Spiderman may become reality soon
A Japanese company called Spiber is working on making artificial spiderweb, which is one of the strongest materials we know. The company has already managed to decode the genes responsible for the production of the protein fibroin, which spiders use to make their web. Spiber has in fact created bioengineered, or genetically-modified bacteria (by injecting DNA) which can produce fibroin themselves. These bacteria are fed with sugar and salt, and, as a result of digestion, they create fibroin. It is estimated that a single gram of fibroin can make a 10 kilometre-long spiderweb or spider silk. Spiber predicts that mass-produced fibroin can be used to make auto parts, surgical materials and bulletproof vests. With such discoveries, Spiderman may soon be a reality!
Notes From the book: Reignited: Scientific Pathways to a Better Future
By APJ Abdul Kalam, Srijan Pal Singh
A Japanese company called Spiber is working on making artificial spiderweb, which is one of the strongest materials we know. The company has already managed to decode the genes responsible for the production of the protein fibroin, which spiders use to make their web. Spiber has in fact created bioengineered, or genetically-modified bacteria (by injecting DNA) which can produce fibroin themselves. These bacteria are fed with sugar and salt, and, as a result of digestion, they create fibroin. It is estimated that a single gram of fibroin can make a 10 kilometre-long spiderweb or spider silk. Spiber predicts that mass-produced fibroin can be used to make auto parts, surgical materials and bulletproof vests. With such discoveries, Spiderman may soon be a reality!
Notes From the book: Reignited: Scientific Pathways to a Better Future
By APJ Abdul Kalam, Srijan Pal Singh
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