Recombinant Spider Silk
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Kraig Biocraft Laboratories Increases R&D Capacity, as Project Atlas Breakthroughs Creating New Spider Silk Transgenics
Globenewswire· 2026-03-23 11:05
Core Insights - Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc. is expanding its research and development capacity to support the rapid progress of its advanced materials initiative, Project Atlas [1][4] Group 1: Expansion of R&D Capacity - The company has enhanced its laboratory capabilities by onboarding new scientific personnel and deploying advanced equipment, which has tripled screening throughput [3][5] - These upgrades were implemented in response to the rapid technical advancements made under Project Atlas, which focuses on creating advanced biomaterials for industrial and defense applications [4][5] Group 2: Screening and Analytical Improvements - The newly commissioned equipment streamlines the screening of transgenic lines and analyzes spider silk expression levels, allowing for the identification of new production material candidates [5][6] - Enhanced analytical testing capabilities provide deeper insights into the expression levels and functional impacts of engineered transgenic lines, enabling the prioritization of promising genetic designs for production [6][8] Group 3: Leadership and Recognition - The company's leadership in bioengineering was highlighted on the cover of the March 2026 issue of National Geographic, emphasizing the significance of its work in scaling spider silk production [9]
Engineered Silkworms Spin Spider Silk as Biotech Firm Targets Commercial Scale
Globenewswire· 2026-03-18 12:51
Core Viewpoint - A biotechnology company, Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, is advancing towards commercial production of spider silk using genetically engineered silkworms, a material known for its exceptional strength and elasticity [1][13]. Group 1: Production and Technology - Kraig Biocraft Laboratories has deployed one million genetically engineered silkworm eggs in Vietnam, aiming for a production capacity of approximately 10 metric tons of recombinant spider-silk cocoons per month [2]. - The company modifies domesticated silkworms to produce fibers that incorporate spider-silk proteins, utilizing traditional sericulture methods for production [4]. - Current production involves hybrid fibers that combine traditional silkworm silk proteins with spider-silk proteins, with laboratory tests showing tensile strengths nearing 1.8 gigapascals and elasticity exceeding 38% [9]. Group 2: Scientific and Market Interest - Spider silk has been of scientific interest for decades due to its mechanical properties, being stronger than steel by weight and tougher than many synthetic materials [3]. - The technology has garnered attention from leading authorities, with coverage in notable publications like National Geographic, which highlights genetically engineered silkworms as a viable path for scalable spider silk production [6][14]. Group 3: Historical Context and Future Prospects - Kraig Labs has been working on integrating spider-silk genes into silkworms for over a decade, with initial research published in a peer-reviewed study demonstrating the toughness of fibers produced by transgenic silkworms [5]. - The company is exploring advanced genetic designs using sequences from the Darwin's bark spider to potentially enhance the spider silk protein composition in the fibers produced [10]. - The approach of using silkworms for structural fiber production represents a rare instance of commercial application of genetically engineered animals outside the pharmaceutical sector [8].
Engineered Silkworms Spin Spider Silk as Biotech Firm Targets Commercial Scale
Globenewswire· 2026-03-18 12:51
Core Viewpoint - A biotechnology company, Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, is advancing towards commercial production of spider silk using genetically engineered silkworms, a material known for its exceptional strength and elasticity [1][13]. Group 1: Production and Technology - Kraig Biocraft Laboratories has deployed one million genetically engineered silkworm eggs in Vietnam, aiming for a production capacity of approximately 10 metric tons of recombinant spider-silk cocoons per month [2]. - The company modifies domesticated silkworms to produce fibers that incorporate spider-silk proteins, utilizing traditional sericulture methods for production [4]. - Current production involves hybrid fibers that combine traditional silkworm silk proteins with spider-silk proteins, with laboratory tests showing tensile strengths nearing 1.8 gigapascals and elasticity exceeding 38% [9]. Group 2: Research and Development - Kraig Labs has been integrating spider-silk genes into silkworms for over a decade, with research published in a peer-reviewed study indicating that fibers from transgenic silkworms are tougher than conventional silkworm silk [5]. - The company is exploring advanced genetic designs using sequences from the Darwin's bark spider to potentially enhance the spider silk protein content in the fibers produced by silkworms [10]. Group 3: Market Position and Interest - The technology has garnered significant attention, including coverage in National Geographic, which highlights genetically engineered silkworms as a viable pathway for scalable spider silk production [6][14]. - The commercial viability of products derived from genetically engineered animals is rare, with Kraig Labs' approach representing a unique case of transgenic animal systems used for manufacturing outside pharmaceuticals [8].
24/7 Market News- “Somewhere in Michigan”: National Geographic Spotlights Kraig Biocraft Laboratories Science Powering Recombinant Spider Silk Production
Globenewswire· 2026-02-24 13:05
Core Insights - Kraig Biocraft Laboratories (OTCQB: KBLB) is featured on the cover of the March issue of National Geographic, highlighting a significant scientific breakthrough in the production of spider silk, a material known for its exceptional strength and toughness [1][8]. Company Overview - Kraig Biocraft Laboratories is a biotechnology company focused on developing and commercializing spider silk-based fiber technologies, utilizing genetically engineered silkworms to produce high-performance, cost-effective, and scalable spider silk materials for various applications [10]. Scientific Breakthrough - The article titled "Unlocking Nature's Miracle" discusses the global effort to manufacture spider silk, emphasizing the transition of spider silk from a laboratory curiosity to a scalable biomaterial [1][3]. - Spider silk's extraordinary properties are attributed to specialized proteins called spidroins, which form fibers with unmatched tensile strength, elasticity, and toughness [4]. Production Method - The company has developed genetically engineered silkworm strains that can produce recombinant spider silk proteins, leveraging the silkworm's natural spinning system to create a viable production method [5][6]. - This production method is positioned alongside other international efforts, including fermentation-driven systems, providing a comprehensive overview of the advancements in the field [6]. Market Relevance - The March issue of National Geographic serves as a significant resource for readers interested in advanced materials, synthetic biology, and sustainable fibers, marking a growing mainstream interest in the field of recombinant biomaterials [7][8].
Kraig Biocraft Laboratories Successfully Completes First Parallel Two-Facility Production Cycle, Establishing Model for Continuous Recombinant Spider Silk Supply Chain
Globenewswire· 2025-09-25 11:05
Core Insights - Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc. has successfully completed its first simultaneous production cycle across two independent rearing centers, marking a significant milestone in its spider silk technology production model [1][4][5] Production Model - The company has implemented a dual-facility production model that enhances throughput and supply chain resilience, establishing a foundation for continuous recombinant spider silk production [1][4] - Each facility operated autonomously while maintaining coordinated scheduling and oversight from the company's production leadership, demonstrating effective logistics and staffing management [2] Production Efficiency - A staggered two-week offset between the start of each cycle allows for seamless integration of outputs, resulting in a continuous supply of finished cocoons and silkworm eggs for subsequent rearing cycles [3] - This synchronized operation eliminates downtime between cycles, creating a robust and scalable production rhythm [3] Strategic Implications - The successful execution of parallel batches validates the scalability of the company's production model and lays the groundwork for significant production expansion planned for the fourth quarter [4] - The dual-facility model enhances supply chain security and substantially increases total throughput capacity, supporting the company's long-term production objectives and meeting growing demand from diverse end-use markets [4][5] Market Position - The completion of the first simultaneous production cycle signals the arrival of a more mature and industrial-scale spider silk manufacturing platform, positioning the company to accelerate growth and enhance efficiency [5]
Kraig Biocraft Laboratories Issues a Letter to Shareholders on Recent Advancements and Potential Recombinant Spider Silk Deliveries in 2025
Globenewswire· 2025-06-03 11:05
Core Viewpoint - Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc. is advancing its spider silk production technology with the development of a new transgenic strain, aiming for commercial deliveries in 2025, which represents a significant milestone for the company and its shareholders [3][4][10]. Group 1: Production Developments - The new spider silk production strain has been a key objective since 2023, with the genetics team achieving this milestone on schedule [4]. - The current BAM-1 hybrid system has shown substantial improvements in robustness and silk production output, with expectations of increasing production rates by over 25% per month with the new double hybrid model [5]. - The company has overcome previous robustness challenges, with the BAM-1 hybrid demonstrating disease tolerance comparable to the Chinese commercial silk hybrid [6][8]. Group 2: Inventory and Production Capacity - The company has stockpiled several hundred kilograms of cocoon in the first quarter, which will be processed into finished silk, and plans to expand the scope of work-in-progress inventory to include completed recombinant spider silk cocoon [9]. - Kraig Labs is focused on transitioning from nominal inventory to larger scale production, indicating a shift towards more significant output [9]. Group 3: Market Engagement - The company is in discussions with three major global brands for the supply of spider silk, including a high-end luxury fashion brand, a leader in performance sportswear, and a top athletic equipment producer, with expected deliveries in the second half of the year [10]. - This engagement with prominent brands marks a significant step in the company's commercial strategy and potential revenue generation [10]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The company expresses optimism about the future of spider silk technology and its potential impact on the textile industry, highlighting the recent advancements and ongoing commitment to production [11].