The result was a unique silk thread whose strength exceeded even Kevlar. This material is essentially similar to a spider web, but since it is produced by silkworms, it is possible to obtain large amounts of thread.
Spiders, on the other hand, cannot produce webs in such quantities, and their “farms” are unsustainable due to their cannibalistic tendencies.
The basis of the new thread is the MiSp protein found in the spider species Araneus ventricosus. Scientists successfully introduced this protein into the silkworm genome, leading to changes in the structure of the thread without affecting other aspects of the insect’s life.
The resulting material has a tensile strength of 1299 MPa and can be used to create ultra-strong fabrics for medical or military purposes.
This breakthrough opens new horizons in the field of biomaterials and their potential applications.
Source: Ferra
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