Preparation and characterization of fibroin nanoparticles obtained from Bombyx mori L. Pilamo 1 cocoons

Abstract

Silk fibroin (SF) is a biomacromolecule composed of proteins with properties, such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and low immunogenicity. Thus, Silk fibroin nanoparticles (FNps) overcome the disadvantages of non-degradable synthetic nanoparticles. We studied the structural and thermal properties of SF and FNps from Bombyx mori L. cross-breed Pilamo I cocoons. Raw fibroin (RF) was obtained using a sodium Na2CO3 solution as part of an experimental design to improve extraction, and FNps were obtained by denaturing RF with a ternary solution of CaCl2:H2O:CH3CH2OH, followed by precipitation using an anti-solvent method with propanol. Pilamo I cocoon, RF, and FNps were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy(SEM), and elemental chemical analysis of energy dispersive X-rays (EDS). The Light Scattering (DLS) and the thermal properties of RF and FNps were studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The FTIR results showed that sericin-free raw fibroin was obtained, and the SEM results showed that the nanometer-sized particles had a globular structure and apparent porosity. The differences in the enthalpy of the crystallization peaks in the DSC and TGA curves showed that the FNps had higher thermal stability than RF fibers. This result furthers the development of alternative materials as vehicles of active compounds from natural extracts.