Method for forming inorganic coatings

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a method for forming an inorganic coating on a protein template. The method comprises contacting the template with an anionic polymer interface followed by an inorganic material for a sufficient period of time to allow mineralization of the inorganic material thus forming an inorganic coating on the template. Preferably, the coating is aligned.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A composition having an aligned inorganic coating on a protein template, wherein the protein template comprises a silk protein and the silk protein comprises a beta-sheet structure. 
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the silk protein is silk fibroin. 
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 1  or  2 , wherein the protein template is of a form selected from the group consisting of fibers, films, hydrogels, foams, meshes, three-dimensional porous matrix, and any combinations thereof. 
     
     
         4 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the protein template further comprises a biologically or therapeutically active agent. 
     
     
         5 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the protein template comprises a biocompatible polymer. 
     
     
         6 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the composition further comprises an anionic polymer.