Underwear to Protect Soldiers from Explosives to be Made from Spider Silk

A product called Monster Silk, which is spider silk, was made from genetically engineered silkworms by researchers in the United States. Scientists from the Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, based in Michigan, have found a way to extract spider silk from the silkworm.

Spider silk is said to be stronger and lighter than fibre in most fabrics, and scientists have constantly been looking for a range of articles that can use spider silk such as body armour, medical sutures and the latest to join the list is underwear that can protect soldiers from explosions.

Underwear made of spider silk for soldiers is safe as this doesn't melt and stick to the skin, even in conditions of extreme heat. Kim Thompson, the founder and CEO of Craig, said that their production system is the only commercially viable technology for producing spider silk.

Kim Thompson said, ""We're hoping to add one more arrow to the quiver, and we think it's a multi-billion dollar arrow." The scientists have inserted specific genes from spiders into the chromosomes of the silkworm to procure spider silk. Shifting the DNA sequence results in adjusting the flexibiliy and strength of the spider's silk.

Jordan Golson at Wired said, "Kraig's current production run is largely headed to Warwick Mills, a specialty textile manufacturer that focuses on protective applications like body armor and fireproof wearables. They are making the first Monster Silk textiles, and their research will lay the groundwork for the first commercial sales as soon as next year."

Warwick Mills, a specialty textile manufacturer focusing on protective applications, is heading Kraig's production od spider silk. They will be producing the first Monster Silk textile. Warwick Mills manufactures protective wear like body armour and fireproof wearables.

Thompson believes that no one material can ever satisfy all textile needs,and that spider silk will see increased usage in textile blends in the near future.