Extended release formulations using silk proteins for controlled delivery of therapeutics

The versatility of silk proteins makes them desirable biomaterials for a broad range of applications for controlled delivery of both small and large molecules. Further, the degradation profile leading to peptides and amino acids provides compatibility with pH-sensitive therapeutics. While silk sericin and spider silks are under study, silk fibroin extracted from silkworms (e.g. <i>Bombyx mori)</i> dominates pharmaceutical studies with silk. Silk fibroin can be formed into drug delivery tools for systemic or local injections, topical and transdermal applications, and implantation; depending on the target disease and therapeutic molecule. <i>In vitro</i> to <i>in vivo</i> correlations and scale-up needs are the next steps towards clinical applications.