Innovations in Wild Silk Processing and Applications: A Comparative Review of African and Other Wild Silks

Abstract Silkworm silk is categorized into mulberry and non-mulberry, corresponding to domesticated and wild silk, respectively. Mulberry silk of domesticated Bombyx mori silk moth has been extensively explored and used in textiles and biomedical applications. Non-mulberry (wild) silk comes from non-domesticated silkworms. The three major types of wild silks of commercial importance are: tasar, muga and eri. Africa is also home to various less studied and underutilized wild silkworms, such as Gonometa rufobrunnea , Gonometa postica, and Argema mimosae . This review presents a structured discussion on conventional processing of wild silk and current advancements, such as the use of ionic liquids, microwave-assisted and ultrasonic-assisted degumming techniques. A comprehensive analysis of techniques for preparing various silk formats, including films, nanofibers, scaffolds, hydrogels, silk powder, and nanoparticles, is also covered. Finally, the review examines the potential applications of wild silk fibroin biomaterials. The review also highlights the limited research on African wild silk fibroin compared to the other wild silks. Noting the great potential already demonstrated by African silks with potential application in food, water, cosmetics and electrical industries.