Silk has long been regarded as a symbol of nobility and elegance in Asian culture. Its origins can be traced back approximately 5,000 years, when Empress Leizu, the wife of the Yellow Emperor, stumbled upon silk cocoons by chance. According to folklore, a cocoon fell into the empress’s cup of hot tea while enjoying her drink in the imperial garden. As the cocoon’s sericin dissolved, the silk threads became visible. Recognising the remarkable strength and softness of the thread, the empress discovered the art of spinning silk strands into thread. The silk eventually became an invaluable commodity worldwide. Fast forward to modern times, and scientists have made even more significant discoveries thanks to silkworm cocoons. In 1979, researchers uncovered silksericin, a natural polymer found in silkworm cocoons. Sericin is the protein that coats the two fibroin filaments within a cocoon. More than 30 years later, scientists revealed the value of sericin in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, leading to its life-saving applications. Sericin possesses several remarkable qualities that make it highly desirable in various fields. Here are some of the practical benefits of silk sericin:
1. Tissue Engineering: Sericin is well-suited for tissue engineering and wound healing applications. It boasts antioxidant properties and is compatible with mammalian skin. It has a positive impact on keratinocytes and fibroblasts, which are crucial cell types involved in inflammation and wound healing, and it also stimulates collagen production. This ability makes sericin ideal for repairing skin tissue and creating wound bandages. Additionally, sericin regulates the activity of TGFsβ1 toβ3,facilitating faster wound healing with reduced scarring. Sericin also exhibits antimicrobial properties, aiding in preventing and treating wound infections.
2. Skincare Products: Silk sericin promotes collagen production, reducing fine lines and wrinkles associated with ageing skin. It deeply hydrates and shields the skin from harmful ultraviolet rays by mimicking the Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF) and forming a protective barrier to minimise Trans-Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL).Moreover, sericin significantly reduces skin irritation and redness by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This hydrating property makes it particularly beneficial for sensitive skin prone to irritation.
3. Antioxidant: Sericin possesses significant antioxidant properties, broadening its potential applications in the medical field as an antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-coagulant, and anti-tumour agent. It also promotes colon health, alleviates constipation, and protects the body against obesity and abnormal plasma lipid profiles.
4. Pharmaceuticals: Silk protein is hydrophilic, biodegradable, non-toxic, and highly compatible with mammalian skin. Its strong affinity for chemicals and pharmacological compounds has generated significant interest in its therapeutic applications.
The discovery of these modern applications for silk sericin has also had significant environmental and social impacts. During traditional silk production, sericin is typically discarded as wastewater during the degumming process. Studies have shown that this wastewater has high levels of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and nitrogen, making it costly to treat. High BOD levels harm aquatic organisms, leading to their suffocation and death in rivers. Utilising silk sericin for various applications could help reduce water pollution during silk production, as studies have revealed that 100 kg of silk yields 22 kg of sericin.
In commemoration of the 58th National Day, Alexandr & Co. is pleased to offer a special discount of SGD 85 on their full-sized Silk Sericin Seriguard Moisturizer, reducing the original price from SGD 185 to SGD 100. Singaporeans can avail of this promotion by presenting their national identification card at the Isetan counter or using the coupon code “NDP85” during online checkout. The promotion will be available from August 1to August 31, 2023.To purchase Alexandr & Co. products, customers can visit their website, or the flagship store located in the premium skincare section of Isetan Scotts. The products range in price from SGD 94 to SGD 269 per unit.
For more information, please visit www.alexandr-co.com.
