Silk fibroin(SF) is a popular tissue engineering material because of its good biocompatibility, biodegradability, and low or no local inflammatory response. However, surface treatment is still needed to promote the adhesion of cells and scaffolds because SF has poor mechanical properties and is unstable. At present, surface treatments focus on surface sterilization, the interaction between cells and scaffolds, scaffold diameter, and surface modification of the SF scaffold. Sterilization methods mainly include methanol or ethanol immersion disinfection and ultraviolet and gamma ray irradiation. The toxicity and volatility of methanol affect cell survival, and gamma ray source and ultraviolet penetration abilities are limited. Hence, ethanol immersion is the most commonly used sterilization method. Other factors that can enhance the adhesion and proliferation of cells are interaction between cells, diameter and microenvironment, and surface modification of SF.
