Sericin: Structure and Properties

Sericin is a natural product from the silkworm. Sericin is one of the major protein components in the cocoons of Lepidopteron insects. The microstructure of silk gland sericin has been observed in silkworm. The molecular mass of sericin has been observed using sodium dodecyl sulfate and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Cocoon sericin could be separated into three layers based on its solubility properties from extraction methods such as temperature, pressure, urea, acid, or alkali solution. The amino acid composition of sericin has been reported from parts of silkworms and cocoons, including the silk gland, cocoon, floss, and peduncle. Sericin proteins are translated from sericin genes, which are produced from MSG cells. These genes have a specific purpose for their localization. The secondary structure of sericin has been observed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. It has been reported that the silkworm species and isolation method affected to the sericin structure.