Exploring the chemical reactivity and functionalization of sericin for advanced applications

Sericin, a natural protein derived from silk, possesses highly desirable properties such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, antioxidant activity, and UV resistance. These attributes position sericin as a versatile material with potential across various fields, including biomedicine, textiles, cosmetics, and food packaging. However, its widespread adoption is currently hindered by inherent limitations, specifically high-water solubility and weak mechanical properties. To overcome these challenges, chemical derivatization strategies have emerged as a widely adopted approach to enhance and tune sericin's properties, thereby expanding its applicability. This review specifically focuses on covalent derivatization techniques, including crosslinking and grafting. By strategically leveraging its rich amino acid composition, sericin can undergo various chemical reactions to significantly improve its physical and functional characteristics. Investigations into crosslinking methods have shown particular promise in boosting its mechanical performances, leading to the development of advanced bio-based materials with precisely tailored functionalities. Despite extensive research into sericin's diverse applications, a comprehensive understanding and full resolution of its intrinsic limitations through derivatization remains an area requiring further exploration. This review aims to provide insights into sericin modification, underscoring its pivotal role in the development of sustainable materials, which unlocks new opportunities in engineering, materials science, and environmental applications, thereby setting the stage for future research and innovation in this promising field. Schematic Overview of sericin extraction, functionalization, and applications.