This new method is said to allow for faster creation of larger and more complex spider silk proteins.  Larger and more complex proteins are believed to produce improved silk strength, toughness, and elasticity. These improved recombinant spider silk fibres will allow the company to target an expanded set of end market applications, according to Jon Rice, COO.

“Thanks to our lab and production teams’ considerable collaborative effort, this new methodology has already demonstrated the potential to significantly reduce our development timelines. To see it put into practice so quickly and to have already completed the first 2,500 test microinjections is very impressive,” he said. “I look forward to seeing this capability enable the next generation of recombinant spider silk fibres.”

To support this expanded research and development capability, the company added two laboratory staff for increased testing throughput. The additional lab staff members have been trained and have conducted the majority of the microinjection effort.

By implementing this new validated protocol and completing these initial microinjections, the company says it is looking forward to creating new transgenics, at Kraig Labs’ US R&D headquarters, with an abridged development cycle and enhanced materials performance. 

The transgenics created using the new protocols are expected to be transitioned into Prodigy Textiles’, the company’s recently announced Vietnamese subsidiary, commercial production process. 

www.kraiglabs.com

Further reading

Kraig Biocraft develops new capability reducing time to market

Kraig Labs announces Vietnamese subsidiary