Recently, the research and developmental efforts of the University of Notre Dame, the University of Wyoming, and Kraig Biocraft Labratories, Inc. have succeeded in producing transgenic silkworms that are capable of spinning artificial spider silk. Natural spider silks have many unusual properties including significantly higher tensile strength and elasticity than naturally spun silkworm fibers; the artificially produced spider silk maintains the strength and flexibility of native spider silk.
Spider silk fibers already have many important medical and non-medical applications. Some biomedical applications are use as fine suture materials, improved wound healing bandages, and natural scaffolds for tendon and ligament repair or replacement, while some non-medical uses are bulletproof vests, strong and lightweight structural fabrics, a new generation of athletic clothing, and improved automobile airbags. Until now, it was only possible to produce small quantities of artificial spider silk and even then there was no commercially viable way to produce and spin these silk proteins. Yet, these trangenic silk worms have made mass production possible.
Scientists now believe that, using this discovery as a stepping stone, they can produce a much broader range of physical properties or silks with predetermined properties by using recombinant DNA. These trangenic silkworms were generated by creating and using a powerful and unique genetic engineering tool called “piggyBac”. PiggyBac is a piece of DNA known as a transposon that can insert itself into the genetic machinery of the cell, therefore altering the cell’s genetically determined properties.
"Using this entirely unique approach, we have confirmed that transgenic silkworms can be a potentially viable commercial platform for production of genetically engineered silk proteins having customizable properties of strength and elasticity," Fraser, the creator of piggyBac said. "We may even be able to genetically engineer fibers that exceed the remarkable properties of native spider silk."
I found this article very clear and easy to follow. Someone reading this article who may have no prior knowledge of biology would be able to clearly grasp the general concept of how trangenic silkworms are a breakthrough in the silk industry. This article was very interesting and informative; prior to reading it I had no idea of the vast possibilities of spider silk.
posted for S. Monaco
I thought that Sara's organization of the review was very structured. It makes the whole thing very easy to follow. Sara's use of interesting quotes was almost masterful. It made the review itself into its own article. The last thing I liked alot was the use of prior information to make informed conclusions about what she read.
ReplyDeleteOne thing I thought could be improved was her pace of writing. Sara's information is great but at times it might be overwhelming. Another thing that could be improved was determining the importance of the article. She should've explained a little about what the silk industry could affect because that way it will give more significance and power to the review.
The one interesting thing I found was the fact that scientists are literally using one animal species to help preserve another within a very competitive industry.