Genetically Modified Silkworms Spin Unbreakable Spider Silk
Chinese scientists have successfully synthesized spider silk from genetically modified silkworms, producing fibers six times tougher than Kevlar. This breakthrough study offers a sustainable alternative to synthetic fibers and has implications in various industries, including surgical sutures, military applications, aerospace technology, and biomedical engineering. The researchers used CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology and microinjections to introduce spider silk protein genes into silkworms, overcoming challenges in the process. The study paves the way for large-scale commercialization of spider silk fibers.