Eco-friendly approach to Silk Processing

13 Jul 2024

Researchers have found an eco-friendly approach that can eliminate the use of toxic chemicals in silk processing. 

About New Research: This new research, published in Chemistry Select by Wiley Publishers, has the potential to be used in sericin extraction from both mulberry (Bombyx mori) and non-mulberry silks, such as Muga (Antheraea assamensis) and Eri (Philosamia ricini), indigenous to Northeast India.

  • Traditional Silk Protein Extraction: Traditionally, toxic chemicals like sodium carbonate, sodium hydroxide, sulfuric acid, and lithium bromide have been used to extract silk proteins, fibroin and sericin from various types of raw silk fibres, an important step in the process of making silk from cocoons. 
  • Sericin Removal from Silk: Researchers studied six different ILs and found that 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (BMIM.Cl), 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (EMIM.BF4), and Tetraethylammonium bromide (TEAB) were particularly effective in removing sericin from silk fibres, with TEAB showing exceptional ability to destabilise sericin proteins.
  • Significance: The research holds great significance for the silk industry. 
    • It offers a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional chemical methods. It paves the way for efficient sericin extraction from non-mulberry silks, potentially leading to new applications for these unique fibres.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Silk Processing

Silk Production in India

  • India is the second-largest producer of silk in the world. Its total silk production during 2021-2022 was 34,903 MT. 
  • Karnataka contributed around 32% of the total silk production in the country during 2021-22. This was followed by Andhra Pradesh which had a share of 25% in the overall silk production during 2021-22.

The country produces four types of natural silks

  1. Mulberry: The purest form of silk extracted from Silkworms, usually produced in yellow, white, or greenish-yellow colour.
  2. Tasar: It is a type of wild silk made from silkworms that feed on plants like Asan and Arjun. People from different parts of India call it tusaar, tusser, tushar, tusa, tassore, and tasar etc.
  3. Eri: Also known as Errandi and Endi in most parts of India, Eri Silk is one of the purest forms of silk from the East, with a dull yellow, gold-like sheen.
  4. Muga: Produced only in Assam, Muga silk yarns are totally yellow in colour. They are considered India’s strongest natural fibre and prerogative.

Government  Initiatives for the Promotion of Sericulture

For the development and growth of the silk industry in India, the government has implemented several research & development, training, transfer of technology and IT initiatives:

a) Silk Samagra:

  • Silk Samagra is an Integrated Scheme for Development of Silk Industry (ISDSI) which the Government of India introduced through Central Silk Board (CSB).
Central Silk Board (CSB):

  • It is a Statutory body established in 1948 by an Act of Parliament.
  • It is working under the administrative control of the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.
  • It aimed at the complete development of the silk industry in India. 
  • This scheme will improve the quality and productivity of silk production and aid in scaling up production.

Check Out UPSC CSE Books From PW Store

b) Sericulture Development in the North-Eastern States (NERTPS)

  • The Government of India has launched the sericulture development scheme within an umbrella scheme, namely the “North-East Region Textile Promotion Scheme”. 
  • This scheme’s objective is to revive, expand, and diversify sericulture in the state, with a special focus on Eri and Muga silks.
Must Read
UPSC Daily Editorials UPSC Daily Current Affairs
Check Out UPSC NCERT Textbooks From PW Store Check Out UPSC Modules From PW Store 
Check Out Previous Years Papers From PW Store UPSC Test Series 2024
Daily Current Affairs Quiz Daily Main Answer Writing
Check Out UPSC CSE Books From PW Store

 

Archive Calendar

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
 123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728293031

Need help preparing for UPSC or State PSCs?

Connect with our experts to get free counselling & start preparing

Know about Physics Wallah

Physics Wallah is an Indian online education platform, that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students of classes 6 to 12 and those preparing for JEE and NEET exams. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample papers, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers, which makes us a one-stop solution for all resources. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.

We Stand Out because

We successfully provide students with intensive courses by India's qualified & experienced faculties. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.

Our Key Focus Areas

Physics Wallah’s main focus is to create accessible learning experiences for students all over India. With courses like Lakshya, Udaan, Arjuna & many others, we have been able to provide a ready solution for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formulae to giving e-books of eminent authors, PW aims to provide reliable solutions for student prep.

What Makes Us Different

Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others.

Aiming for UPSC?

Download Our App

# #
Quick Revise Now !
AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

<div class="new-fform">






    </div>

    Subscribe our Newsletter
    Sign up now for our exclusive newsletter and be the first to know about our latest Initiatives, Quality Content, and much more.
    *Promise! We won't spam you.
    Yes! I want to Subscribe.