Magic of Silk
Silk proteins is revolutionising Cosmetics, 3D Bioprinters & Post Harvest Fruits & Vegetables preservation. From enhancing skin health to enabling 3D bioprinting and extending shelf life, silk’s multifaceted benefits impact diverse industries.
Silk Protein Basics
Silk proteins are naturally occurring proteins mainly derived from Silk Cocoons. These cocoons are soaked in hot water to help loosen the fibre & then made into silk threads in a process called reeling. Silk threads are then turned into Fabric /Clothing / Upholstery. This has been the tradition since 3000BC.
Ancient Chinese women working at Silkhouses would often use the cocoon soaked hot water in their beauty routines. This hot water contains Silk Proteins. With Modern science & technology, we can now understand why Silk Protein is called the superhero ingredient of the Cosmetic world.
1. Composition
Silk is primarily made up of 2 Parts.
Sericin Protein
Fibroin Protein
Sericin is the gum that binds the inner silk fibroin. It is a water-soluble protein made up of 18 Amino Acids. It makes for 25-30% weight of the Silk Cocoon and the top Amino acids are Serine, Asparagine, Glycine. Threonine & Aspartic Acid.
While Fibroin also consists of about 18 different amino acids, Fibroin is insoluble in water & the top 3 Amino acids are Serine, Aspartic Acid & Threonine.
Silk Protein are Anti-Coagulant, Anti-Tumor, Anti-Microbial, Anti-Ageing, Anti-Melanogenic, Anti-Oxidant, a good Moisturiser & highly Biocompatible with Human Skin & Hair.
2. Uses of Silk Protein
Post Harvest Fruits & Vegetables Preservation
Silk Proteins have an film forming property which can be used in increasing the shelf life of Produce. Silk Proteins prevent Fruits & Vegetables from Oxidation, Dehydration & Microbial Growth.
Cosmetics
Silk Proteins have 10 common amino acids with our skin. Because of this they can easily be absorbed by the skin cells. Silk Proteins promote cell repairs, protects hair cuticles , boost collagen levels and hence an antiaging product, revitalises the skin by creating a protective barrier as well as replenish it from the inside.
Pharma
Silk Protein has very active NH2 & COOH groups making it a very versatile protein. Because of this it can be used in pharmaceutical applications including solubility enhancement, release modifications, formulation stabilization, and as a drug carrier.
Bioinks
Silk Proteins are used in 3D Bio Printers to make Scaffoldings, Bone Grafts & even Artificial Heart Valve. Since this is a non bovine source & highly biocompatible with human body, this ink lends itself to various use cases.
3. Silk Species
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