What main ingredient is used to make silk?

The main ingredient used to make silk is a protein called fibroin. Fibroin is produced by the glands of certain types of moth larvae, notamment Bombyx mori, commonly known as silkworms. These larvae create cocoons made of fibroin fibers to protect themselves during their transformation from larvae to moths.

The process of obtaining silk involves several steps. First, the silkworm cocoons are collected. Then, the cocoons are boiled or steamed to loosen the fibers and remove the protective sericin layer covering the fibroin filaments. The individual silk fibers from multiple cocoons are then drawn together to form a continuous filament, which is used to create various silk fabrics and products.