Chinese scientists have recently achieved a significant breakthrough by genetically modifying silkworms to produce spider silk, a fiber that is six times more durable than Kevlar, the material used in bulletproof vests. This is the first time that silkworms have been able to produce full-length spider silk proteins, making it a potentially sustainable alternative to synthetic fibers used in various industries.
China has a long history of using silkworm fibers for weaving clothing, and now they have harnessed this ancient art to create tougher fibers with a wider range of applications. This new material could revolutionize fields such as military, aerospace, and biomedical engineering, and more importantly, contribute to a more eco-friendly future.
In this article, we will explore how Chinese scientists accomplished the genetic alteration of silkworms to produce spider silk. We will also discuss another exciting project involving the use of fungi to create self-repairing fabric.
To enable silkworms to produce spider silk, biotechnologist Junpeng Mi from Donghua University inserted a specific gene into the silkworms. This successful integration of silkworm and spider threads is the result of years of research. Silkworm cocoons are easily broken, while spider silk is known for its flexibility, durability, and strength. However, spiders are difficult to cultivate in large numbers, unlike silkworms that can coexist peacefully in a factory. Therefore, the goal was to make silkworms produce spider silk.
Mi’s team extracted MiSp, a protein found in the orb-weaving East Asian spider Araneus ventricosus, and used CRISPR technology to replace the silkworm’s own gene with the MiSp spider silk proteins. The result was the production of high-strength fibers that can withstand stress without deforming and have the ability to absorb energy through stretching before rupturing.
Interestingly, scientists were surprised to discover that the MiSp-based threads were not only strong but also flexible. Normally, the protein produces strong fibers, but when placed in a silkworm, it exhibited flexible properties. Mi and his colleagues are now working on cross-breeding their experimental silkworms with commercial strains to mass produce this special spider silk fiber. They also plan to enhance the fiber’s strength and stretchiness by designing silk proteins that incorporate non-natural amino acids.
In addition to genetically modified silk, researchers at Northumbria University and Newcastle University are exploring the use of fungi to create self-repairing fabric. By utilizing the root-like threads from mushrooms called hyphae, they have developed fabric-like structures known as mycelium. While mycelium-based materials are commonly used in industries like textile manufacturing and construction, they typically destroy chlamydospores, which are essential for the mushrooms’ regeneration.
To overcome this challenge, the researchers combined proteins, carbohydrates, mycelia, chlamydospores, and other nutrients in a liquid solution. This concoction encouraged the growth of a layer that can be detached and dried. The resulting material can survive in dry and oligotrophic environments and has the ability to repair itself due to the presence of chlamydospores.
Although the current version of the fabric is too thin and delicate for garments, the researchers suggest combining layers or treating the fungal cloth with glycerol to increase its durability and usability.
In conclusion, Chinese scientists have successfully enabled silkworms to produce spider silk that is significantly stronger than Kevlar. Although this material is not yet available in consumer markets, further research and development may soon make it a viable alternative in various industries. To learn more about this groundbreaking research on spider silk, you can read the paper on the Matter website. Stay updated on the latest digital tips and trends by following Inquirer Tech.
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