Morus Inc. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Ryo Sato; hereinafter “Morus”) is pleased to announce that the results of a joint research with the University of Illinois, one of the world’s leading institutions in nutritional science, have been published in the peer-reviewed international academic journal Journal of Insects as Food and Feed (published online on December 19, 2025 by Brill).
The study, titled “Bioavailability of Nutrients in Silkworm (Bombyx mori) Powder,” investigated the efficiency of nutrient utilization in silkworm powder. Journal of Insects as Food and Feed is widely recognized as a highly reliable source of scientific knowledge in the development of novel materials and technologies utilizing insects.
This research is the first study to report the bioavailability of minerals, specifically zinc contained in silkworm powder developed by Morus. The results demonstrated that zinc bioavailability in silkworm powder is nearly twice as high as that found in mulberry leaves.
Most notably, the study provides the world’s first scientific evidence that insects (silkworms), by consuming plants (mulberry leaves), enhance the digestibility and absorption of plant-derived minerals that are otherwise poorly absorbed by humans. This establishes silkworms as functioning as a “bio-reactor/bio-condenser.”
The publication of this paper represents a major step forward in validating the potential and market value of novel foods, and is expected to significantly contribute to future innovation in the food and nutrition industries.
Zinc is an essential mineral required for maintaining human health, yet it cannot be synthesized in the human body. Zinc derived from plant sources is often poorly absorbed. Zinc deficiency can lead to the following symptoms:
Despite its importance, it is estimated that approximately 20% of the global population (1.6 billion people) may have inadequate zinc intake (*1).
To date, research on zinc bioavailability has been limited. Therefore, this study evaluated the bioavailability of zinc derived from mulberry leaves after being converted into silkworm powder produced by Morus.
The study was conducted using an animal bioassay method, a technique that evaluates the biological activity and bioavailability of substances based on physiological responses in living organisms. Bioassays are widely used in pharmaceutical development, environmental toxicology, and internal exposure assessment of hazardous substances, as they can capture complex biological interactions that are difficult to detect through chemical analysis alone.
In this study, animals (chicks) were fed diets containing silkworm powder. Relative zinc bioavailability was assessed by analyzing the relationship between zinc intake and zinc content in the tibia (leg bone), thereby evaluating the nutritional efficacy of zinc contained in silkworm powder.
Using inorganic zinc (ZnSO₄·H₂O) as the 100% reference standard in the animal bioassay, the relative bioavailability of zinc in silkworm powder was determined to be 175%, compared to 91% for zinc derived from mulberry leaves. This result confirms that zinc in silkworm powder is nearly twice as bioavailable.
The study provides the world’s first empirical evidence that insects consuming plants act as a “bioreactor condenser,” significantly improving the digestion and absorption efficiency of plant-derived minerals that are otherwise poorly absorbed by humans.
The University of Illinois is a public university system in the United States comprising three campuses: Urbana–Champaign, Chicago, and Springfield. The flagship University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign is considered one of the “Public Ivy” institutions and is internationally renowned for its excellence in engineering and natural sciences.
As of 2022, the university has produced 30 Nobel Prize laureates. It was ranked 4th globally in the 2023 Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
“We are deeply honored to have achieved these results through a collaborative study with the University of Illinois, one of the world’s leading research institutions in nutritional science. This joint research at the forefront of the field has revealed the remarkable potential of silkworms as a functional material. We aim to translate this Japan-originated research into real-world applications that contribute to society.”
“Zinc is an essential micronutrient, yet many people do not consume sufficient amounts through their diet, particularly those relying primarily on plant-based foods, where absorption efficiency is low. Zinc deficiency not only affects immunity, skin health, and taste perception but may also pose long-term health risks. From a nutritional science perspective, it is critically important not only to increase intake but to consume nutrients in forms that are readily utilized by the body. This world-first demonstration of insects functioning as a bioreactor condenser represents a significant breakthrough in nutritional science.”
Morus is currently seeking team members to support its overseas operations and plant management initiatives.
▶︎ More details: https://morus.jp/jp/career/
Morus Inc. is a research-driven venture company specializing in the development, mass production, and supply of silkworm-derived biomaterials. Building on Japan’s long history of sericulture, Morus aims to unlock the full potential of silkworms—an insect rich in unique nutrients not found in other insects—through selective breeding and scalable production.
Silkworms are not only high in protein but also contain functional compounds that continue to attract scientific interest. As a domesticated insect with traits suitable for mass production—such as non-aggressive behavior and low escape risk—silkworms have been extensively studied over centuries. This foundation supports continued advancements in research and development.
Morus was founded with the mission of addressing global health challenges through science-driven nutrition and functional ingredients originating from Japan.
– Company Name: Morus Inc.
– CEO: Ryo Sato
– Head Office:
12 KANDA 801, 2-3-12 Kanda Sudacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0041, Japan
– Website: https://morus.jp/jp/
Business Activities:
Research, development, mass production of silkworm-based materials, and sales of healthcare products
Singapore Branch
– Branch Name: Morus SG
– CEO: Ryo Sato
– Address:
Twenty Anson #11-01, 20 Anson Rd, Singapore 079912
For inquiries regarding silkworm materials or collaborative research and development, please contact us via the form below:
▶︎ Contact: https://morus.jp/contact
Reference
(*1) Wessells, K. R., & Brown, K. H. (2012). Estimating the global prevalence of zinc deficiency: results based on zinc availability in national food supplies and the prevalence of stunting. PLOS ONE.
