The Evaluation of the Biological Effects of Melanin by Using Silkworm as a Model Animal

Abstract

Melanin has been reported to have potential applications in industries such as cosmetics and food due to its anti-UV and antioxidative qualities. However, the corresponding data on its safety evaluation or biological consequences are fairly limited; such data are critical given its widespread use. The effect of different concentrations (1, 2, 3, and 4%) of melanin on growth status (larvae length and weight, cocoon weight, and morphology), the microstructure of the various tissues (fat body, silk gland, and midgut), and silk properties was studied by using the silkworm (bombyx mori) as the model organism. The weight and length of silkworm larvae fed with melanin were lower than the control, indicating that melanin appears to have a negative effect on the growth status of silkworms; however, the histophysiology analysis indicates that the cell morphologies are not changed, the XRD and FTIR spectra indicate that the secondary and crystalline structures of silks are also well preserved, and the thermogravimetric analysis and tensile test indicate that the thermal stability and mechanical properties are well maintained and even improved to some extent. Generally, it indicates that melanin has a certain inhibitory effect on the growth of silkworm larva but causes no harm to the cell microstructures or silk properties; this demonstrates that the safety of melanin as a food addictive should be considered seriously. The increase of thermal stability and mechanical properties shows that melanin may be a good chemical modifier in textile industries.

Interactions of Melanin with Electromagnetic Radiation: From Fundamentals to Applications

“…However, if synthetic melanin materials are employed, cytotoxicity studies should be cautiously conducted before ensuring they are edible. 299 For melanin-based structurally colored inks, exploring the interaction between the melanin and other medium components that are generally used in the commercially used inks or pigments may pave the way for its commercial development. 295 In addition, structural colors based on pure melanin generally come with a black tone because of its strong absorption in visible region.…”

Cytotoxicity of AuCu–Cu2S Nanocomposites: Implications for Biological Evaluation of the Nanocomposite Effect on Bombyx mori Silkworms and Cell Lines

“…28,29 Furthermore, the fifth instar silkworm larvae have a larger body size and are easier to obtain in larger quantities of tissues for variational drug evaluation studies. 27,30 Silkworms are a promising animal model because, compared to mammals, they do not cause biosafety issues and are extremely sensitive to toxicants, 31 making them suitable for environmental and health assessments.…”

“…24,25 Silkworm has numerous advantages, including low reproduction costs, large offspring, short generation time, and clear genetic background. 26,27 Furthermore, there are a plethora of genetic resources on silkworms. For instance, the complete silkworm genome has accelerated its evolution into a modern model organism in life sciences.…”

“…Bombyx mori silkworm is a well-known and commercially important fully metamorphic insect. It has played important scientific roles in fields such as medicine, genetics, developmental biology, and physiology, among others. , Silkworm has numerous advantages, including low reproduction costs, large offspring, short generation time, and clear genetic background. , Furthermore, there are a plethora of genetic resources on silkworms. For instance, the complete silkworm genome has accelerated its evolution into a modern model organism in life sciences.…”

“…According to genomic studies, some silkworm genes are highly homologous to genes associated with human genetic diseases, making them a candidate model for studying human diseases. Although silkworms cannot wholly replace mammals, they can serve as a supplement and support. , Furthermore, the fifth instar silkworm larvae have a larger body size and are easier to obtain in larger quantities of tissues for variational drug evaluation studies. , Silkworms are a promising animal model because, compared to mammals, they do not cause biosafety issues and are extremely sensitive to toxicants, making them suitable for environmental and health assessments.…”