Bioengineers at Tufts University School of Engineering, Medford, MA, have demonstrated that silk-based implantable optics can enhance tissue imaging, administer heat, deliver and monitor drugs. In addition, the devices are biodegradable and biocompatible, harmlessly dissolving at predetermined rates and require no removal surgery.
For several years, Tufts researchers have been exploring ways to leverage silk's optical capabilities with its capacity as a resilient material that can stabilize materials while maintaining their biochemical functionality.
To create the optical devices, the Tufts bioengineers poured a purified silk protein solution into molds of multiple micro-sized prism reflectors, or microprism arrays (MPAs). The casts were air dried to form solid silk films. When implanted, the MPAs reflect back photons usually lost with reflection-based imaging, even in deep tissue. The researchers also demonstrated the silk mirrors’ potential to administer therapeutic thermal treatments and heat-stabilized drug delivery.
