What type of scaffold material is often used in tendon engineering to enhance mechanical properties?

Silk fibroin is often used in tendon engineering due to its remarkable mechanical properties and biocompatibility. It is a natural protein derived from silkworms and has been well-studied for its ability to mimic the structural and mechanical qualities of native tendon tissue. Silk fibroin scaffolds can provide the necessary tensile strength and flexibility required for tendon applications. Additionally, they exhibit excellent biocompatibility, promoting cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation, which are essential for successful tissue regeneration.

While other options like collagen and PGA (polyglycolic acid) also have beneficial properties for various tissue engineering applications, they may not offer the same level of mechanical strength and structural integrity as silk fibroin when specifically targeting tendon repair. This makes silk fibroin particularly suitable for enhancing the mechanical properties of scaffolds intended for tendon engineering.