Researchers Use Artificial Spider Silk to Create Bulletproof Vests and Parachutes Published May 6, 2008 By Maria Callier (Anadarko/CIBER) Air Force Office of Scientific Research ARLINGTON, Va. -- AFRL is supporting a team of University of Wyoming researchers investigating the use of spider silk proteins for creating biomaterials with military utility. The team is producing new proteins that can be spun into strong, lightweight, extremely elastic silk that can, in turn, be used to construct lightweight bulletproof vests for military personnel. Other uses for the manufactured fibers include the construction of much stronger parachutes (enabling larger payload delivery), as well as the creation of artificial ligaments. Producing useful quantities of natural spider silk has proven unrealistic because of challenges inherent to managing large numbers of spiders--creatures that are not only small but typically cannibalistic as well. Consequently, researchers are turning to artificial spider silk, which is both stronger than the polymer known commercially as Kevlar and more flexible than nylon. The AFRL-supported researchers are using a method wherein they first produce spider silk genes and then place them in a bacteria-laden environment, an interaction that yields chemically identical spider silk proteins for use in experiments. In addition to spinning these fabricated proteins into fibers and testing them for better properties, the research team has also produced genetically modified goats that produce milk containing the spider silk proteins. Overall, the team has produced 15 new spider silks and continues work towards improving both the properties of these silks and the process of spinning the fibers. Estimates indicate that while spider silk body armor may cost twice as much as Kevlar body armor, the product's minimal weight, remarkable strength and elasticity, and potential adaptability for other needs are characteristics that ultimately enhance its marketability.