Extraction and Characterization of Sericin and Silk Fibroin Protein

Silk has recently drawn increasing attention because of its various applications in the fields of textile, cosmetics, and medicine. The two major proteins of silk, fibroin and sericin are very much explored by researchers through technological advancement to investigate their extraction, character, and application. Traditionally, these proteins were the major components of waste produced by silk industries. Now, sericin and fibroins are extracted and characterized for their physicochemical properties, mechanical properties, as well as various pharmacological activities. Extraction and purification are the foremost steps as the biochemical activities of silk proteins are strongly influenced by the extraction process. The use of advanced techniques is highly important to study the quantity and quality of extracted protein before further application. This chapter emphasizes the various extraction methods and characterization techniques for sericin and fibroin.