Silkworm Cocoon Research Articles

Toxicological effects of dimethlybenzeneanthracene in Balb C mice and pharmacological intervention by silk sericin-conjugated silver nanoparticles.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as 7, 12-dimethylbenzneanthracene (DMBA), due to long-term bioaccumulation cause serious physiological processes and behavioral dysfunctions such as cancer, ageing, and hypertension. Silk sericin (SS) is instrumental in cancer applications due to presence of flavonoids and carotenoids which are natural pigments, present in the layer of sericin that has antioxidant and antityrosinase activity. It reduces oxidative stress and suppresses cancer cytokines while interacting with reactive oxygen species (ROS) to stand against lipid peroxidation. Recent research was focused to calculate the pharmacological intervention of sericin-conjugated silver nanoparticles (S-AgNO3 NPs) against DMBA-induced toxicity. For this purpose, SS protein was extracted from silkworm cocoons by degumming process and the prepared S-AgNO3 NPs via a green synthesis. In female albino mice, a total of 50 mg/kg oral administration of DMBA was used for the induction of toxicity which required almost 8 to 10 weeks approximately. After 60 days of experimentation, mice were dissected, blood samples were collected for further hematological and biochemical analysis and were euthanized via cervical dislocation. There was a significant rise in the level of red blood cells, platelets, lymphocytes, and hemoglobin at the highest applied concentration of sericin and its nanoparticles. Similarly, a reasonable decline was observed in the level of white blood cells, neutrophils, eosinophils, and monocytes as compared to the cancer-inducing group. The level of glutathione, lactate dehydrogenase, and alkaline phosphatase as well as immunoglobulins such as immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and immunoglobulin M (IgM) were significantly reduced in all treatment groups as compared to the DMBA-induced group. Substantial effects were demonstrated in response to S-AgNO3 NPs II (T) at the highest concentrations (200 mg/kg, BW) as follows: glutathione (2.42 ± 0.26 μmol/L), lactate dehydrogenase (493.6 ± 5.78 U/L), alkaline phosphatase (158.4 ± 6.35 U/L), IgA (4.22 ± 0.19 g/L), IgG (70 ± 1.70 g/L), and IgM (4.76 ± 0.12). The histopathological study of the liver, kidneys, and brain revealed that the DMBA-induced group showed cytotoxic effects against all selected organs of mice that were recovered by treatment of selective compounds but highly effective recovery was seen in S-AgNO3 NPs II (T). These results concluded that silk S-AgNO3 NPs showed significant pharmacological potential against cancer-inducing toxicity.

Bombyx vs Sericum: The Humanists’ «Invention» of European Silk at the End of the 15th – First Half of the 16 th Century

This paper deals with the humanists’ historical interpretation of the origin of silk in Europe. The lasting progress of Italian sericulture aroused the interest of intellectuals who turned to study ancient texts on the question of sericulture. Within the growing interest to the origin of things, special attention was paid to the beginnings of silk production in Europe. Based on ancient texts humanists cultivated an idea that in ancient times the women of is Island were the first to learn how to unravel silkworm cocoons for the production of bombazine, called in Latin bombyx. When in the first half of 16th century the work of Procopius of Caesarea «History of Wars» came into knowledge, a new revision began. The renaissance thinkers started to criticize the concept of the ancient sericulture on Cos. It was little by little replaced with the idea that the production technology of «real», Chinese silk (called in Latin sericum) was not known in Europe until the reign of Justinian. This conclusion was one of the factors that predetermined a revision of the authority of ancient knowledge for the modern science.

МАТЕМАТИЧЕСКАЯ МОДЕЛЬ ТЕМПА ИЗМЕНЕНИЯ ТЕМПЕРАТУРЫ ВНУТРИ СОЛНЕЧНОЙ ТЕПЛОВОЙ УСТАНОВКИ ДЛЯ ЗАМАРИВАНИЯ КОКОНОВ ТУТОВОГО ШЕЛКОПРЯДА

In view of reducing the consumption of fuel and energy resources required for immobilizing the pupa of live silkworm cocoons, a high-performance solar thermal device designed for killing the pupa of cocoons is being proposed in this work. This portable device can be transported by any vehicle and handled by a single operator, and it does not require any special qualifications. Application of this device enables the saving of 100% of fuel and energy resources consumed in existing conveyor-type cocoon drying aggregates at the premises destined for the primary processing of cocoons. Experiments to study temperature conditions inside a solar thermal device with loaded living cocoons were carried out in industrial settings. Measurements of the ambient temperature inside the solar thermal unit and the flux of total solar radiation incident on the horizontal surface of the solar device were made by means of proven tools. Based on the findings from experimental investigations, a mathematical model of the rate of change in the temperature of cocoons inside a solar thermal device has been developed and proposed, taking into account the thermal characteristics of its enclosing elements, the arrival of solar radiation, and changes in ambient temperature. This mathematical model will enable the development of a solar thermal device for a similar purpose for the required temperatures inside the device.

SILKWORM COCOONS WASTE AS AN INNOVATIVE ADSORBENT FOR RAINWATER PURIFICATION

Heavy metal pollution of water bodies is a serious environmental problem, especially in developingcountries. The search for environmentally friendly and efficient adsorbents for water purificationhas been the subject of extensive research. The research examined the possibility of using cheapand renewable silkworm cocoon waste as potential adsorbents for rainwater pollution. The wastecocoons of the mulberry silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) came from the Institute of Natural Fibres andMedicinal Plants - National Research Institute (IWNiRZ-PIB) in Poznań. Rainwater was collected froma galvanised drain pipe that drains water from a felt roof, located in the city of Tychy. It was shownthat rainwater contained many micropollutants including alkanes, esters and carboxylic acids. Theadsorbent was characterised by high adsorption capacity of the micropollutants under study. Therewas a 70% removal of neadecanoic acids and a 90% removal of esters. The silkworm cocoon was alsofound to have considerable efficiency in the removal of zinc from rainwater at a level of 61–90% (dosefrom 2g/L to 10g/L). The lowest dose allows zinc removal below the value standardised according to theregulation. The adsorption time needed to establish equilibrium was short and amounted to 20 min.

Super silkworm cocoons constructed by multi-silkworm larvae: Promising composites with dense structures and excellent mechanical properties

A normal silkworm cocoon (NSC) with a unique nonwoven structure is usually spun by a single silkworm larva. Notably, there is a special Bombyx mori genetic resource that many (three or more) mature larvae tend to collectively spin into one cocoon, which was named “multi-silkworm cocoon” (“MSC”). However, the MSCs display loose structure and poor mechanical properties which limits their further application. In this study, a series of hybrid silkworm cocoons (HMSCs) are obtained by hybridizing “MSC” with a selected commercial silkworm strain successfully. The morphology, microstructures, and mechanical properties of cocoons constructed by one to three silkworm larvae were characterized and compared. The results indicated that about 48.3 % of silkworm larvae could create double and triple cocoons in the F1 generation of the silkworm hybrid, displaying robust fiber networks and dense structures. The mechanical characteristics of the HMSCs, including the tensile, peeling, compression, and needle penetration resistance properties, exceeded those of MSCs, showing significant application potential for high-performance bio-composites. This study provides a practical approach for obtaining silkworm cocoons with controllable structures and mechanical properties to develop and fabricate natural composite and biomimetic materials.

A Sterile, Injectable, and Robust Sericin Hydrogel Prepared by Degraded Sericin.

The application of sericin hydrogels is limited mainly due to their poor mechanical strength, tendency to be brittle and inconvenient sterilization. To address these challenges, a sericin hydrogel exhibiting outstanding physical and chemical properties along with cytocompatibility was prepared through crosslinking genipin with degraded sericin extracted from fibroin deficient silkworm cocoons by the high temperature and pressure method. Our reported sericin hydrogels possess good elasticity, injectability, and robust behaviors. The 8% sericin hydrogel can smoothly pass through a 16 G needle. While the 12% sericin hydrogel remains intact until its compression ratio reaches 70%, accompanied by a compression strength of 674 kPa. 12% sericin hydrogel produce a maximum stretch of 740%, with breaking strength and tensile modulus of 375 kPa and 477 kPa respectively. Besides that, the hydrogel system demonstrated remarkable cell-adhesive capabilities, effectively promoting cell attachment and, proliferation. Moreover, the swelling and degradation behaviors of the hydrogels are pH responsiveness. Sericin hydrogel releases drugs in a sustained manner. Furthermore, this study addresses the challenge of sterilizing sericin hydrogels (sterilization will inevitably lead to the destruction of their structures). In addition, it challenges the prior notion that sericin extracted under high temperature and pressure is difficult to directly cross-linked into a stable hydrogel. This developed hydrogel system in this study holds promise to be a new multifunctional platform expanding the application area scope of sericin.

In Vitro Wound Healing Potential of a Fibroin Film Incorporating a Cannabidiol/2-Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin Complex.

This study aimed to develop a film dressing prepared by incorporating a complex of cannabidiol and 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (CBD/HP-β-CD) into a fibroin-based film and to investigate its wound healing capabilities. The fibroin from silkworm cocoons exhibited a total protein content of 96.34 ± 0.14% w/w and a molecular weight range of 25 to 245 kDa. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed the presence of characteristic amide peaks (I, II, and III) in the isolated fibroin. The CBD/HP-β-CD complex, prepared with a molar ratio of 1:2 (CBD to HP-β-CD), had 81.5 ± 1.2% w/w CBD content, as determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). X-ray diffraction (XRD) and FTIR analyses demonstrated successful encapsulation of CBD's hydrophobic aromatic rings by HP-β-CD. Blending the fibroin solution with the CBD/HP-β-CD complex produced a transparent, slightly yellowish film. Mechanical testing revealed a tensile strength of 48.67 ± 2.57 MPa and a % elongation at a break of 1.71 ± 0.21%. XRD and FTIR analyses showed distinctive crystalline and chemical structures of the film. In subsequent in vitro experiments with normal human dermal fibroblasts, the film demonstrated potential for wound healing. An increase in cell division (G2/M phase) was observed compared to the fibroin film without the CBD/HP-β-CD complex. Additionally, fibroblasts treated with the film exhibited enhanced cell migration in a scratch assay and increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor protein compared to the control group. Overall, these findings underscore the film's potential for enhancing wound healing outcomes.

Highly efficient expression of human extracellular superoxide dismutase (rhEcSOD) with ultraviolet-B-induced damage-resistance activity in transgenic silkworm cocoons.

Extracellular superoxide dismutase (EcSOD) protects tissues from oxidative stress, and thus is considered as a therapeutic agent for many diseases such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, and cancer. However, cost-effective production of bioactive recombinant human EcSOD (rhEcSOD) remains a challenge. Herein, we developed an efficient strategy for producing active rhEcSOD by transgenic silkworms. rhEcSOD was successfully synthesized as homodimers and homotetramers in the middle silk gland and spun into the cocoons with a concentration of 9.48±0.21mg/g. Purification of rhEcSOD from the cocoons could be conveniently achieved with a purity of 99.50% and a yield of 3.5±0.5mg/g. Additionally, N-glycosylation at the only site of N89 in rhEcSOD with 10 types were identified. The purified rhEcSOD gained the potent enzymatic activity of 4162±293U/mg after Cu/Zn ions incorporation. More importantly, rhEcSOD was capable of penetrating and accumulating in the nuclei of cells to maintain cell morphology and attenuate ultraviolet B-induced cell apoptosis by eliminating reactive oxygen species and inhibiting the C-Jun N-terminal kinase signaling pathway. These results demonstrated that the transgenic silkworm could successfully produce rhEcSOD with enzymatic and biological activities for biomedical applications.

Effectivity of Gel Derived from Degumming Silkworm Cocoon Waste for Skin Pigmentation.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> The trash produced by boiling silkworm cocoons during the degumming process still retains useful amino acids, such as sericin and fibroin, that can repair skin damage caused by exposure to ultraviolet light. This study seeks to examine the impact of utilising degumming silkworm cocoons (DSC) gel, derived from boiling waste, on the healing process of rat skin that has been subjected to Ultraviolet (UV) light, as well as the determination of the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) value. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The research used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) consisting of 5 treatment groups, namely the positive control, avobenzone, the group without avobenzone and DSC gel and the administration of DSC gel at 20, 40 and 60% for 14 days. The research used 25 male rats (<i>Rattus norvegicus</i>). Skin tissue was prepared for microscopical examination using the paraffin method combined with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining. The data were analyzed statistically with the one-way ANOVA test and continued with the <i>post hoc</i> Duncan's test. Non-parametric data were carried out by the Kruskal Wallis test and continued with the Mann Whitney test. <b>Results:</b> The degumming silkworm cocoons (DSC) gel had a fairly high SPF value with an extra protection category of 7.10 at a concentration of 60%. The DSC gel had the potential to accelerate the recovery of skin as observed by the test subjects showing no wrinkles and redness. An increase in epithelial thickness and a decrease in melanocyte cells were also obtained from the treatment. Increasing the concentration of DSC gel also improved the skin recovery exposed to ultraviolet light. <b>Conclusion:</b> The effective and efficient concentration of cocoon degumming waste gel is 40-60%. The ability of silkworm cocoon degumming waste to rejuvenate UV-exposed skin suggests its future application as a topical preparation for promoting skin health.

ANTI-ACNE PATCH FORMULATION SILKWORM COCOON WASTE WITH HPMC AND PVP VARIATIONS

Some topical preparations for acne have been developed in the form of gels and creams. However,it is still rarely developed in the form of a patch dosage form. Waste from silkworm cocoons has theactivity of inhibiting the growth of acne-causing bacteria, can be formulated into patch preparations.This study aims to formulate anti-acne patches from silkworm cocoon waste with variations of HPMCand PVP. The formulation of the anti-acne patch from silkworm cocoon waste was made by mixingthe lyophilisate of silkworm cocoon waste with a patch base with variations of HPMC and PVP. Theformulations were divided into 3 with different concentrations of HPMC and PVP additives, namelyformulas 1 (4:1), 2 (2,3:1), and 3 (1:1), respectively, The evaluations carried out included organolepticexamination, patch thickness, weight uniformity, fold resistance, moisture absorption, drying shrinkage.The results obtained showed that the concentration of the combination of HPMC and PVP polymersin the patch preparation gave different results from all evaluations that had been carried out, includingorganoleptic evaluation, weight uniformity, fold resistance, and drying shrinkage were in accordancewith the requirements of a good patch. The optimum concentration of the combination of HPMC andPVP as a polymer in the anti-acne patch preparation from silkworm cocoons is formula 2 with a ratioof (2,3:1) as novelty in this study.

Morwa biała (Morus alba L.) w ujęciu naukowym i kulturowym. Od jedwabnictwa do papieru

White mulberry (Morus alba L.) in scientific and cultural terms. From silk to paper Sericulture dates back to ancient China. Today it is defined as a branch of agriculture dealing with the cultivation of mulberry for the purpose of silkworm farming and the production of silk. Due to the fact that the mulberry silkworm larvae eat white mulberry leaves, it is a plant inextricably linked with silkworm farming and, consequently the production of silk. Although white mulberry is mainly associated with the cultivation of mulberry silkworms, thanks to its numerous and unique properties, it is a plant that can be used in various branches of the economy, as well as a research object of interest to scientists representing various fields of science. Thanks to the content of many bioactive substances, micro- and macroelements and vitamins, it has been used in herbal medicine, pharmacology and medicine. The richness of bioactive compounds makes it also an attractive raw material for the food and cosmetic industry. At the same time, due to its high energy value, mulberry belongs to the group of energy crops. Both the unique properties of mulberry and the traditions associated with its cultivation have made it a plant appreciated not only by science, but also left its mark in culture, as it has accompanied people for centuries. It is not surprising, therefore, that mulberry was recorded in poems, folk proverbs and on painting canvases, including the most famous brush by Vincent van Gogh – “Mulberry Tree in Autumn”. On the other hand, the processing of mulberry silkworm cocoons into high-quality yarns, and ultimately into delicate but durable fabrics, had a significant impact on the development of art. Both in terms of the so-called applied arts, but also those referred to as beaux-arts. And although the definitions of art have changed throughout history – regardless of period or era – silk was invariably appreciated by artists and craftsmen. Thanks to its properties, quality and aesthetics, silk fiber offers a wide range of possibilities for use in papermaking, which is also important in the cultural context.

Comparative analysis of gut bacteria of silkworm Bombyx mori L. on exposure to temperature through 16S rRNA high throughput metagenomic sequencing

Global warming is one of the serious threats that adversely affects the development and reproduction of silkworms. The ideal temperature for silkworms to carryout normal life activities is 20–30 °C. Certain bivoltine silkworms that are raised in tropical regions are thermotolerant. But, prolonged exposure to high temperatures may be fatal. In the present study, fifth instar larvae of bivoltine silkworm were exposed to heat shock at 40 ± 2 °C for a short period of one hour per day to examine the changes in the gut microflora. The study used high throughput sequencing to evaluate the impact of intestinal microbes of silkworms in response to high temperature. The findings demonstrated that elevated temperature has a negative impact on the intestinal microbes of silkworm compared to the control which were reared under the optimum temperature (25 ± 3° C). Four hundred and fifty eight (458) species of microbes were reported in the control group whereas only 434 species were reported in the temperature exposed group. The digestive process of silkworms may also be impaired by heat shock due to their effect on digestive enzymes. So, the results indicated that heat shock has an impact on the intestinal microflora of silkworms that control the activity of associated digestive enzymes which affects the digestion and nutritional intake, eventually impacting the growth and development of silkworm larvae and cocoons produced. The morphometric parameters of silkworm larvae and cocoons also showed a considerable drop when exposed to heat shock.

Assessing Barriers to Production and Marketing of Tasar and Mulberry Silkworm Cocoons in Selected Districts of Chhattisgarh, India

The study conducted “Analysis of constraints on production and marketing of tasar and mulberry silk in Chhattisgarh” included four districts i.e. Bastar, Korba, Jashpur and Raigarh. In each district one block, from Bastar district Jagdalpur block, Jashpur district Kansabel block, Korba district Korba block and Raigarh district, Dharamjaigarh block has been selected for the study based on maximum tasar and mulberry seed centres and 16 villages has been selected for the study, information about the primary data was collected from 160 cocoon growers in selected areas, though well-prepared interview schedule/ questionnaires. The study observed that tasar and mulberry cocoon grower and their marketing was found to be major constraints unavailability of labour during the production process was ranked first according to measurement, respectively silkworm, lack of knowledge in the maintenance of host plant, unavailability of the good quality plantation, lack of technical guidance, unavailability of input on time, difficulty obtaining DFL’s, lack of knowledge about training and pruning of host plant among marketing constraints suffers SHG’s were obtaining rank first lack of marketing facilities, followed by the poor quality of cocoon, difficulties of grading of the cocoon, lack of market information regarding the price of tasar and mulberry cocoon, lack of proper price received by cocoon growers, transportation cost, the lake of proper payment facility to silk grower and lack of storage facilities of cocoon despite all the constraints the area has great potential for silk production. Therefore cocoon growers in the study area can be provided with adequate knowledge in both tasar and mulberry cocoon production to enhance the production and productivity of cocoons.

Structural Characteristics and Properties of Redissolved Silk Sericin.

Silk sericin has garnered the attention of researchers as a promising biomaterial because of its good biocompatibility and high water retention. However, despite its useful properties, the poor storage stability of sericin has restricted its extensive use in biorelated applications. This study extracted sericin from silkworm cocoon, dried and stored it as a solid, and then dissolved it in hot water conditions to improve the storage stability of sericin for its use. The dissolution behavior of the extracted sericin solids was examined in conjunction with the structural characteristics and properties of dissolved sericin. Consequently, the results of solution viscosity, gel strength, crystallinity index, and thermal decomposition temperature indicated that the molecular weight (MW) of the dissolved sericin remained constant until a dissolution time of 5 min, following which deterioration was observed. The optimum condition of dissolution of the extracted sericin solid was 5 min at 90 °C. Conclusively, the extracted sericin could be stored in a dry state and dissolved to prepare redissolved sericin aqueous solution with the same MW as extracted sericin, thereby improving the storage stability of the sericin aqueous solution.

Influence of temperature variation on gene expression and cocoon production in Bombyx mori Linnaeus, 1758 (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae)

Silkworms (Bombyx mori) are lepidopterans of economic importance for global silk production. However, factors that directly affect the yield and quality of silkworm cocoon production, such as diseases and temperature fluctuations, cause great economic losses. Knowing how they respond to rearing temperature during the most critical stage of their life cycle (i.e., fifth instar) could provide information on their adaptation and improve silk production. In the current work, we analyzed transcriptional data from two groups of B. mori that were reared at 26 °C and 34 °C throughout the fifth instar. The silkworms and cocoons were weighed. In total, 3115 transcripts were differentially expressed (DE; including 1696 down-regulated and 1419 up-regulated) among the 29,157 sequences found by transcriptome assembly. We emphasize the genes associated with immunological response, transcription factors, silk biosynthesis, and heat shock proteins, among the DE transcripts in response to the temperature conditions. Silkworms reared at 34 °C presented a reduced mean body weight (−0.944 g in comparison to the 26 °C group), which had a direct impact on the weight of cocoons formed and the silk conversion rate. These changes were statistically significant when compared to silkworms reared at 26 °C. Mortality rates (6 and 9 %, at 26 °C and 34 °C, respectively) were similar to those obtained in breeding fields. The findings provide information on the biological processes involved in the temperature response mechanism of silkworms, as well as information that may be used in future climatization processes at rearing facilities and in breeding for improved thermotolerance.

Constructing AgBr/BiOBr@silkworm cocoons photocatalytic degradation and antibacterial material: Based on the excellent adsorption properties of silkworm cocoons

The silkworm cocoon (SC) possesses excellent adsorption performance due to the specific composite structure. Silk fibroin, the main component of SC, possesses lots of functional groups which are suitable for attachment of ligands, it plays an important role in the adsorption and chelation of metal ions, thus making SC a meaningful carrier. As a result, SC exhibits the best adsorption effect on Malachite green (MG), reaching 86.8% within 3 h in the present work. Additionally, AgBr/[email protected] visible light-driven (VLD) photocatalyst was successfully fabricated by ultrasound-assisted impregnation method with AgBr/BiOBr as a model and SC as a support. AgBr/[email protected] showed a remarkable photocatalytic degradation rate for Rhodamine B (Rh B, 98.52%), MG (80.08%) and Tetracycline (TC, 70.92%) under 120 min irradiation. Besides, it displayed superior activity in Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) disinfection, and the antibacterial efficiency above 99% upon 20 min of visible-light irradiation. The outstanding photocatalytic and antibacterial properties were mainly attributed to intimate contact and matched energy band positions between AgBr and BiOBr, which efficiently produce more active e--h+ pairs, and availably restrict the recombination of photogenerated carriers. This work could arouse an increasing interest in designing more SC-based photocatalysts for wastewater treatment.

Large-scale and cost-effective production of recombinant human serum albumin (rHSA) in transgenic Bombyx mori cocoons

HSA is considered a versatile natural cargo carrier with multiple bio-functions and applications. However, insufficient supply of HSA has limited widespread use. Although various recombinant expression systems had been applied to produce the rHSA to overcome the limited resource, cost-effective and large scale production of rHSA remains a challenge. Herein, we provide a strategy for the large-scale and cost-effective production of rHSA in cocoons of transgenic silkworms, achieving a final 13.54 ± 1.34 g/kg of rHSA yield in cocoons. rHSA was efficiently synthesized and stable over the long-term in the cocoons at room temperature. Artificial control of silk crystal structure during silk spinning significantly facilitated rHSA extraction and purification, with 99.69 ± 0.33 % purity and a productivity of 8.06 ± 0.17 g rHSA from 1 kg cocoons. The rHSA had the same secondary structure to natural HSA, along with effective drug binding capacity, biocompatibility, and bio-safe. The rHSA was successfully evaluated as a potential substitute in serum-free cell culture. These findings suggest the silkworm bioreactor is promising for large-scale and cost-effective production of high quality rHSA to meet the increased worldwide demand.

Bioinspired and dual-functional nanocellulose aerogels for water disinfection and heavy metal removal

Treating water resources contaminated by pathogenic microorganisms and heavy metals is a great challenge because of the difficulties in developing efficient strategies for water treatment. Traditional adsorbent materials have the drawbacks of high cost, low adsorption efficiency, secondary pollution creation, and a lack of adaptability in removing a wide variety of pollutants. In this study, inspired by the hierarchical fibrous structure and antibacterial property of the natural silkworm cocoon, we developed a guanidine-functionalized sericin/nanocellulose aerogel (GSNA) with a biomimetic skeletal architecture, which holds great promise for achieving hybrid water disinfection and heavy metal removal. The nanocellulose (CNC) fibers integrated into a robust building block with an interconnected structure and mechanical stability. The grafted polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) endows the biomimetic aerogel with exceptional bactericidal activity (7 log reduction against Escherichia coli within 30 min). Benefiting from the abundant surface functional groups on sericin and CNC-PHMB, the obtained aerogel also exhibits superior heavy metal adsorption capacity (571.5 mg/g for Cu). These compelling merits enable the aerogel to disinfect water and remove heavy metal ions simultaneously as a membrane filter. The synthesized GSNA can be a promising candidate for water disinfection and purification because of its facile preparation, cost-effectiveness, and environmentally friendly characteristics.

Computational Mechanics of Form-Fitting 3D-Printed Lattice-Based Wrist-Hand Orthosis for Motor Neuron Disease.

Motor neuron disease (MND) patients often experience hand-wrist muscle atrophy resulting in severe social consequences and hampering their daily activities. Although hand-wrist orthosis is commonly used to assist weakened muscles, its effectiveness is limited due to the rapid progression of the disease and the need for customization to suit individual patient requirements. To address these challenges, this study investigates the application of three-dimensional (3D) printing technology to design and fabricate two lattice structures inspired by silkworm cocoons, using poly-ε-caprolactone as feedstock material. Finite element method (FEM) analysis is employed to study the mechanical behavior, enabling control over the geometric configuration incorporated into the hand-wrist orthosis. Through tensile displacement and three-point bending simulations, the stress distribution is examined for both lattice geometries. Geometry-1 demonstrates anisotropic behavior, while geometry-2 exhibits no strict directional dependence due to its symmetry and uniform node positioning. Moreover, the biocompatibility of lattices with human skin fibroblasts is investigated, confirming excellent biocompatibility. Lastly, the study involves semi-structured interviews with MND patients to gather feedback and develop prototypes of form-fitting 3D-printed lattice-based hand-wrist orthosis. By utilizing 3D printing technology, this study aims to provide customized orthosis that can effectively support weakened muscles and reposition the hand for individuals with MND.

Comparative economics of vanya with mulberry cocoon production in India

Aim: To compare the remunerativeness of Mulberry, Tasar, Eri and Muga based sericulture enterprises. Methodology: An empirical analysis was undertaken to compare the economics of mulberry and non-mulberry cocoon production in India, utilizing the available data from Central Silk Board using descriptive statistics and suitable ratios. Results: The study indicated that returns per rupee of investment in Mulberry (1.66), Tasar (1.60), Eri (1.88) and Muga (2.07) were higher compared to agriculture crop enterprises (National Silk Policy-2020), besides being of short duration with frequent assured income at least for three to six times in a year. Interpretation: The Mulberry and Eri silkworm cocoon production is highly remunerative enterprise and attracts the youths, because of its domesticated nature, short duration and women friendly enterprise. Key words: Cocoon production, Economics, Eco-friendly, Mulberry, Sericulture enterprises, Vanya