Natural Spider Silk spurs Artificial Brilliance
Spider Silk, commonly called Spider web is a protein
fibre woven by spiders. They are mainly used to capture or immobilize prey and
for reproduction purposes. The tensile strength of the Spider Silk is proportionate
to that of a high-grade alloy steel. This material is lighter, thinner and more
flexible than steel. This is a two compound pyriform secretion that adheres
itself to various surfaces so that it can be spun into the web. Unlike the silk
produced by silkworms, this cannot be mass manufactured because of the
cannibalistic nature of the spiders.
Natural Spider web:
The Spider web does not grow continuously. It is woven by the spider “on demand” from the glands. This weaving may occur due to the natural motion of the spider or due to the force exerted on it by other organisms like human beings. The web is originally an aqueous solution that turns into a solid fiber on secretion from the gland. This gland is known as the spinnerets gland and the spiders can have a most of up-to 8 glands. This fiber known as Spider Silk has high tensile strength and toughness.
Genetically Engineered Spider Silk Production:
The silk could not be mass-produced naturally. Hence an experiment to produce it artificially was conducted. But this failed because the artificially produced silk did not have the desired mechanical properties. Now, Kraiglabs brought forth a new technology in which the spider silk was produced with the help of genetically engineering. Here, they genetically engineer the silkworms to produce the spider silk.
Synthetic Spider Silk:
The synthetic spider silk is different than the genetically engineered one. The silk created by Kraiglabs is made by the silkworm but these synthetic threads are made from ingredients. The materials used are genetically modified yeast, sugar and water. These ingredients are fermented in controlled conditions to produce the silk. These synthetic threads are similar to the natural one and have the same mechanical properties.
Natural Spider web:
The Spider web does not grow continuously. It is woven by the spider “on demand” from the glands. This weaving may occur due to the natural motion of the spider or due to the force exerted on it by other organisms like human beings. The web is originally an aqueous solution that turns into a solid fiber on secretion from the gland. This gland is known as the spinnerets gland and the spiders can have a most of up-to 8 glands. This fiber known as Spider Silk has high tensile strength and toughness.
Genetically Engineered Spider Silk Production:
The silk could not be mass-produced naturally. Hence an experiment to produce it artificially was conducted. But this failed because the artificially produced silk did not have the desired mechanical properties. Now, Kraiglabs brought forth a new technology in which the spider silk was produced with the help of genetically engineering. Here, they genetically engineer the silkworms to produce the spider silk.
Synthetic Spider Silk:
The synthetic spider silk is different than the genetically engineered one. The silk created by Kraiglabs is made by the silkworm but these synthetic threads are made from ingredients. The materials used are genetically modified yeast, sugar and water. These ingredients are fermented in controlled conditions to produce the silk. These synthetic threads are similar to the natural one and have the same mechanical properties.
PRODUCTS:
Clothing:
Due to its high tensile strength, Spider Silk is used to manufacture bullet proof vests and lightweight clothing that are wear and tear proof. These threads have great resilience and flexibility. Since they are tougher than steel, bullets cannot pierce the tightly woven vest and since they are lightweight, they give the person an ease of movement.
Clothing:
Due to its high tensile strength, Spider Silk is used to manufacture bullet proof vests and lightweight clothing that are wear and tear proof. These threads have great resilience and flexibility. Since they are tougher than steel, bullets cannot pierce the tightly woven vest and since they are lightweight, they give the person an ease of movement.
Medical purposes:
These threads are used in the production of bandages and surgical threads due to their thinness. They are also used in the manufacture of artificial tendons and ligaments. There is a fable that spider threads have medicinal properties that help in fighting infections and healing wounds. These fibres can be used to give support to fragile blood vessels.
Others:
Spider Silk can be used to produce tear-resistant ropes due to its high tensile strength property. It can be used in the production of nets, seat belts, etc. This silk is used in the production of automobiles to make sure rust free boards.
The production of spider silk synthetically is still not a complete success. But considering the advantages of the silk, mass-production is a necessity. The secrets behind this amazing ‘gossamer’ will unfold.
Kraig Biocraft Laboratories deals in all types of
Spider Silk for research and development & different technologies. Visit http://www.kraiglabs.com/ for
more information or call us at 734-619-8066 to
learn more about the ongoing developments.
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