Abstract


Realization of current trends and innovative uses of insect fibre, silk is required to exploit its compatibility, eco friendly and value addition potential. The nutritive value as human diet for cardiac and diabetic patients, component for cosmetic preparations indicate silk application rate. The bio-compatibility made it a base material for tissue wall, membrane, muscle ligament, blood vessel, nerve gadget, cartilage and bone reconstruction. The anti-inflammatory and anti-tumefacient abilities suits for pharmaceuticals, while itsbio-resorbability performs the drug delivery function. The superior moisture absorbance of silk fibre constructs bio-active textiles, while insulator and tensile properties substitute automotive and building construction applications. The silk sericin and fibroin proteins are prospective wound healing agents and areanti-oxidant and bio-adhesive mediators of human body. The silk wastes are used as feed for fish and poultry, besides adding revenue in the form of valuable artcrafts. Of late, silkworm is being used as bio-factory to produce functional protein, promoting as a valuable biomaterial resource for modern applications.The comprehensive research on innovative trends and advanced applications of insect(natural) fibre 'silk' during the international year of natural fibres-2009 and beyond to make aware its stake holders is the imperative need of todays sericulture industry.


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The author is associated with Breeding & Genetics Division, Central Tasar Research and Training Institute, Central Silk Board, Govt. of India, Ranchi, Jharkhand.