The function of silk:
1. Medical field: Silk fibroin and sericin are components of spun silk. After being treated with concentrated sulfuric acid, the same substance as heparin can be obtained, which has anticoagulant activity and delays coagulation time, and can be used to develop blood testing equipment or antithrombotic materials. By changing some processing conditions in the same way, spun silk rich in water absorption and water retention can be processed into advanced water-based materials or other physiological health care products. In addition, the spun silk is chemically synthesized by polymer, so that calcium or phosphorus can be condensed with the spun silk, and an "orthopedic material" for orthopedic treatment can be developed. Similarly, after chemical treatment, artificial muscles or artificial ligaments can also be developed. Silk fibroin films made of spun silk can also be made into wound protection films for treating burns or other skin injuries.
2. Industrial field: The silk powder processed into particles can be used as an additive for cosmetics or health food, and can also be made into silk paper containing silk powder or food fresh-keeping packaging materials and antibacterial silk materials. Silk fibroin film is not only used to process contact lenses, but also can be used to mix silk powder as fine as 0.3μm with resin to develop a new product called silk leather. High-grade coatings made by adding silk powder into some coatings can be used to spray furniture supplies, increase the elegant appearance and good touch of utensils, and are widely used in various indoor decorations.
3. Beauty field: The structure of natural silk is very similar to human skin, so it has the reputation of "second skin" of human body. Silk beauty has a long history in China. As early as the Ming Dynasty in China, silk was used by court ladies for daily beauty and health preservation because of its important medicinal value.