We aim to create new bio-based industries by harnessing "silk-producing insects" such as silkworms and bagworms. To date, we have developed genetic engineering technologies for silkworms as a Japan-originated innovation, and some raw materials for diagnostics and cosmetics produced using recombinant silkworms have already been partially commercialized. Production by sericulture farmers has also begun for materials such as fluorescent silk. In parallel, we have advanced the development of novel silk-based materials by adding functionalities to silk and by developing processing technologies to form silk into usable material formats. We also revealed the surprising strength of bagworm silk, leading to the market launch of related products.
Accordingly, we will develop core platform technologies to improve the productivity of valuable protein production in silkworms and, in collaboration with industry, produce active pharmaceutical ingredients for veterinary drugs and other products. We also aim to expand industrial applications by achieving labor saving and automation in cocoon production and rearing. Furthermore, we will develop new silk-based materials and technologies that enable their low-cost, large-scale production, with the goal of practical implementation.
