Tissue Adhesives in Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery—Application of Silk Fibroin-Based Biomaterials

Abstract

Tissue adhesives have been successfully used in various kind of surgeries such as oral and maxillofacial surgery for some time. They serve as a substitute for suturing of tissues and shorten treatment time. Besides synthetic-based adhesives, a number of biological-based formulations are finding their way into research and clinical application. In natural adhesives, proteins play a crucial role, mediating adhesion and cohesion at the same time. Silk fibroin, as a natural biomaterial, represents an interesting alternative to conventional medical adhesives. Here, the most commonly used bioadhesives as well as the potential of silk fibroin as natural adhesives will be discussed.