Skip to Content
Merck
All Photos(7)

Key Documents

S5201

Sigma-Aldrich

Sericin Bombyx mori (silkworm)

Synonym(s):

Bombyx mori Extract, Sericin Protein

Sign Into View Organizational & Contract Pricing


About This Item

UNSPSC Code:
12352202
NACRES:
NA.75

form

powder

technique(s)

cell culture | mammalian: suitable

impurities

≤1 EU/mL endotoxin
≤100 CFU/g total microbial count (Bacteria)
≤100 CFU/g total yeast and mold (Fungi)

UniProt accession no.

Gene Information

General description

Sericin, a water-soluble globular glycoprotein, is derived from the silkworm Bombyx mori. It is rich in serine, aspartic acid, and glycine. Sericin is localized around the fibroin fibers with successive sticky layers, to form the cocoon. It constitutes 20%-30% of the total cocoon mass. Sericin is composed of 18 types of amino acids of which most of them contain strong polar (hydroxyl, carboxyl, and amino) side groups.

Application

Sericin Bombyx mori (silkworm) has been used:
  • as a standard to evaluate the physicochemical and biological characteristics of the crude sericin extracts
  • as a growth medium supplement to culture to study its effect on the production of infectious Zika virus (ZIKV) particles by C6/36 and Vero cells, compared to serum-free cultures and cultures supplemented with 5% fetal bovine serum (FBS)
  • in the development and optimization of a bio-origami film for skin regeneration

Biochem/physiol Actions

Sericin acts as a gum binder to maintain the intact structure of the cocoon. The strong polar side groups of sericin affect its physical and biological properties. Studies show that sericin exhibits various biological functions such as antioxidant and antityrosinase activities, collagen production that is essential in wound healing, anti-inflammatory, antitumoral, anti-aging, and antimicrobial actions. It is known to promote stability and prolong the release of controlled drug-releasing biomaterials. Sericin has several beneficial characteristics for culturing mammalian cells.

Features and Benefits

  • Sericin has cryoprotective properties that allow for replacement of fetal bovine serum (FBS) in cryopreservation media.
  • 1% sericin (w/v) along with 0.5% (w/v) maltose, 0.3% (w/v) proline, 0.3% (w/v) glutamine and 10% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is comparable to 90% FBS and 10% DMSO.
  • Sericin can act as a FBS replacement in cell culture and stimulate cell growth.
  • In certain situations, it can inhibit cell death.

Storage Class Code

11 - Combustible Solids

WGK

WGK 3

Flash Point(F)

Not applicable

Flash Point(C)

Not applicable


Choose from one of the most recent versions:

Certificates of Analysis (COA)

Lot/Batch Number

Don't see the Right Version?

If you require a particular version, you can look up a specific certificate by the Lot or Batch number.

Already Own This Product?

Find documentation for the products that you have recently purchased in the Document Library.

Visit the Document Library

Our team of scientists has experience in all areas of research including Life Science, Material Science, Chemical Synthesis, Chromatography, Analytical and many others.

Contact Technical Service