Mulberry was dried with low temperature vacuum dryer using microwave. The nutritional compositions of microwave-dried mulberry including proximate composition, sugar content, mineral content, total phenolic, flavonoids, and anthocyanin, beta-carotene, vitamin C, and amino acid composition were measured. Sugar contents of mulberry were 42.6 mg/100g (Cheongilppong) and 43.27 mg/100g dw (Gwasang No. 2). The main components of mulberry sugars were fructose and glucose. Mineral analysis showed that K, P, Ca, and Mg were abundant regardless of mulberry cultivars.
In the present study, the effect of heat treatment on the crystallinity of the outside of silkworm cocoon in nine different silkworm varieties was studied using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Additionally, the morphological structure and moisture regain of the cocoon were examined. The silkworm cocoon showed different colors and external features depending on the silkworm variety. Moreover, the thickness of the filament (15.3-27.6 μm) and moisture regain of the cocoon (9.0%-11.0%) were quite different depending on the silkworm variety. The crystallinity index of the cocoon outside varied from 52.1% to 56.1%, depending on the silkworm variety. J300 and MO42 showed the highest (56.1%) and the lowest (52.1%) crystallinity index, respectively, indicating that the microstructure of sericin of the outside of the cocoon was affected by the silkworm variety. Regardless of silkworm variety, their crystallinity indexes decreased from 52.1%-56.1% to 49.9%-43.6% depending on the silkworm variety by the heat treatment at 250 °C. Interestingly, the crystallinity degree decrease was somewhat different depending on the silkworm variety, implying that the cocoon sericin microstructure is strongly influenced by the silkworm variety.
Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) is a representative marker for inflammation. Silk sericin is known as mild TNFα inducer. The purpose of this study was to compare the level of TNFα among different fractions of silk sericin. Silk sericin was extracted from cocoon and separated it by molecular weight. Each fraction was applied to RAW264.7 cells. The level of TNFα was evaluated by western blot and ELISA assay. In results, the level of TNFα was increased as time-dependent manner. Higher molecular weight fraction of sericin induced higher amount of TNFα than lower molecular weight fraction. In conclusion, different molecular weight fraction of sericin induced TNFα differently.
Morus alba has white and/or purple fruits with a very sweet taste and low acidity. Most Korean mulberry trees have purple fruits. However, Baekokwang is a unique mulberry genetic resource in Korea with white fruits. In this study, flavonoids contents of Baekokwang mulberry leaf and fruit were analyzed using ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-DAD-QTOF/MS) technique. UPLC-DAD-QTOF/MS chromatogram showed that 15 flavonoids and 9 flavonoids were isolated and identified from the mulberry leaf and fruit. Total flavonoids contents of Baekokwang leaves and fruits were 812.7 mg and 35.0 mg, respectively. Baekokwang leaves had 4 major flavonoids including quercetin 3-O-(6''''-O-malonyl) glucoside, 235.3 ppm, kaempferol 3-O-(6''''-O-malonyl) glucoside , 132.3 ppm, kaempferol 3-O-rutinoside (nicotiflorin), 108.1 ppm, and quercetin 3-O-rutinoside (rutin), 103.8 ppm. Baekokwang fruits had 3 major flavonoids including quercetin 3-O-(6''''-O-malonyl) glucoside, 13.0 ppm, quercetin 3-O-rutinoside (rutin), 7.8 ppm, and kaempferol 3-O-rutinoside (nicotiflorin), 5.7 ppm. From the above results, mulberry leaves have rich flavonoids compared to its fruits.
Entomopathogenic Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae are well-known biological control agents worldwide, and have high potential in industrialization. However, their thermo-susceptibility limits long-term storage under high temperature conditions and insecticidal activity after application in target pests. The virulences of M. anisopliae JEF-003 and JEF- 004, and B. bassiana JEF-006 and JEF-007 against bean bug (Riptortus pedestris), and the thermotolerance of conidia produced on three kinds of grains, sorghum, millet and Italian millet as substrates for solid cultures were investigated. Of the three grains, Italian millet was the suitable grains in the production of thermotolerant conidia, and a significant relationship between conidial thermotolerance and the media was demonstrated. This work suggests that biological characteristics of entomopathogenic fungi are altered by culture media, and these results will be a chance to understand the factors in the media which make such changes.
A new silkworm variety, Juhwangjam, was bred for the producing of light pink colored cocoon. The Juhwangjam variety was selected and succeeded from the F1 of 2303 x BP Heehong in 2016 autumn. Hatchability (96%) and pupation percentage (97.6%) of Juhwangjam was matched to the authorization criteria for commercial silkworm variety. Laval period and other economical characters of Juhwangjam were similar to the authorized silkworm variety, Goldensilk. Cocoon yield of Juhwangjam in spring and autumn season was 20.0 and 14.3 kg, respectively. Therefore, a new silkworm variety, Juhwangjam for light pink cocoon, might be adaptable to culture in spring season rather than autumn season.
Mulberry root bark is one of potential plant sources for antioxidant materials which can be used for the relief of oxidative stress. To explore the effects of solvent type and temperature on the structural characteristics and antioxidant activity of the root bark extracts, we prepared various extracts of mulberry root bark (Morus alba L.) using 0 - 100 % ethanol (EtOH) at RT - 100oC. EtOH concentration and temperature critically affected the extraction yields, the content of bioactive components, and antioxidant activity of the extracts. Use of high content of EtOH solvent and low temperature resulted in the low extraction yield. Meanwhile, it was revealed that the extract prepared using absolute EtOH at room temperature contained polyphenols and flavonoids with the highest contents among other extracts. Interestingly, the temperature differently affected the polyphenol and flavonoid contents according to the solvent types. In the case of 30% EtOH solvent, polyphenol and flavonoid contents increased with an increase in temperature, whereas in the case of 70 and 100 % EtOH, these contents decreased. Using the radical scavenging assay, it was confirmed that the 100% EtOH extracts had higher antioxidant activity compared to distilled water (DW) extracts regardless of temperature. Also, heating might extract more antioxidant components from the root bark. Especially, the extract prepared using 30% EtOH solvent at 100℃ showed the highest antioxidant activity. Taken together, these experimental results imply that the extraction parameters should be designed carefully considering the productivity, the extracted bioactive components, and antioxidant activity.
The aim of this study was to elucidate the difference in the amount of phytochemicals and anti-oxidant activities of the freeze-dried 5th instar 3rd day silkworm powder (FDSP) and 7 HongJams (HJs). Three primary colors of light of 8 silkworm powders revealed why each sample had unique color. The visual and absorption spectrum analyses of 80% methanol (MeOH) extracts of 8 silkworm powders revealed that white jade (WJ)-FDSP extracts showing strong forest-green colors had different absorption spectrum from 7 HJs. Among 7 HJs, the absorption spectrum of light green silkworm (LGS)-HJ extract was different from those of other HJ extracts. The amounts of total flavonoids and phenolic compounds of WJ-FDSP were 423.0±9.21% and 252.3±12.86%, respectively, more than those of WJ-HJ. Among 7 HJs, the amounts of total flavonoids and phenolic compounds in LGS-and red silkorm (RS)-HJ extracts were significantly more than those of WJ-HJ extract. Consistent with the amounts of phytochemicals, radical scavenging activity and reducing ability of WJ-FDSP extract were significantly higher that other HJ extracts. Among 7 silkworm powder extracts, LGS-HJ extract showed significantly higher radical scavenging activity and reducing ability than those of WJ-HJ extract. But, RS-HJ extract only showed significantly higher radical scavenging activity than that of WJ-HJ extract. Taken together, the amounts of phytochemicals in 8 silkworm powders contributed on their colors and anti-oxidant activities.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the changes in gene expression after incubation of cells with soluble fraction from different silk mat layers. A silk cocoon from Bombyx mori was separated into 4 layers of equal thickness. The layers were numbered from 1 to 4 (from the inner to outer layer). Each silk mat was placed into normal saline and collected soluble fraction. They were administered to RAW264.7 cells, and changes in the expression of genes were evaluated by cDNA microarray analysis. Layer 1 and 4 groups showed significantly higher expression of BMP-2 at 8 h after administration of soluble fraction (P < 0.05). Runx2 expression was significantly higher in Layer 4 group at 8h (P < 0.05). The silk mat from the innermost and outermost portion of the silkworm cocoon showed a significant change in the expression of genes that are associated with osteoinduction such as BMP-2 and runx2.
Three species of the family Biphyllidae - Biphyllus japonicus Sasaji, 1983, Biphyllus loochooanus Sasaji, 1991 and Biphyllus oshimanus Nakane, 1988 - are reported for the first time in Korea. Descriptions, photographs of the adults and line drawings of the diagnostic characters are provided for all the species recognized in this study.
This work was preliminary report on the shape of mulberry fruits and mulberry flowers. The shape of mulberry was varied with mulberry cultivars as bended oval shape (Daeshim), oval shape (Gwasang No. 2), oval-cylindrical shape (Sagyeppong), uneven heart shape (Suwonppong), and roundish shape (Cheonggangsang). The style of female flowers was also varied with cultivars as no style (Palchung), short style (Gwasang No. 2), cone style (Susungppong), and rectangular style (Daedangsang). This observation suggested that the shape and flower of mulberries are different among mulberry cultivars. It needs to further systematic study to know the shape and flower of mulberry cultivars and to elucidate the relationship between the morphological characters and mulberry cultivars.
Recently mulberry has been commercialized but it loses its marketability rapidly after harvest. In this study, characteristics of mulberry were examined at different storage temperature after harvest using the typical Korean mulberry cultivars. Postharvest spoilage fungi on the various mulberry cultivars, Cheongilppong, Daeshim, and Gwasang No. 2 was observed 2, 2, and 1 d , respectively, after harvest at 28℃. However, at 4℃, the day was 8, 7, and 4 d, respectively. At 28℃ storage condition, the weight loss behavior of mulberry did not showed significantly different among them. However, at 4℃ storage condition, mulberry Cheongilppong loses its weight rapidly compared to Daeshim and Gwasang No. 2. Sugar content of mulberry stored at 4℃ was nearly constant, but stored at 28℃ decreased with storage time. The acidity of mulberry slightly decreased with storage time and then increased. Juice leakage of frozen mulberry leaked abruptly within 6 h from the fruit body and then flattened at 25℃. The results of our study, the postharvest characteristics of mulberry were affected by mulberry cultivar and need to further study to increase the shelf life.
Humans use insects as food and traditional medicine for many years. Hemolymph is the circulating fluid of insects and is a key component of their immune system. However, limited information is available regarding hemolymph identification, development, and differentiation, as well as the related cellular immune responses. In a previous study, hemolymph extracts prepared from Bombyx mori larvae were found to exert anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we aimed to identify and compare the antioxidant activity of immune-challenged and unchallenged B. mori hemolymph extracts in vitro. For this purpose, human epithelial Caco-2 cells were first exposed to oxidative stress and then treated with various concentrations and incubation times of either immune-challenged or unchallenged B. mori hemolymph extracts. Next, we determined the effect of treatment on the relative expression of GPX-1, SOD-1, and SOD-2 antioxidant marker genes. We found that the expression rates of the three marker genes were markedly higher at a immune-challenged hemolymph extract concentration of 80 ppm compared to those at other concentrations, and the antioxidant effects were enhanced after treatment for 48 hr. Thus, B. mori hemolymph extracts showed antioxidant activity within the limited time and dose. Especially, the immune-challenged B. mori hemolymph extracts showed higher the antioxidant activities than unchallenged one. The activity of silkworm hemolymph extracts could facilitate the development of new types of functional foods, feed additives, and biomaterials with antioxidant properties. © 2020 The Korean Society of Sericultural Sciences Int. J. Indust. Entomol. 40(1), 16-21 (2020)
Silkworm powder was prepared from 3rd day of 5th instar silkworm through various drying technology including freeze drying, hot wind drying, infrared drying, and microwave drying. The shape of silkworm dried was different with the drying methods. Freeze drying and microwave drying silkworm looked its original form, but hot wind drying and infrared drying silkworm looked shriveled and crumpled. The color of silkworm powder freeze-dried changed from yellowish green to hazel with lowering freezing temperature. Heavy metals including Pb, Cd, As, and Hg were lower the food criteria. The results of 1-deoxynojirimycin analysis was shown that BaekOkJam and GoldenSilk silkworm powder was satisfied the criteria of functional food, but YeonNokJam silkworm powder was lower than the criteria. The amino acid composition of silkworm was similar regardless of the frozen temperature in freeze drying process. © 2020 The Korean Society of Sericultural Sciences Int. J. Indust. Entomol. 40(1), 22-27 (2020)
Recently, many studies have been undertaken on the wet spinning and electrospinning of silk because wet-spun fibers and electrospun webs of silk can be applied in the biomedical and cosmetic fields owing to the good biocompatibility of silk. The rheological properties of silk solution are important because they strongly affect the spinning performance of the silk solution and the structures of resultant fibrous materials. Therefore, as a preliminary study on the effect of solvent composition on the rheological properties of silk fibroin (SF) solution and structure of the resultant film, in the reported work, methanol was added to the SF formic acid solution. A small amount of methanol (i.e. 2%) added to the SF formic acid solution significantly altered the rheological properties of the solution: its shear viscosity increased by 10 folds at low shear and decreased on increasing the shear rate, demonstrating shear thinning behavior of the SF solution. Dynamic tests for the SF solution indicated that the addition of 2% methanol altered the viscous state of the SF formic acid solution to elastic. However, the molecular conformation (i.e. β-sheet conformation) of the regenerated SF film cast from formic acid remained unchanged on the addition of 2% methanol. © 2020 The Korean Society of Sericultural Sciences Int. J. Indust. Entomol. 40(1), 28-32 (2020)
The popularity of keeping stag beetles (Dorcus titanus castanicolor Motschulsky 1861, Coleoptera: Lucanidae) as pets has increased. Consistent with the rise in the number of insect farms using these beetles, the number of contaminated or diseased D. titanus castanicolor has also increased. This investigation was conducted to analyze the cause of D. titanus castanicolor disease. The contaminated larvae of D. titanus castanicolor showed Allomyrina nudivirus infection symptoms similar to those of Allomyrina nudivirus infection. However, the disease carried by of D. titanus castanicolor is not derived from the virus infecting Allomyrina, as determined by PCR. Our study revealed that the major gut microbes of infectious D. titanus castanicolor belonged to the phylum Proteobacteria, and specifically, Pseudomonas knackmussi (Symptom 1 - 39.62% to Symptom 2 - 41.50% to Symptom 3 - 76.76% as the disease progressed severely) and Citrobacter koseri (Symptom 1 - 1.48% to Symptom 2 - 6.04% to Symptom 3 - 6.16% as the disease progressed severely) were detected. Additionally, a high proportion of larvae from the uninfected group were found to harbor bacteria belonging to the phylum Firmicutes (72%). However, as the disease progressed severely in these beetles, the proportion of Firmicutes decreased (Symptom 1 - 72.03% to Symptom 2 - 44.7% to Symptom 3 - 26.3%). These findings imply that colonization by Firmicutes was inversely proportional to Proteobacteria colonization in the gut. This was found to be true for both the normal and disease conditions of D. titanus castanicolor. In this study, we examined the distribution of intestinal microbial communities in normal and contaminated larvae. We observed a correlation between these contaminated microbes and the overall health of the beetle, and our findings suggest that there may be a link between disease progression and the gut microbiome.
