The Role of Probiotic Supplementation in Silkworm (Bombyx mori) Biology: Current Insights and Future Perspectives

Abstract

This review collectively underscores the potential of probiotic supplementation as a strategy to improve gut health and optimize economic traits in silkworms. Probiotic supplementation has emerged as a promising strategy to improve the health, growth, and silk productivity of Bombyx mori, the mulberry silkworm. Recent advancements in insect microbiome research have highlighted the functional significance of gut microbiota in nutrient assimilation, immune modulation, and physiological resilience. Studies indicate that incorporating beneficial microbes such as Lactobacillus, Bacillus, Saccharomyces, and Bifidobacterium into the silkworm diet enhances digestive enzyme activity, silk gland protein content, and disease resistance. These probiotics not only improve larval and cocoon traits but also suppress pathogenic infections by modulating gut microbial balance and immune responses. The effectiveness of probiotic supplementation, however, is often strain- and dosage-dependent, emphasizing the need for targeted formulations. In addition, integration with prebiotics or botanical additives has shown synergistic benefits, opening avenues for developing biofortified sericultural feeds. Despite promising outcomes, the absence of standardized protocols and limited understanding of long-term probiotic-host interactions remain major challenges. Recent molecular approaches, such as metagenomics and transcriptomics, offer new insights into the microbial dynamics within the silkworm gut, paving the way for precision probiotic applications. This review consolidates current knowledge on the functional roles of probiotics in silkworm biology and discusses their implications for sustainable, eco-friendly sericulture. The development of strain-specific, cost-effective probiotic interventions could significantly improve productivity while reducing dependence on chemical treatments, contributing to the resilience and profitability of the silk industry. Probiotic supplementation offers a sustainable, eco-friendly, and economically viable approach to strengthening silkworm health and optimizing silk production. Continued interdisciplinary research and field validation will be critical in translating these insights into scalable solutions that support the long-term resilience and profitability of the sericulture industry.