Gene

Engineering

Sericin

Polymer chemistry

Metallurgy

Materials science

Biodegradation

Biochemistry

SILK

Biomaterial

Bombyx mori

Drug delivery

Nanotechnology

Organic chemistry

Self-healing hydrogels

Biocompatibility

Fibroin

Composite material

Chemistry

Pulp and paper industry

Polymer science

Polymers

Silk is a natural composite fiber composed mainly of hydrophobic fibroin and hydrophilic sericin, produced by the silkworm Bombyx mori. In the textile industry, the cocoons of B. mori are processed into silk fabric, where the sericin is substantially removed and usually discarded in wastewater. This wastewater pollutes the environment and water sources. However, sericin has been recognized as a potential biomaterial due to its biocompatibility, immunocompatibility, biodegradability, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant and photoprotective properties. Moreover, sericin can produce hydrogels, films, sponges, foams, dressings, particles, fibers, etc., for various biomedical and pharmaceutical applications (e.g., tissue engineering, wound healing, drug delivery, cosmetics). Given the severe environmental pollution caused by the disposal of sericin and its beneficial properties, there has been growing interest in upcycling this biomaterial, which could have a strong and positive economic, social and environmental impact.

Silk Sericin: A Promising Sustainable Biomaterial for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Applications