Silk fibroin as a mucosal delivery vehicle for Griffithsin and antiviral compounds: effective protection of macaques and high acceptance among user groups

To determine the user acceptability of silk inserts, we held four focus groups in California during summer 2020. These groups were composed of sexually active women and men, both straight and gay, who were shown a variety of silk fibroin inserts. Participants discussed HIV prevention knowledge and practices in the context of varying relationship statuses, impacts of COVID-19 on their sexual activity, and their perceptions of the silk inserts. In focus groups, young, sexually active adults uniformly expressed positive sentiments and high interest when presented with silk inserts in an array of shapes and colors. These opinions included repeated preference for silk inserts over oral PrEP, due to the utility of silk inserts as spontaneous protection that did not require daily dosing.