Artificial spider silk research could improve body armour

摘要

A team from the University of Wyoming is investigating how spider silk proteins could be used to produce biomaterials for military purposes. Producing useful quantities of natural spider silk has proven unrealistic because of challenges inherent in managing large numbers of small spiders, which are typically cannibalistic. As a result, researchers have been creating artificial spider silk that is stronger than aramid fibres such as Kevlar, and more flexible than nylon.