mechanical properties of the hydrogels were investigated using field-emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry, and the swelling, water retention, and compressive properties were assessed. Results: The hydrogels obtained from the combination of fibroin and PVA presented a compositional gradient along the hydrogel thickness and structure. The upper layer of the hydrogel consisted of a fibroin-based hydrogel blended with PVA, whereas the lower layer contained only fibroin. The mechanical properties regarding compression of the fibroin/PVA hydrogel were significantly better than those of the pure fibroin hydrogel, for hydrogels with and without sericin. Moreover, the mechanical properties of the hydrogels with sericin were significantly better than those without sericin. The water contents of all samples were >90%. Innovation: This study assessed a new combination of a wound healing agent and a biomaterial dressing. Moreover, this hydrogel production technique used a clean method without the need for a chemical crosslinking agent. Conclusion: The combination of the fibroin and PVA hydrogel and sericin prepared using the high-pressure CO(2) method led to good physical properties. This material may be a candidate for medical applications.