BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS OF SILK FIBROIN FILMS AND 3D-SCAFFOLDS GRADUATION PROJECT SUBMITTED TO THE ENGINEERING FACULTY OF NEAR EAST UNIVERSITY by SENİHA OKTAR IN PARTIAL FULLFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING

Silk from Bombyx mori is a protein-based fiber. Bombyx mori silk fibroin (SF) is one of the most important candidates for biomedical materials based on biocompatibility, biodegradation, processability and excellent mechanical properties. The present study aims at the preparation of silk fibroin for possible applications in tissue engineering. Pure silk fibroin protein was extracted from Bombyx mori silk cocoon. This graduation project is to explain how silk fibroin is extracted from silk cocoon, purified and film casting process by UV irradiation, and preparation of silk fibroin scaffolds by freeze-drying method at -80C and -30C respectively. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS First and foremost I would like to thank my supervisor Assist. Prof. Dr. Terin Adalı and who has shown plenty of encouragement, patience, and support as she guided me through this endeavor fostering my development as an undergraduate student. Assist. Prof. Dr. Terin Adalı was also very generous and helpful in providing opportunities for the studies in laboratories, guiding me step-by-step through learning the necessities of working in a laboratory. This graduation project was generously supported by the Department of Biomedical Engineering of the Near East University. I am grateful to all supports. TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT...................................................................................................i ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.................................................................................ii CONTENTS.................................................................................................iii CHAPTER 1, INTRODUCTION...........................................................................1