Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, NARO

Silk Materials Research Group

The Silk Materials Research Group is conducting research on the following three themes: KNOW; to know the characteristics of silk proteins elaborately, ADD; to add new functions to silk, and EXPLORE; to explore the unknown and unused silk made by insects other than domestic silkworms. Furthermore, by combining these themes with the technology of molding silk into a shape that can be used as materials. We aim for the practical application of new silk materials.
KNOW: We investigate the structure, function, and physical properties of silk proteins using various biochemical methods and advanced analytical instruments. To Know the essence of silk protein as materials and find suitable applications for materials.
ADD: We will add new functions and physical properties to silk by making full utilization of gene recombination technology, genome editing technology, and chemical modification technology. With the developed functional silk, we aim to further expand the usage range of silk materials.
EXPLORE: Besides domestic silkworms, there are many insects that can produce silk in nature. Most of these silks are silks that we don't know its characteristics (unknown silk) or we know its characteristics but don't know how to utilize (unused silk). We are developing innovative technologies to know and to utilize silk such as bagworms, hornets, and other species.

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