The use of silk fibroin in veterinary medicine is a new perspective in the management of musculoskeletal injuries, particularly in equine practice, where the demand for biocompatible, durable materials capable of supporting functional healing is exceptionally high. In equine surgery, fibroin is now used in different forms—three-dimensional scaffolds, membranes, or gels—to stimulate the regeneration of damaged tissues and improve the outcome of complex procedures such as tendon or ligament repairs. Its protein structure, both stable and adaptable, creates an environment conducive to cellular reorganization and to the restoration of the tissue’s original biomechanical properties. This feature is especially valuable in large animals subjected to intense and repetitive mechanical loads, where a failed repair or nonfunctional scarring often marks the end of a sporting career.
Tendon regeneration in competition animals
Tendon injuries are among the most feared conditions in competition animals, particularly in racehorses and show jumpers. Healing of an injured tendon is a slow, complex, and often incomplete process that tends to generate fibrotic tissue with poor elasticity, predisposing the animal to reinjury. The introduction of fibroin has brought a significant breakthrough, as it promotes orderly regeneration of the extracellular matrix and supports tenocyte proliferation. Several experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated that local injection of fibroin gels or implantation of customized scaffolds leads to faster recovery and a safer return to athletic activity, with a lower recurrence rate. When combined with mesenchymal stem cells or specific growth factors—such as TGF-β and PDGF—fibroin further enhances the regenerative response, improving both the quality of the newly formed tissue and its integration with the preexisting tendon structure.
Bioactive interface and inflammation control
Beyond its mechanical performance, fibroin stands out for its ability to modulate the local inflammatory response, a key element in effective tendon regeneration. Unlike many traditional synthetic materials that trigger undesirable immune reactions, fibroin selectively interacts with immune cells, fostering a pro-healing microenvironment. The peptide fragments released during its controlled degradation stimulate the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines and promote macrophage polarization toward the M2 phenotype, known for its reparative role. Clinically, this translates into reduced edema, pain, and fibrosis risk, allowing earlier and safer rehabilitation. In some experimental protocols, fibroin is further functionalized with anti-inflammatory or antibiotic molecules, creating smart delivery systems that protect the surgical site and sustain tissue regeneration over time.
Tissue engineering strategies and personalized treatment
Tissue engineering technologies based on fibroin are enabling a level of treatment customization that was unthinkable until recently in veterinary surgery. Thanks to 3D printing and additive manufacturing techniques, it is now possible to create patient-specific scaffolds that reproduce the morphology and mechanical properties of the injured tendon, such as the superficial digital flexor tendon or the suspensory ligament. These structures can be enriched with autologous stem cells and surgically implanted, providing a dynamic support that evolves with the different phases of tissue healing. Even in smaller athletic animals, such as greyhounds and agility dogs, fibroin-based matrices have shown encouraging results, with faster functional recovery and improved tissue quality compared to traditional repair techniques. The ability to fine-tune the porosity and degradation rate of fibroin makes it a highly versatile material, adaptable to the biological and biomechanical requirements of each species and anatomical region.
Future perspectives and clinical translation
The future of fibroin in veterinary regenerative medicine appears particularly promising. Its integration with nanotechnology, 3D bioprinting, and controlled-release systems for bioactive factors opens the way to increasingly effective and personalized treatments. In advanced equine surgical centers, fibroin is already becoming a core element of multimodal rehabilitation protocols, alongside cell therapies, laser treatment, and shockwave therapy. Ongoing research now focuses on standardizing clinical protocols, assessing long-term mechanical resistance, and evaluating the biomechanical performance of regenerated tissues. As these technologies transition from experimental settings to routine clinical practice, fibroin is emerging as one of the most promising biomaterials in veterinary regenerative medicine—offering new therapeutic possibilities and improving both the quality of life and the athletic careers of competition animals.
