Silk Fibroin Microsphere and Its Characterization

Using gel filtration chromatography, high molecular silk fibroin with high purity was obtained and silk flbroin microsphere particles (SFMP) could be simply made by spray dryer method. Also, some of the physicochemical properties of SFMP and morphology were investigated. The average molecular weight of pure silk fibroin protein dissolved in calcium chloride is about 61,500g/㏖ as measured by gel permeation chromatography. SFMP was spherical in shape, and particles, sized average of 2 ${\pm}$ 10 ${\mu}$, were observed by SEM and particle analyzer, respectively. Obtaining microspheres particles by spray dryer method accelerated the transition from the random coil to the $\beta$-sheet structure during spray dryer treatment. It was identified by the basic fourier transform infrared spectroscopy of SFMP. The swelling ratio of SFMP is majorly dependent on the pH of the solution, not on the occurred gelation. The characteristic structure, which might be applicable to immobilization of drugs is superior to other matrix materials for the use of biomaterials with skin affinity.