Spider Silk

Look, we all have wanted to be like Spider-man. Who wouldn’t? He has awesome powers and most importantly he has a theme that he actually sticks to. But the most fascinating thing about him are his web shooters. Using chemistry, he manufactures and creates the webbing that he uses to swing around Queens. It is sticky and adhesive and can be used to swing like a spider. But how realistic and possible is that? We all have heard that spider silk is stronger than steel but how possible would it be to manufacture synthetic silk strong enough to swing on?

Spider silk is a protein fiber made by spiders. All spiders produce silk, even non-web spinning spiders. The silk can be used for many different purposes, such as making webs to catch prey in, or spinning a cocoon to protect their offspring. Silk is incredibly strong and versatile. Natural spider silk is stronger than steel and tougher than kevlar making it unique in its construction. For decades scientists have been obsessed with recreating the silk. There are many components involved in the making of it, but the synthetic manufacturing of it has been made. 

In 2017, Cambridge researchers have found a way to create a synthetic silk that is 98% water and mimics spider silk. It is easily accessible and has three ingredients, hydrogel (mainly water), silica and cellulose. The silica and cellulose are bound together by cucurbiturils and the combination can be pulled from the hydrogel and after 30s seconds the water evaporates and leaves a sticky thread: silk. 

This can be used for many purposes, such as fibers for clothing, protective fabric and medicinal purposes. A huge up for this silk is the fact that it is completely biodegradable and can be made at room temperature. 

It is a start in the direction of synthetic spider silk that can be used in many different possible ways. But the Cambridge researchers aren't the only ones trying to find a way to make silk. In 2012, Utah State University researchers tested genetically modified spider goats. I know it's strange right? The goats had an extra protein gene transplanted into them that meant that the goats produced milk with an extra protein that can be extracted and spun into spider silk. It can be produced in large quantities. “Dragon Silk” had been produced by Kraig Biocraft Laboratories. Kraig Biocraft is basically our version of Oscorp. It is the leader of biotechnology and manufacturing of spider silk. It was contracted with the US military to be used to make bulletproof vests or clothing. 

Circling back to the original question, can we swing around like Spider-man? 

Right now, no. 

Sadly current technology does not allow us to do so but in the close future it may be possible. So hold onto those dreams for now. 

Works Cited

Magazine, S. (2017, July 26). New artificial spider silk: Stronger Than Steel and 98 percent water. Smithsonian.com. Retrieved March 5, 2022, from https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/new-artificial-spider-silk-stronger-steel-and-98-percent-water-180964176/ 

Web-shooters. Marvel Database. (n.d.). Retrieved March 5, 2022, from https://marvel.fandom.com/wiki/Web-Shooters 

Spider silk - kraig biocraft laboratories. Kraig Biocraft Laboratories - The future is made in the laboratory. (2018, June 5). Retrieved March 5, 2022, from https://www.kraiglabs.com/spider-silk/ 

'vegan spider silk' provides sustainable alternative to single-use plastics. University of Cambridge. (2021, June 10). Retrieved March 5, 2022, from https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/vegan-spider-silk-provides-sustainable-alternative-to-single-use-plastics