On the afternoon of 19th December 2024, the Biomed-X Seminar No. 123 of Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute was successfully held at A203, ZJE Building. Invited by researcher Wenwen Huang, Professor Chengchen Guo gave an academic report on “Silk-based Biomaterials: Structures, Processing, and Biomedical Applications”.
Professor Chengchen Guo has been deeply involved in the field of biomedical engineering for many years. He has developed a range of protein-based biomaterials used in applications such as bone repair and soft tissue engineering, and has achieved the first thermoplastic processing of natural silk proteins. He introduced that the Silk-based biomaterials have emerged as versatile and sustainable candidates for biomedical applications, owing to their unique hierarchical structures, biocompatibility, and tunable mechanical properties. This talk also discussed the structure–property relationships of silk and the development of advanced techniques for processing silk into versatile materials, including controlled molecular assembly, thermal processing, and biomimetic 3D printing. These methods have expanded the material's utility in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and therapeutic systems. Moreover, chemical modifications of silk fibroin provide new avenues for tailoring its primary structure to achieve targeted functionalities, paving the way for next-generation biomaterials. By bridging fundamental insights and technological innovation, silk-based materials hold immense promise for redefining sustainable approaches in biomedicine.
During the event, faculty and students actively engaged in discussions, demonstrating their open-minded approach to academic exploration and critical thinking about research questions. Professor Guo patiently and thoroughly answered every question, deepening the understanding and insights of participants in this field.
As the 123rd session of the Biomed-X Seminar series, this report underscores the institute's commitment to fostering high-level academic exchanges through its academic brand building efforts. The institute will continue to provide a platform for faculty and students to engage in cutting-edge scientific discussions.
