Sericin-binded-deprotenized natural rubber film containing chitin whiskers as elasto-gel dressing

Here, we aims to demonstrate a simple concept in biomaterials design by using natural resources solely as raw materials to fabricate elastic wound care dressing. Elasto-gel films comprise of silk sericin (SRC), natural rubber (NR), and chitin whisker (CTW) were developed. A glue-like protein SRC found in silk cocoons is beneficial for the treatment of wounds due to its superior skin moisturizing ability. However, the pure SRC film is generally difficult to be fabricated because of its weak structural feature. This limitation was overcome by using NR as a binder which consecutively rendered elasticity and strength of the films. CTW was chosen as another component to promote ability of the films for tissue restoration. Before the film formation, protein in the natural rubber latex (NRL) was removed to avoid allergic and cytotoxic problems. The enzyme-treated NR/SRC (ETNR/SRC) films having different blend compositions were fabricated by solution casting technique. The highest amount of the SRC to gain an easy to handle ETNR/SRC film was 30%. The ETNR/SRC/CTW films having 20% SRC were fabricated and studied in comparison. Essential properties of the films as elastic wound care dressings were investigated and effect of the materials chemistry on the observed properties were discussed.