Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Evaluating the Safety and Potential Risks of Food Allergy of Silk Fibroin Derived from Bombyx mori Cocoons

Version 1 : Received: 22 October 2020 / Approved: 23 October 2020 / Online: 23 October 2020 (10:41:54 CEST)

How to cite: Yigit, S.; Hallaj, N.; Sugarman, J.; Chong, L.; Roman, S.; Abu-Taleb, L.; Goodman, R.; Johnson, P.; Behrens, A. Evaluating the Safety and Potential Risks of Food Allergy of Silk Fibroin Derived from Bombyx mori Cocoons. Preprints 2020, 2020100483. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202010.0483.v1 Yigit, S.; Hallaj, N.; Sugarman, J.; Chong, L.; Roman, S.; Abu-Taleb, L.; Goodman, R.; Johnson, P.; Behrens, A. Evaluating the Safety and Potential Risks of Food Allergy of Silk Fibroin Derived from Bombyx mori Cocoons. Preprints 2020, 2020100483. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202010.0483.v1

Abstract

Recent studies have demonstrated silk fibroin’s ability to extend the shelf life of foods by mitigating the hallmarks of spoilage, namely oxidation and dehydration. Due to the potential for this protein to become more widespread, its safety was evaluated comprehensively. First, a bacterial reverse mutation test (Ames test) was conducted in five bacterial strains. Second, an in vivo erythrocyte test was conducted with Sprague Dawley rats at doses up to 1,000mg/kg-bw/day. Third, a range-finder study was conducted with Sprague Dawley rats at the highest consumption amount given solubility and oral gavage volume constrains (500mg/kg-bw/day). Fourth, a 28-day study in Sprague Dawley rats was conducted at the 500mg/kg-bw/day amount. Fifth, an in vitro pepsin digestion assay was performed to assess the potential for protein allergenicity. Sixth, allergenic potential was further assessed using liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy for detection of allergenic insect proteins. Seventh, the protein sequences were subjected to bioinformatic analyses. Together, these studies raise no mutagenic, carcinogenic, toxicological, or allergenic concerns with the oral consumption of silk fibroin.

Keywords

Bombyx mori; silk fibroin; food safety; shelf-life; toxicity; mutagenicity; allergenicity; silk; protein; silk protein; food; food access; food waste; nutrition; food technology

Subject

Biology and Life Sciences, Anatomy and Physiology

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