Extraction and characterization of sericin obtained from unreelable cocoons of Bombyx mori L.

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 College of Temperate Sericulture, Mirgund, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Science and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Shalimar, J&K, India

2 Division of Plant Biotechnology, CSIR - Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Sanatnagar, Srinagar - 190005, J&K, India.

3 Cancer Pharmacology Division, CSIR - Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Sanatnagar, Srinagar - 190005, J&K, India

4 Fermentation and Microbiology Division, CSIR - Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Sanatnagar, Srinagar - 190005, J&K, India

Abstract

Silkworm, Bombyx mori L. cocoon is a protective covering consisting of two important proteins, sericin and fibroin. Sericin, a water-soluble protein that represents about 30% of the cocoon weight is perse dissolved by cooking to unwind the silk filament from the cocoon during reeling. In the present study, the sericin was extracted from cut cocoons. Extraction was carried out by two methods i.e., open boiling and autoclave method at different time regimes ,30, 60 and 90 min. The recovery of crude sericin powder was done by hot air drying and freeze drying. Maximum recovery (14.12 ± 0.05 %) of crude sericin powder was obtained when extraction was carried out by autoclave method and drying by lyophilization. The sericin samples were studied for qualitative, quantitative, and biological criteria.  The autoclave extraction showed maximum protein content and protein purity as compared to open boiling method. The maximum gelation formation in the extracted samples was observed for 60 minutes followed by a time of 30 minutes. Differential molecular weight protein bands were observed at three-time intervals. A molecular weight of 15-25 KDa was obtained in the sample extracted for 30 min and 60 min. While reduced molecular weight ranges of 10-15 KDa were obtained when extraction was carried for 90 min. The sericin showed concentration dependent antioxidant activity to the tone of 64 ± 7 % at 40 mg/mL concentration. Sericin did not show any antibacterial and antifungal activity. Results of this study suggests sericin protein can be used in cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food industry. 

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