New Study Uses Ionic Liquids for Eco-Friendly Silk Protein Extraction

This research marks a significant step forward for the silk industry, offering a sustainable and environmentally friendly method for sericin extraction.

Researchers at the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST) in Guwahati have made a breakthrough in silk processing by identifying Ionic Liquids (ILs) as eco-friendly alternatives to toxic chemicals traditionally used in silk protein extraction. This advancement, detailed in their study published in Chemistry Select by Wiley Publishers, focuses on eliminating the use of chemicals like sodium carbonate, sodium hydroxide, sulfuric acid, and lithium bromide, which are typically employed to extract silk proteins (fibroin and sericin) from raw silk fibers.

The team, led by Dr. Kamatchi Sankaranarayan, identified four ILs that demonstrate efficacy in extracting silk proteins from various types of raw silk fibers, including both mulberry (Bombyx mori) and non-mulberry silks such as Muga (Antheraea assamensis) and Eri (Philosamia ricini) found in Northeast India. Among the ILs tested, 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (BMIM.Cl), 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (EMIM.BF4), and Tetraethylammonium bromide (TEAB) showed particular promise due to their ability to effectively remove sericin while preserving the integrity of silk protein structures.

This research marks a significant step forward for the silk industry, offering a sustainable and environmentally friendly method for sericin extraction. The use of ILs not only reduces the environmental impact compared to traditional methods but also opens new avenues for utilizing non-mulberry silks, which have unique properties and applications. This pioneering use of ILs in sericin extraction from non-mulberry silks underscores its potential to enhance the sustainability and diversity of the global silk industry.