Kraig Biocraft Laboratories in Ann Arbor, a developer of genetically engineered spider silk-based fibers, has unveiled its Dragon Silk fabric, marking the first time the company’s recombinant spider silk fibers were used to create a 100 percent pure woven silk fabric.
The company is preparing to assemble the material into finalized ballistic shoot packs in compliance with U.S. Army specifications, and the material is slated to go through ballistic performance testing to evaluate its potential for protective apparel applications under the company’s contract with the Army.
“Dragon Silk, which started as a simple idea in the lab for a better-performing silk, is now on the verge of demonstrating its capability to provide lifesaving performance blended with high flexibility and user comfort,” says Jon Rice, COO.
The company previously developed sample products in pure and blended knit configurations, using its Monster Silk materials to make shirts and gloves.
In April, the company announced it had received an investment registration certificate for the establishment of a Vietnamese subsidiary, Prodigy Textiles Co. Ltd. Tapping into Vietnam’s extensive silk production infrastructure, Kraig Biocraft plans to expand its distribution and grow sales throughout Asia and elsewhere.
