Why use SilkMA?
Silk fibroin is known for its mechanical strength and biocompatibility. By modifying it into SilkMA, it becomes water-soluble and easy to process, while still maintaining its structural integrity after curing.
SilkMA is often chosen when:
- Stronger, more durable hydrogels are needed
- Structural stability is important
- Long-term culture or handling is required
It’s commonly used for:
- 3D cell culture
- Tissue engineering scaffolds
- 3D bioprinting
- Biomaterial and regenerative research
Key features
SilkMA offers a balance between strength and processability:
- Fast gelation under light (typically within seconds)
- Higher mechanical strength compared to many soft hydrogels
- Good printability for extrusion and light-based systems
- Stable structure after crosslinking
- Compatible with other hydrogels such as GelMA and HAMA
Available SilkMA Hydrogel Options
Smart MCs offers Silk Fibroin Methacryloyl (SilkMA) hydrogel as a photocrosslinkable silk-based hydrogel. Each 1 g SilkMA product is supplied as a set with LAP photoinitiator included.
SilkMA Set
Includes:
- 1 g SilkMA hydrogel
- 0.05 g LAP photoinitiator
SilkMA is supplied as a white, sponge-like material and is suitable for 3D cell culture, tissue engineering, bioprinting, and applications requiring stronger, more stable hydrogel structures.
Performance
SilkMA is designed for applications where both strength and control are important.
Based on our internal characterisation :
- Rapid photocuring under visible light
- Tunable stiffness depending on concentration
- Maintains structural integrity after printing or casting
- Supports cell encapsulation and 3D culture environments
Detailed characterisation data is available on request.
Custom options
We can modify SilkMA depending on your application, including:
- Peptide-functionalised hydrogels
- Composite hydrogel systems (e.g. SilkMA + GelMA)
- Tailored mechanical or biological properties
