Gut Microbiota in Silkworms: Advances in Microbiome Based Strategies for Artificial Diets and Sustainable Sericulture

Abstract

Silkworms are economically and biologically significant insects widely cultivated for silk production. While genetic and nutritional research has long shaped traditional sericulture, recent advances in microbiome science have uncovered the crucial roles that gut microbial communities play in the health, development, and productivity of silkworms. These microbial partners facilitate digestion, immune modulation, detoxification, and even influence silk production. As artificial diets and mass-rearing conditions grow in popularity, understanding how gut microbiota adapt—and how they can be manipulated—is vital for improving sustainability and efficiency in sericulture. This review synthesizes recent scientific findings on the diversity, functionality, and plasticity of the silkworm gut microbiome. We highlight how factors such as diet, environment, and host genetics influence microbial communities and discuss the potential of probiotics, prebiotics, and microbial engineering as tools to enhance silkworm performance. Through an analysis of more than 30 studies, this paper provides a comprehensive framework for integrating microbiome science into modern sericulture practices. This review also highlights knowledge gaps and future directions for research, including the need for host-specific microbial formulations, long-term field validation, and a better understanding of host–microbe–diet interactions in large-scale sericulture systems.