Recycling of protein rich silk industry waste for potential food and therapeutic application

• Published in: Food bioscience 2024-08, Vol.60, p.104461, Article 104461
• Main Authors: Dhakal, Richa, Sahu, Ravi Kumar, Das Gupta, Dipanneeta, Saikia, Masoom, Borthakur, Sukanya, Majumder, Munmi, Mech, Shyamalima, Thapa, Mamta, Dutta, Prachurjya, Kalita, Jatin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bio-waste; Functional ingredients; Protein recycling; Silkworms; Value addition
• ISSN: 2212-4292; 2212-4306
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fbio.2024.104461

The increasing global population and the associated shortage of protein necessitate the discovery of novel, sustainable, and natural protein sources from invertebrates (such as insects) and underutilized plants. Countries such as Asia, Oceania, Africa and Latin America utilise silkworms as a good source of protein, lipids, minerals, and vitamins for human consumption. The functional attributes of silkworm-derived protein are thoroughly discussed as a substitute source of protein however the cultural biases still exist. Failure to embrace entomophagy by various culture, race, and class remains an obstacle to include this protein rich insect in the diet. Furthermore, allergic risk and disgust associated with silkworm consumption has also rendered consumers from consumption these novel food sources. Issues pertaining to global hunger, energy deficits, water, SDG, etc., could be solved and achieved by incorporating silkworm-based products in the diets of humans. Efforts spearheaded by academia, business, and government have sought to improve public opinion of insects by creating edible processing techniques, outlining their health advantages, techniques to improve its allergenicity, and emphasizing the need to lessen dependency on other food sources. Reviewing the biological activity of protein hydrolysates from various silkworm species, it is reported that the hydrolysates (bioactive peptides) possess anti-inflammatory, anti-neurodegenerative, antihypertensive, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and antibacterial properties. Finally, insights into the space application of silkworm-based food opens up new possibilities of its utilization as food resource. •Insects are reservoir of beneficial proteins and peptides that exhibit a multitude of potential applications.•Silkworm proteins and peptides exerts pharmacological activities against various health ailments.•Value addition of food products with silk protein enhances nutritional profile.•Supplementation of silkworm pupae to livestock feed bestowed advantageous utility for the feed sector.•Utilization of silkworm pupae in space could open up novel possibilities for space food research.