Progress on the gelation mechanism of sericin and its applications

The studies on the changes of physical properties of sericin during the transformation between gel and solution were reviewed,including light transmission rate,surface tension and adherence strength.The influences of temperature,solution concentration and pH value on the gelation speed of sericin were also elucidated.The micro-mechanism of these changes was examined using X ray diffraction,circular dichroism spectrum,infrared spectrum and DTA.It was proved that the sericin gel is thermal reversible.The gelation characteristics and applications of sericins blended or cross-linked with other substances were also described.