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Manufacture and Drug Delivery Applications of Silk Nanoparticles
Published on: October 8, 2016
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Silkworm Sericin: Properties and Biomedical Applications.
Regina Inês Kunz1, Rose Meire Costa Brancalhão2, Lucinéia de Fátima Chasko Ribeiro2
1Department of Morphological Sciences, State University of Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790, 87020-900 Maringá, PR, Brazil.
Biomed Research International
|December 15, 2016
Summary
Silk sericin, a natural polymer from silkworms, offers significant biomedical and commercial value. Its unique properties enable diverse applications, from cosmetics and food to advanced medical treatments and biomaterials.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Textile Engineering
Background:
- Silk sericin is a natural protein byproduct of the silkworm, Bombyx mori, typically discarded by the textile industry.
- Sericin's recovery and reuse address environmental concerns and unlock its considerable scientific and commercial potential.
- The properties of sericin are influenced by extraction methods and silkworm genetics, affecting molecular weight and amino acid composition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the diverse physicochemical properties of silk sericin.
- To highlight the wide-ranging applications of sericin in biomedicine, food, cosmetics, and tissue engineering.
- To emphasize the value of utilizing sericin as a sustainable biomaterial.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on silk sericin extraction and characterization.
- Analysis of sericin's physicochemical properties, including amino acid profile and molecular weight.
- Compilation of documented applications across various industries based on sericin's functional attributes.
Main Results:
- Silk sericin possesses antioxidant, moisturizing, and UV-protective properties.
- Its composition and properties support applications in wound healing, cosmetics, and food products.
- Sericin demonstrates potential as an antitumour, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticoagulant agent.
- Further applications include use in tissue engineering, drug delivery, and as a cell culture medium.
Conclusions:
- Silk sericin is a versatile natural polymer with significant potential in numerous high-value applications.
- Sustainable recovery and utilization of sericin offer both environmental and economic benefits.
- Further research into sericin extraction and modification can optimize its biomaterial properties.
