Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides compositions including silk fibroin and a phenol-containing polymer, wherein at least one tyrosine group of the silk fibroin is covalently crosslinked to at least one phenol group of the phenol-containing polymer. In some embodiments, the present invention also provides methods including the steps of providing silk fibroin, providing a phenol-containing polymer, associating the silk fibroin with the phenol-containing polymer to form a mixed solution, and crosslinking at least one tyrosine group in the silk fibroin and at least one phenol group of the phenol-containing polymer via at least one enzymatic reaction, wherein the crosslinking comprises covalent bonding between at least one tyrosine group of the silk fibroin and at least one phenol group of the phenol-containing polymer to form a crosslinked composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, a elastomeric biomaterial having enzymatically cross-linked amino acid phenolic side chains to generate highly elastic hydrogels. Materials are characterized by tunable mechanical properties, gelation kinetics and swelling properties of these new protein polymers. Provided materials are support encapsulation of cells. Methods of making and using of provided particles are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, a silk ceramic material having enzymatically cross-linked amino acid side chains to generate injectable and flexible foam ceramics. Provided are compositions and methods of producing soft, flexible ceramic foam with silk polymeric crosslinking to serve as binders. Materials have applications in osteochondral and dental replacement and repair.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides compositions including silk fibroin and a phenol-containing polymer, wherein at least one tyrosine group of the silk fibroin is covalently crosslinked to at least one phenol group of the phenol-containing polymer. In some embodiments, the present invention also provides methods including the steps of providing silk fibroin, providing a phenol-containing polymer, associating the silk fibroin with the phenol-containing polymer to form a mixed solution, and crosslinking at least one tyrosine group in the silk fibroin and at least one phenol group of the phenol-containing polymer via at least one enzymatic reaction, wherein the crosslinking comprises covalent bonding between at least one tyrosine group of the silk fibroin and at least one phenol group of the phenol-containing polymer to form a crosslinked composition.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides, among other things, systems for processing silk. Provided systems purify silk fibroin solutions without inducing conformational changes in the silk proteins. Provided systems concentrate silk fibroin solutions. The present disclosure also provides methods of purifying and concentrating silk fibroin solutions. Provided systems and methods are useful for processing silk fibroin for any application.

Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, a silk ceramic material having enzymatically cross-linked amino acid side chains to generate injectable and flexible foam ceramics. Provided are compositions and methods of producing soft, flexible ceramic foam with silk polymeric crosslinking to serve as binders. Materials have applications in osteochondral and dental replacement and repair.

Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, a elastomeric biomaterial having enzymatically cross-linked amino acid phenolic side chains to generate highly elastic hydrogels. Materials are characterized by tunable mechanical properties, gelation kinetics and swelling properties of these new protein polymers. Provided materials are support encapsulation of cells. Methods of making and using of provided particles are also disclosed.