Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc., a fully reporting biotechnology company and leading developer of genetically engineered spider silk based fibre technologies, has announced that it has received a contract valued at up to US$1.0 million for the development of high performance fibres for protective apparel applications for the US army.

Under the fully funded base effort, valued at US$99,962, the company will deliver ballistic shoot packs constructed from its proprietary Dragon Silk material for performance testing. These shoot packs will be tested and evaluated for critical soldier protective applications, including ballistic impact. If awarded, the option phase will significantly expand this work with the US Army.

Jon Rice, COO for Kraig said, “Dragon Silk scores very highly in tensile strength and elasticity, which makes it one of the toughest fibres known to man and the ideal material for many applications. Providing material for this ballistic shoot pack initiative is an important next step for Kraig and spider silk. This contract reinforces the many significant potential applications for recombinant spider silk.”

Kim K Thompson, CEO and founder of Kraig Biocraft Laboratories said, “We’re proud to be working with the department of defence to assess the exciting potential of spider silk for military applications. We are honoured that the US army has selected us for this program. This effort will provide Kraig Labs with the opportunity to validate our longstanding belief that spider silk technology has had an incredible potential for protective and life-saving materials and expand our ability to design and engineer innovative materials solutions.”

The base effort on this contract is scheduled to last ten months and is the Company’s first US Department of Defence award. (GK)