Figure 1. A flow chart depicts the procedure of extraction, purification and fabrication of a pure sericin 3D hydrogel (details see Methods).

Cocoons from a fibroin-deficient mutant silkworm, Bombyx mori, 185 Nd-s, were cut into pieces and then dissolved in 6 M LiBr aqueous solution at 35°C for 24 hours. The solution was dialyzed against water for 2 days at room temperature. Glutaraldehyde as a crosslinking agent was added into the sericin solution, leading to the formation of the sericin hydrogels. These sericin hydrogels are injectable and moldable.