Silk instead of beer

Artificial silk was obtained with the help of sugar and yeast

Margarita Paimakova, Vesti

Silk grown in laboratory conditions with the help of sugar and yeast may soon become stronger, more elastic and softer than natural material made by silkworms and spiders. At least, that's what the creators of the Bolt Threads startup claim (Bolt Threads Comes Out Of Stealth With $40 Million In Funding To Make Clothing From Material Found In Spider Webs – VM).

The company creates genetically modified yeast that produces silk protein. Then they are grown in fermenters similar to those used in breweries for brewing beer (various sugars are fed to microorganisms at the same time). After that, the specialists separate the protein from the yeast and spin the silk using a process similar to the production of viscose and nylon.

Silk grown in laboratories can become an attractive alternative to the fabric made thanks to the work of the silkworm. During its production, there are no inherent risks inherent in an unpredictable natural process, Bolt Threads experts note. In addition, proteins can be specially "customized" for the qualities that a clothing company requires.

"When you deal with any natural fiber, you depend to a certain extent on the vagaries of nature," says Dan Widmaier, co–founder and CEO of Bolt Threads. – The properties of silk collected on different silkworm plantations will differ from each other, so you will have to evaluate it, compare it and choose the best option. Natural silk also requires special care, easily tears and turns yellow over time. We hope to overcome these shortcomings with the help of new technology."

Also, the startup's immediate goals are to create a line of fabrics that should replace petroleum–based materials (for example, nylon).

Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru08.06.2015