Next Gen Silk: Transcending Traditional Sericulture with Nanotechnological breakthroughs
This comprehensive review provides an in-depth exploration of sericulture, delving into
the biology of silkworms, the various species involved, and the cultivation techniques of
mulberry plants, which are crucial for silk production. It underscores the transformative impact
of nanotechnology in modernizing traditional sericulture by enhancing mulberry propagation,
optimizing feeding efficiency, and promoting silkworm growth, development, and survival. The
use of nanomaterials and nanofertilizers emerges as a promising strategy, significantly boosting
mulberry leaf yield, aiding in tissue repair within silkworms, and improving cocoon
characteristics, resulting in higher-quality silk fibers. Additionally, this study highlights the
therapeutic benefits of nanomaterials in combating silkworm diseases, demonstrating their
potential to strengthen immune responses and increase survival rates among infected
populations. It also emphasizes the importance of carefully regulating nanomaterial dosages to
prevent oxidative stress and potential cellular damage in silkworms. By championing green
nanotechnology's sustainable and eco-friendly methods, the review illustrates its potential to
reshape sericulture into a more environmentally responsible and economically feasible industry.
This study addresses the critical challenge of leveraging nanotechnology's potential in sericulture
by tackling its toxicity, environmental, and economic limitations. Lastly, the study calls for
ongoing research to better understand the ecological effects of nanotechnology, aiming to
enhance its advantages while minimizing any negative impact on the ecosystem and silk
production methods.