Waste to Wealth: Exploring the Versatile Prospects of Discarded Silk SericinClick to copy article linkArticle link copied!
- Sneha Sabu MathewSneha Sabu MathewSchool of Energy Materials, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala 686560, IndiaMore by Sneha Sabu Mathew
- Hanna J. MariaHanna J. MariaSchool of Energy Materials, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala 686560, IndiaMore by Hanna J. Maria
- Benjamin J. AllardyceBenjamin J. AllardyceInstitute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Geelong, Victoria 3216, AustraliaMore by Benjamin J. Allardyce
- Rangam RajkhowaRangam RajkhowaInstitute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Geelong, Victoria 3216, AustraliaMore by Rangam Rajkhowa
- Sabu Thomas*Sabu Thomas*Email: [email protected]School of Energy Materials, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala 686560, IndiaDepartment of Chemical Sciences, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box. 17011, Doornfontein, Johannesburg 2028, South AfricaMore by Sabu Thomas
Abstract
Biorefinery, the process of converting biomass to value-added materials, is gaining significant interest because of the depletion of natural resources and an increasing awareness of the need for sustainable development and material production. Silk sericin, an abundantly available byproduct of the sericulture industry, has been identified for biorefinery usage since it is biodegradable, bioavailable, pH and temperature-responsive, naturally photoluminescent, has antioxidant properties, and is a GRAS and FDA-safe food additive. This Perspective examines the properties of sericin and its sources and discusses currently explored applications, including as a delivery system for drugs or genetic material, for wound healing, tissue engineering, media supplements, cosmetology, packaging materials, edible coating, and as bio adhesives. This Perspective examines the sources of sericin, its properties, and some of the currently explored applications. These include biomedical applications such as a delivery system for drugs or genetic material, wound healing, tissue engineering, media supplements, cosmetology, packaging materials, edible coating, and as bio adhesives. Finally, we highlight the recent developments in sericin modification to functionalize it for specific applications; this is a promising future direction that will further enhance the potential use of this valuable biomass.
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