Synthetic Spider Silk

Spider silk has long been prized for its superior strength and elasticity, and the fibers have been used in a broad range of applications, from fishing line to artificial blood vessels. Harvesting it naturally, however, has proven to be problematic since spiders only produce the small amounts needed to construct their web, and generally consume what they’ve spun to reuse the protein. (Nature knows how to conserve and recycle!)

Now the goal of finding a method to manufacture this wonder material has apparently been achieved, and the first factory to mass-produce the fibers is set to begin operations later this year. The process, which is covered by 16 patents, uses bacteria that produce proteins with the same composition and characteristics as natural spider silk. Known as Recombinant Spiber™ silk, the new material has been shown to be stable at very high temperatures and in many buffers and solutions that would break down other biomaterials, and can be produced as a fiber, film, foam or mesh. It’s estimated that the plant will initially be able to supply up to 100kg per month.