Physico-chemical studies on raw and processed moth caterpillar silks from the megabiodiversity hotspots of India

Silkworm fibre has been identified as a suitable material for biomedical and electronics applications because of its superior optical, mechanical and biological properties. Herein, we present comparative studies pertaining to the structural and morphological features of naturally harvested moth caterpillar silk fibre samples obtained from domesticated (Bombyx mori) as well as wild species, viz. Antheraea mylitta and Antheraea papiha. It has been observed that silk fibres obtained from silk cocoons are several microns in thickness. Surprisingly, wild variety, i.e. tasar silk samples show better structural and morphological properties. These fibres may find broad-spectrum applications in biomedical and electronics research.