Polymers are often employed in tissue engineering to replace damaged extracellular matrix (ECM). During the last few decades silk proteins have been extensively investigated concerning their use as biopolymers for the generation of biocompatible, artificial scaffolds. Including the low or absence of immune-response and lack of cell toxicity, silk proteins present interesting properties useful for tissue engineering and organ repair. Since cell–matrix interactions define the behaviour of cells and posterior graft integration, this review is focused on the influence of surface properties of silk scaffolds (wettability, charge, elasticity and biodegradability) on the biological activity (adhesion, proliferation and/or migration) of cells cultured thereon. Further, it is highlighted how the origin of silk proteins (natural source, regenerated or recombinantly produced), as well as the scaffold morphology and its treatment/post-treatment influence the scaffold surface properties in the context of biomedical applications.

Analyses of the pore size distribution in 3D matrices such as the cell-hydrogel interface are very useful when studying changes and modifications produced as a result of cellular growth and proliferation within the matrix, as pore size distribution plays an important role in the signaling and microenvironment stimuli imparted to the cells. However, the majority of the methods for the assessment of the porosity in biomaterials are not suitable to give quantitative information about the textural properties of these nano-interfaces.