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Mulberry silk, renowned for its lustre, strength, and versatility, has long been a foundation of textiles and is now gaining prominence in biomedical and industrial applications. With advancements in genetic and biotechnological tools, significant progress has been made to enhance silk production, quality, and sustainability. The domestic Bombyx mori (B. mori) and mulberry plants (Morus species) form the foundation of silk production, and understanding their genetic and molecular mechanisms has been pivotal in driving innovations. Recent genomic studies have identified key genes in B. mori related to fibroin, sericin, cocoon formation, and stress resistance. With ~ 432 million base pairs and more than 16,000 genes, targeted manipulation through next-generation sequencing has led to the development of transgenic strains with enhanced yield, strength, and resilience. CRISPR-Cas9 and spider silk gene integration enable novel silk variants with antimicrobial properties. Traditional breeding remains vital, but modern tools, such as marker-assisted selection (MAS) and genomic selection, now streamline the process. These tools utilize genetic markers and genome-wide data to accelerate the development of high-performing, disease-resistant, and high-yielding silkworm strains. Non-genetic revolutions have transformed mulberry silk production alongside genetic advances. Techniques such as climate control and probiotics improve silkworm health and cocoon yield, while nanotechnology enhances silk with UV protection, antibacterial properties, and water resistance. Eco-friendly methods, such as Ahimsa silk, zero-waste practices, and sustainable dyeing, help reduce environmental impact. Beyond textiles, engineered silk is now used in smart materials, biomedical devices, and environmental tech. Applications include sutures, tissue scaffolds, and wearables. Additionally, synthetic biology and microbial fermentation offer scalable, ethical alternatives to conventional production, paving the way for a more sustainable and multifunctional silk industry. This chapter discusses genetic and non-genetic advancements in mulberry silk production, highlighting growth in improved yield, quality, and sustainability while integrating conventional practices with modern technologies to meet current demands and preserve the industry's cultural and economic value.

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Advancements in Mulberry Silk Improvements-Genetic Improvements and Beyond

  • 章节

  • 发表日期：

    2026年

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  • Pronama Biswas,
  • Jinal Dinesh,
  • Bhoomika Sridhar,
  • Khushi Agarwal,
  • Dishali Mathur,
  • Sunil S. More

摘要

Mulberry silk, renowned for its lustre, strength, and versatility, has long been a foundation of textiles and is now gaining prominence in biomedical and industrial applications. With advancements in genetic and biotechnological tools, significant progress has been made to enhance silk production, quality, and sustainability. The domestic Bombyx mori (B. mori) and mulberry plants (Morus species) form the foundation of silk production, and understanding their genetic and molecular mechanisms has been pivotal in driving innovations. Recent genomic studies have identified key genes in B. mori related to fibroin, sericin, cocoon formation, and stress resistance. With ~ 432 million base pairs and more than 16,000 genes, targeted manipulation through next-generation sequencing has led to the development of transgenic strains with enhanced yield, strength, and resilience. CRISPR-Cas9 and spider silk gene integration enable novel silk variants with antimicrobial properties. Traditional breeding remains vital, but modern tools, such as marker-assisted selection (MAS) and genomic selection, now streamline the process. These tools utilize genetic markers and genome-wide data to accelerate the development of high-performing, disease-resistant, and high-yielding silkworm strains. Non-genetic revolutions have transformed mulberry silk production alongside genetic advances. Techniques such as climate control and probiotics improve silkworm health and cocoon yield, while nanotechnology enhances silk with UV protection, antibacterial properties, and water resistance. Eco-friendly methods, such as Ahimsa silk, zero-waste practices, and sustainable dyeing, help reduce environmental impact. Beyond textiles, engineered silk is now used in smart materials, biomedical devices, and environmental tech. Applications include sutures, tissue scaffolds, and wearables. Additionally, synthetic biology and microbial fermentation offer scalable, ethical alternatives to conventional production, paving the way for a more sustainable and multifunctional silk industry. This chapter discusses genetic and non-genetic advancements in mulberry silk production, highlighting growth in improved yield, quality, and sustainability while integrating conventional practices with modern technologies to meet current demands and preserve the industry's cultural and economic value.