02434nas a2200277   4500008004100000022001400041245011600055210006900171260000900240300001200249490000800261520151600269653001501785653001501800653002801815653002701843653001501870653002001885100001801905700002101923700001701944700001701961700002201978700002402000856013202024       2020                        eng d  a0141-813000aStructural and physical analysis of underwater silk from housing nest composites of a tropical chironomid midge0 aStructural and physical analysis of underwater silk from housing  cNOV   a934-9420 v1633 a<p>Chironomids are an abundant group of aquatic silk spinning insects. They offer a unique opportunity of silk harvestation without killing them; however, they remained underappreciated models in silk research. Here, we investigate the structural and biomechanical characteristics of silk from the midge, Chironomus ramosus. A combination of microscopic (SEM), spectroscopic (CD and IR), structural (XRD), thermal (DSC and TGA) and mechanical measurement tools and techniques were employed to gain critical insights on midge silk. Maximum yield of silk was obtained from Chironomus in similar to 2.5 h, the shortest time reported among insects. The network of water-insoluble silk fibres possessed the smallest diameter of 110 +/- 35 nm, known for any insect silk, qualifying its superiority in fibre fineness. We demonstrate a cruelty-free silk extraction method in contrast to the conventional violent techniques. Structural characterization indicated coexistence of various secondary conformations, beta sheets being predominant. We compare and contrast these features to well-characterized caddisfly and silk-worm silks and highlight the uniqueness in midge silk that render mechanical stability and potentially contribute to its multi-functionalization. We thus propose Chironomus as an emerging candidate of water-borne silk, especially in the context of the `Peace silk' industry, aiming to develop non-violent methods for silk harvestation from animals. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.</p>
10abiopolymer10aChironomus10aCommercial applications10aHousing nest composite10aPeace silk10aUnderwater silk1 aThorat, Leena1 aJoseph, Emmanuel1 aNisal, Anuya1 aShukla, Ekta1 aRaviKumar, Ameeta1 aNath, Bimalendu, B.  uhttps://library.ncl.res.in/content/structural-and-physical-analysis-underwater-silk-housing-nest-composites-tropical-chironomid02126nas a2200265   4500008004100000022001400041245009700055210006900152260000800221300001100229490000700240520127600247653002101523653001501544653001401559653001701573653001801590100002101608700002401629700001901653700001801672700001701690700002601707856012701733       2025                        eng d  a1616-518700aEngineered silk-dressing for acceleratedwound healing: biocompatibility and efficacy studies0 aEngineered silkdressing for acceleratedwound healing biocompatib  cNOV  ae003230 v253 a<p>
	Advanced wound care dressings are essential for improving clinical outcomes. The present study investigates the wound management potential of a unique dressing fabricated from silk proteins. The dressing was characterized for its physical and structural properties, including surface texture, porosity, fluid absorption capacity, and moisture vapor transmission rate. These parameters have been found to be critical for optimal wound healing. In vivo full thickness wound healing studies in a rat model validated the efficacy of the Silk-dressing compared to conventional cotton gauze and commercial polyurethane foam dressings. Histopathological analysis confirmed improved re-epithelialization, collagen deposition, angiogenesis, and formation of secondary follicles. Key advantages of Silk-dressing included non-adherence, absorption of exudate, maintenance of optimal moisture at wound site and acceleratedwound closure. Biocompatibility studies were also conducted in accordance with ISO 10993 guidelines, demonstrating no cytotoxicity, irritation, sensitization, or pyrogenicity. These findings highlight the potential of this uniquely designed Silk-dressing as a superior alternative for wound management, with a potential to improve clinical outcomes.</p>
10aBiocompatibility10abiopolymer10aISO 1099310aSilk protein10awound Healing1 aDeshpande, Rucha1 aPillai, Lakshmi, R.1 aSayyad, Raeesa1 aShukla, Swati1 aNisal, Anuya1 aVenugopalan, Premnath  uhttps://library.ncl.res.in/content/engineered-silk-dressing-acceleratedwound-healing-biocompatibility-and-efficacy-studies