Could these silkworms spin body armor for the Army?
A group of genetically engineered silk moths. Silkworms produce cocoons in order to transform into silk moths and the cocoons can be harvested into silk. Kraig Biocraft Labs have engineered silkworms to produce spider silk in lieu of traditional silk.
Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc.
A mature silkworm immediately prior to it spinning its silk cocoon. At one time in history, the rarity of silk made it a highly prized material. It has been woven into textiles for thousands of years.
Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc.
Genetically engineered silkworms feed on mulberry leaves. The modified silkworms can produce much more harvestable spider silk than spiders, according to Kraig Biocraft Labs.
Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc.
A coil of spider silk, which is five times as strong as the same weight of steel. Experts believe it is more flexible than and almost as tough as the synthetic fiber Kevlar.
Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc.
A magnified image of Kraig Biocraft Laboratories' "monster" silk, its genetically engineered spider silk. The Army is looking at whether the material can be used to make protective gear like body armor and helmets.