Review on artificial diets for silkworm (bombyx mori): advances, challenges, and perspectives

Abstract

Silkworms (Bombyx mori L.) have long been recognized as indispensable insects, both economically, due to their role in silk production, and scientifically, as model organisms for biomedical and biotechnological studies. Traditionally, silkworms have been reared exclusively on mulberry leaves (Morus alba L.), which provide essential nutrients required for their growth and cocoon production. However, seasonal limitations, geographic constraints, and the rising demand for controlled experimental conditions have led to the development and refinement of artificial diets. In recent years, substantial progress has been made in understanding diet formulation, nutrient supplementation, gut microbiota interactions, and physiological consequences of artificial feeding in silkworms. The review evaluates artificial diets as alternatives to mulberry leaves, focusing on their formulations, effects on physiology and immunity, applications in sericulture and biomedical research, and future directions for improvement. By integrating these studies, we highlight the promise of artificial diets in advancing sericulture sustainability and expanding silkworms’ utility in science while also identifying persistent challenges that require multidisciplinary solutions.