Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, a developer of spider silk based fibres, has delivered ballistic shootpack panels to the US army made from the company’s proprietary dragon silk material. The panels will be checked for effectiveness in stopping bullets, to provide the army with a lighter and more comfortable alternative to conventional protective apparel.

Dragon silk is a genetically engineered spider silk which mimics the strength and toughness found in native spider silk, but which can be produced at large quantities through the company’s specially developed silkworms. These specially engineered silkworms were developed to be a direct drop-in replacement into the traditional silk production infrastructure which produces more than 150,000 metric tons of silk per year. This approach of adapting the existing production infrastructure is the key differentiator between the company and others working to produce spider silk materials, the company said in a press release.

Unlike traditional synthetic materials such as Ultra High Molecular Weight (UHMW) polymers or aramids, which are very stiff, spider silk is extremely flexible, making it more comfortable and providing higher mobility and movement for the wearer. Spider silk is also biocompatible, making it ideal for skin contact applications, and biodegradable, reducing the environmental burden of the current synthetic materials.

“After years of research and investment, developing this ground breaking technology, we are very excited to now see it in the hands of the US army. For me, personally, and for the company, the opportunity to help protect the brave men and women whom dedicate themselves to our protection is a great honour,” Jon Rice, COO of the company said. (GK)