Systems and methods for manufacturing silk fibroin solution and powders containing silk fibroin
The production of silk fibroin solutions and powders from silkworm cocoons addresses food waste by improving post-harvest preservation and packaging, reducing economic losses and environmental impact through extended shelf life and biodegradable materials.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2025094576
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2021-08-10
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-06
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-09
AI Technical Summary
One-third of the food produced globally is wasted each year, resulting in significant economic, social, and environmental impacts, with the United States facing a 40% loss of food supply and an estimated annual economic loss of $165 billion, highlighting the need to reduce food waste and increase food availability by extending shelf life.
A method for producing silk fibroin solutions and powders using silk cocoons from silkworms, involving degumming, dissolution, purification, and microfiltration steps, which can be used to improve post-harvest preservation of fresh produce and packaging, including biodegradable containers.
The method reduces food waste by extending the shelf life of fresh produce, thereby increasing food availability and reducing costs associated with cold storage and transportation, while providing a sustainable solution through the use of biodegradable materials.