Silkworm (Bombyx mori) and its constituents: A fascinating insect in science and research

Abstract

Silkworm (Bombyx mori) is a highly domesticated and economically important insect which is the primary producer of silk. Apart from silk production Bombyx mori had a lot of applications in biological and scientific research. The present review focuses on the application of silkworm and its various constituents in science. Hemolymph which is an important body fluid is essential for regulation of the homeostasis constitutes plasma proteins, which function in various activities like maintaining cell cultures, defense against microbial infection and in anti-apoptosis. Sericin which is a silk protein has applications in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. The chlorophyll derivative from silkworm excreta, could be used as a photo sensitizer for photo dynamic therapy of tumors.