# Artificial Spider Silk Ultra-Strong Fibers Made From Proteins By IdeaMan | Published 2008-03-07 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/artificial-spider-silk-ultra-strong-fibers-made-from-proteins-instead-of-sp References: [afmc.af.mil](http://www.afmc.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123088049) Spider silk has long been recognized for its significant strength to weight properties. However, producing it on a commercial scale has proven elusive. It seems that when large quantities of spiders are put together, they tend to eat each other. Not a desirable feature for any farm! Fortunately, a [University of Wyoming](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/helmet-liner) research team, with support from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, has developed a way to create the silk artificially, using biotechnology. First, the team inserted artificial spider silk genes into bacteria, resulting in bacteria that produce a specific protein. The proteins are then spun into fibers and evaluated to optimize the desired properties. The team has also found success in genetically modifying goats to produce the necessary protein in their milk. According to the Air Force website, *"the [proteins derived from the goat's milk](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/labmade-milk-proteins) can be spun into strong, lightweight, and extremely elastic silk to be used in the construction of light, bulletproof vests for the military. The fibers can also be used for much stronger parachutes enabling larger payloads to be delivered. They can also be used to create artificial ligaments."* Reportedly, the experimental silk is [stronger than Kevlar](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/benks-armorgrid-series) and more flexible than nylon. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.2/10 - Popularity: 11% | Activity: 47% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) > [Inventions](https://www.trendhunter.com/inventions) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Artificial Spider Silk Production:** Opportunity to develop biotechnology processes for producing artificial spider silk on a commercial scale. - **Genetic Modification for Fiber Production:** Opportunity to explore genetic modification techniques for producing fibers with desired properties. - **Advanced Materials for Protective Gear:** Opportunity to create stronger, lightweight, and flexible materials for the construction of bulletproof vests and parachutes. ### Where This Applies - **Biotechnology:** The biotechnology industry can leverage this innovation to develop new manufacturing methods for producing artificial spider silk. - **Genetic Engineering:** The genetic engineering industry can explore new techniques for modifying genes in organisms to produce fibers with specific properties. - **Defense and Military:** The defense and military industry can harness this technology to create advanced protective gear, such as bulletproof vests and parachutes. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Lab-Grown Fibre Scarves](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/burberry-b-shield-scarf.md) - [Bio-Based Textile Cashmere](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/everbloom.md) - [Silk Protein Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eri-rocket.md) - [Grown Microbial-Woven Fabrics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compostable-fabric.md) - [Silkworm Protein Powders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kaiko.md) - [Reimagined Structural Timber](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/superwood.md) - [Synthetic Fiber Heart Valves](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wyss-institute.md) - [Animal-Like Fibre-Spun Meats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/project-eaden.md) - [Tactical Technical Fabric Pants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vollebak-carbon-fibre-dyneema-pants.md)