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@article{207004,
        author = {Rashmi P. Joshi and Deepika S. Khanzode},
        title = {Advances in the Recovery of Silk Sericin from Bombyx mori Cocoon Degumming Wastewater: Extraction Methods, Characterisation, and Emerging Applications: A Review},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {13},
        number = {2},
        pages = {3658-3667},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=207004},
        abstract = {Silk sericin, a water-soluble globular protein secreted by the silkworm Bombyx mori, constitutes approximately 20–30% of the cocoon weight and functions as a natural adhesive that binds fibroin filaments during cocoon formation. Traditionally, sericin is discarded during the silk degumming process, generating protein-rich wastewater that contributes to environmental pollution. However, increasing scientific evidence has highlighted sericin as a valuable biomolecule owing to its excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties, making it a promising material for biomedical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food, and tissue engineering applications. This review comprehensively summarises the current methods for sericin extraction, including physical, chemical, enzymatic, and wastewater recovery approaches. Physical techniques such as autoclave, boiling, high-temperature high-pressure, infrared heating, and microwave-assisted extraction are discussed with respect to extraction efficiency, protein integrity, environmental sustainability, and scalability. Chemical extraction methods employing urea, alkaline agents, acids, and detergents are critically evaluated for their high extraction yields alongside concerns regarding protein degradation, purification requirements, and environmental impact. Enzymatic degumming using proteolytic enzymes is highlighted as an eco-friendly alternative capable of preserving sericin bioactivity, although its industrial application remains limited by higher costs and longer processing times. The review further compares the advantages and limitations of each extraction strategy and discusses the influence of extraction conditions on sericin quality and functionality. Efficient recovery and utilisation of silk sericin not only minimises environmental pollution associated with silk processing but also transforms an industrial by-product into a high-value biomaterial. Future research should focus on developing sustainable, cost-effective, and scalable extraction technologies that preserve sericin's biological properties while supporting its broader industrial and biomedical applications.},
        keywords = {Silk sericin; Sericin extraction; Degumming; Sustainable extraction; Biomaterials; Wastewater recovery.},
        month = {July},
        }