Investigation of Structural Morphology and Mechanical Behavior of Muga Silkworm (Antheraea Assamensis) Cocoons

Silkworm cocoonsare an insect engineered multi-layered bio-material constructs that holds a matchless position in textile as well as bio-medical industry. We have investigated the structure and morphology of muga silkwormAntheraea assamensiscocoons that are endemic and semi-domestically reared in the Brahmaputra valley of Assam and other neighboring regions of North-east India. Further, the contribution of obtained structural features toward the mechanical properties of cocoon and silk fibers are quantified and discussed. We identified the nonwoven fiber architecture in the muga cocoons with continuous silk filaments conglutinated in the sericin matrix and calcium oxalate crystals on the outer surface. The measured properties of the cocoon structure fall between those of domesticatedbombyx mori(mulberry) and other wild cocoons (temperate and tropical tasar cocoons). The study also highlights the feeble and low compactness nature of muga cocoons that requires a meticulous breeding program aiming at genetic improvement of muga silkworms in the form high-yielding and compact cocoons with better characteristics for commercial utilization.

Automated summary

This study investigated the structure and morphology of muga silkworm cocoons and quantified their contribution to mechanical properties. The study found that muga cocoons have a nonwoven fiber structure and are fragile, requiring genetic improvement for better commercial utilization.