Mulberry and Non-Mulberry Silk Fibres: Structure, Properties, and Applications in Textiles, Biomedicine, and Sustainable Materials

Silk is one of the oldest fibres known to man. It is an animal fibre produced by certain insects to build their cocoons and webs. Silk is primarily produced by silkworms (Bombyx mori and wild species such as Antheraea mylitta, Samia ricini, Antheraea assamensis), and its remarkable combination of mechanical, chemical and biological properties has attracted extensive scientific research. Although many insects produce silk, only the filament produced by the mulberry silk moth Bombyx mori and a few others in the same genus is used by the commercial silk industry. Silk is a natural protein fibre historically valued for its luster, drape and strength, and it has evolved from a luxury textile material to a multifunctional biopolymer with applications in biomedicine, engineering and sustainable materials. This comprehensive review explores the classification of silk fibres, structural and physicochemical characteristics, traditional textile uses, and emerging advanced applications in tissue engineering, drug delivery, smart textiles and eco-materials. With increased global emphasis on sustainable and biocompatible materials, silk stands at the interface of tradition and innovation, offering solutions from luxury fashion to cutting-edge biomedical technologies.