Valorization of Silkworm Cocoons into Sustainable Nanomaterials: Applications and Challenges

Silk fibroin (SFb) derived from silkworm cocoons (Bombyx mori) is increasingly recognized as an innovative
biodegradable protein for sustainable applications. We discuss its
wide biomedical and industrial applications based on the review of
1791 articles from 2001 to 2025 (Scopus). There has been a large increase
in research, with 66.44% of publications and 74.84% of citations during
2019–2025. SFb-based nanomaterials have excellent performance
in tissue engineering (18.53%), drug delivery (60.59%), and in novel
areas, including flexible electronics and sustainable construction,
owing to their high strength, controllable structure, and optical
transparency. Crucially, exploiting ∼50,000 tonnes of annual
silk industry cocoon valorization for aerogels, hydrogels, and NPs
promotes the circular economy and minimizes environmental impact using
green technologies (lower kg CO2/kg fibroin). These developments
make a direct, but by no means exclusive, contribution to the UN Sustainable
Development Goals, in particular health (SDG 3), innovation (SDG 9),
sustainable production (SDG 12), and climate action (SDG 13). Still,
scaling, costs, and the long-term environmental consequences are hurdles.
However, such concerns will need to be addressed through sustainable
biomanufacturing and life-cycle assessments if SFb can be used to
its full potential for a greener future.