Evaluating Antibacterial and Antioxidant Properties of Sericin from Silkworms in Kenya
Author Information
Author(s): Kanyora Mwangi G., Kegode Timothy M., Kurgat Justus, Kibogo Harrison, Asudi George, Tanga Chrysantus M., Ayalew Workneh, Sevgan Subramanian, Ndungu Nelly
Primary Institution: International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
Hypothesis
This study aims to evaluate the antibacterial and antioxidant capacity of sericin recovered from cocoons of different silkworm species in Kenya.
Conclusion
Sericin from all three silkworm species demonstrated significant antibacterial and antioxidant activities, with Samia ricini showing the highest efficacy.
Supporting Evidence
- Sericin recovery was achieved using a high temperature-high pressure method.
- Samia ricini showed the highest total phenolic content at 780.0±67.6 mg QE/100g.
- Sericin from all species exhibited broad-spectrum antibacterial activity.
- Total flavonoid content ranged between 270±60.1 and 603.3±44.1 mg GAE/100g.
- Samia ricini had the highest radical scavenging capacity at 40.47 ± 3.76%.
Takeaway
The study found that a natural protein from silkworms, called sericin, can help fight bacteria and reduce harmful substances in wounds.
Methodology
The study used high temperature-high pressure method for sericin recovery and conducted antibacterial assays against various bacteria.
Limitations
Further research is needed to fully understand the bioactivities of silk sericin.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website