Antheraea mylitta cocoonase: An explorable protease

Abstract

Aim: The study was conducted to explore the insect secreted protease Antheraea mylitta cocoonase. Methodology: The cocoons of eleven ecoraces were collected followed by observation of cocoonase secretion behaviour, cocoonase collection, purification, and its quantification. In addition, the thermal stability of cocoonase and gel diffusion assay were investigated. Results: Antheraea mylitta cocoons of eleven ecoraces were collected from different eco-pockets of India. Subsequently, the cocoonase secretion behaviour of different ecoraces during emergence was studied. It was observed that the quantity and concentration of cocoonase secreted depends upon various factors such as cocoon size, cocoon stiffness, and the habitat in which silkworm is reared. To observe the proteolytic specificity of A. mylitta cocoonase, a gel diffusion assay was conducted using casein and gelatin as probable substrates. The presence of hydrolytic ring confirmed protease activity. In addition, the thermal stability of cocoonase was also observed by protease activity. Interpretation: The present study concludes that Antheraea mylitta cocoonase is an explorable protease that needs further exploration to unveil the unspecified properties of this insect-secreted protease, which can find beneficial applications in silk and other industries. Key words: Antheraea mylitta, Cocoonase, Ecoraces, Gel diffusion assay, Temperature stability