Anti-Herpes Simplex Virus Efficacy of Silk Cocoon, Silkworm Pupa and Non-Sericin Extracts

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections are prevalent worldwide and are the cause of life- threatening diseases. Standard treatment with antiviral drugs, such as acyclovir, could prevent serious complications; however, resistance has been reported specifically among immunocompromised patients. Therefore, the development of an alternative approach is needed. The silk cocoon derived from silkworm, Bombyx mori, has been recognized for its broad-spectrum biological activity, including antiviral activity; however, its effects against HSV infection are unknown. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of silk extracts derived from the cocoon shell, silk cocoon, silkworm pupa and non-sericin extract, on blocking HSV-1 and HSV-2 binding to host cells, resulting in the inhibition of the virus infection in Vero cells. Non-sericin extract demonstrated the greatest effectiveness on inhibiting HSV-1 and HSV-2 binding activity. Moreover, the virucidal effect to inactivate HSV-1 and HSV-2 was determined and revealed that non-sericin extract also exerted the highest potential activity. Using the treatment of non-sericin extract in HSV-2-infected HeLa cells could significantly lower the HSV-induced cell death and prevent inflammation via lowering the inflammatory cytokine gene expression. The non-sericin extract was analyzed for its bioactive compounds in which gallic acid, flavonoid and xanthophyll were identified, and might have partially contributed to its antiviral activity. The finding in our study suggested the potential of silk extract as an alternative therapeutic treatment for HSV infection.

Comparison of chicken immune responses after inoculation with H5 avian influenza virus-like particles produced by insect cells or pupae

Introduction Novel clade 2.3.4.4 H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) outbreaks have occurred since early 2015 in Taiwan and impacted the island economically, like they have many countries. This research investigates the immunogenicity of two HPAIV-like particles to assess their promise as vaccine candidates. Material and Methods The haemagglutinin (HA) gene derived from clade 2.3.4.4 H5 HPAIV and matrix protein 1 (M1) gene were cloned into the pFastBac Dual baculovirus vector. The resulting recombinant viruses were expressed in Spodoptera frugiperda moth (Sf)21 cells and silkworm pupae to generate Sf21 virus-like particles (VLP) and silkworm pupa VLP. Two-week-old specific pathogen–free chickens were immunised and their humoral and cellular immune responses were analysed. Results The silkworm pupa VLP had higher haemagglutination competence. Both VLP types elicited haemagglutination inhibition antibodies, anti-HA antibodies, splenic interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin 4 (IL-4) mRNA expression, and CD4+/CD8+ ratio elevation. However, chickens receiving silkworm pupa VLP exhibited a significantly higher anti-HA antibody titre in ELISA after vaccination. Although Sf21 VLP recipients expressed more IFN-γ and IL-4, the increase in IFN-γ did not significantly raise the CD4+/CD8+ ratio and the increase in IL-4 did not promote anti-HA antibodies. Conclusion Both VLP systems possess desirable immunogenicity in vivo. However, in respect of immunogenic efficacy and the production cost, pupa VLP may be the superior vaccine candidate against clade 2.3.4.4 H5 HPAIV infection.

Effect of the silkworm pupa protein–glucose conjugate on the thermal stability and antioxidant activity of anthocyanins

Anthocyanin (cyanidin-3-O-glucose) is a natural water-soluble pigment with a robust antioxidant capacity.

Nutritional targeting modification of silkworm pupae oil catalyzed by a smart hydrogel immobilized lipase

To prepare a nutritional supplement using silkworm pupa oil (SPO) as a feedstock, a microfluidic reactor with smart hydrogel immobilized lipase was firstly constructed to reduce the relative content of...

Perbedaan Pertumbuhan Artemia salina Pada Perlakuan Variasi Dosis Pakan Jus Pupa Ulat Sutra (Samia cynthia)

High protein feed are very necessary in the cultivation industry of Artemia salina. One of the proteins sources that can be used is silk worm pupae (Samia cynthia). The aim of this study was to determine the differences in growth of Artemia salina with the treatment of silkworm pupa juice feeding at various doses. This study uses 4 levels of treatment, namely 0.16 ml; 0.33 ml; 0.50 ml and 0.67 ml per liter with 6 replications, which are given daily for 21 days. Abiotic factors of culture media (salinity, temperature, pH, and DO) are controlled and in accordance with the needs of Artemia salina's life. Observation results on the 15th day, 17th day, and 19th day showed that there were differences in the number of Artemia salina due to the treatment of variations in the feed dose of silkworm pupae juice (Samia cynthia) with 0.67 ml feed dosage treatment having the highest average number and significantly different from other dosage treatments. Observations on the 13th day, 15th day and 21st day showed differences in the growth length of Artemia salina due to the variation of the dosage treatment of silkworm pupa juice (Samia cynthia) with 0.50 ml dose treatment having the highest average length and significantly different from other treatments. Keywords: Artemia salina, growth, feed, silkworm pupae ABSTRAK Pakan yang mengandung protein tinggi sangat diperlukan dalam budidaya Artemia salina. Salah satu sumber protein yang dapat digunakan adalah pupa ulat sutra (Samia cynthia). Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui perbedaan pertumbuhan Artemia salina dengan perlakuan pemberian pakan jus pupa ulat sutra pada berbagai dosis. Penelitian ini menggunakan 4 taraf perlakuan yaitu dosis 0,16 ml; 0,33 ml; 0,50 ml dan 0,67 ml per liter dengan 6 ulangan, yang diberikan setiap hari selama 21 hari. Faktor abiotik media kultur (salinitas, suhu, pH, dan DO) terkontrol dan sesuai dengan kebutuhan hidup Artemia salina. Hasil pengamatan hari ke-15, hari ke-17, dan hari ke-19 menunjukkan adanya perbedaan jumlah Artemia salina akibat pemberian perlakuan variasi dosis pakan jus pupa ulat sutra (Samia chyntia) dengan perlakuan dosisi pakan 0,67 ml memiliki retata jumlah tertinggi dan berbeda nyata dengan perlakuan dosis lainnya. Hasil pengamatan pada hari ke-13, hari ke-15 dan hari ke-21 menunjukkan adanya perbedaan pertumbuhan panjang Artemia salina akibat pemberian perlakuan variasi dosis pakan jus pupa ulat sutra (Samia chyntia) dengan perlakuan dosis 0,50 ml memiliki rerata panjang tertinggi dan berbeda nyata dengan perlakuan yang lain. Kata kunci: Artemia salina, pertumbuhan, pakan, pupa ulat sutra