Goats That Produce Spider Silk

Certain goats have been genetically modified to produce the silk proteins used by spiders to spin webs and egg sacs. The silk protein that is present in the milk of genetically modified goats doesn't provide the ability to spin webs; rather, it is harvested from the goats' milk to produce a product known as BioSteel.

  1. Research

    • The research into spider silk proteins was conducted by researchers from the University of Wyoming and the Canadian company Nexia. Nexia began genetically modifying goats in 1998 by introducing a gene allowing for the production of a pain-relieving protein, according to the BBC. In 2000, researchers managed to introduce the genes enabling the production of spider silk proteins in two kid goats called Webster and Pete. The theory was that when they bred with other goats, some of the resulting kids would be able to produce milk containing the spider silk protein. Not all the goats bred from the genetically modified goats are expected to receive the silk-producing gene. In 2010, for example, three of the seven kids born tested positive for the gene. The goats are genetically modified in such a way that they are capable of producing the protein only in their milk; they show no behavioral or physical differences from other goats.

    Spider Silk

    • Spider silk is the strongest natural fiber known to humankind, according to National Geographic. The silk produced by spiders is stronger than steel and is around 25 percent lighter than synthetic, petroleum-based polymers. Silk is used by spiders to produce webs, spin egg sacs and to catch and trap food during hunting. There are more than 37,000 known species of spiders throughout the world, with thousands of undiscovered species also thought to exist, according to National Geographic.

    Uses

    • The capture of spider silk proteins can enable the production of a number of products that would benefit from the strength and lightweight nature of the silk protein. These products include medical applications such as artificial limbs, ligaments and tendons. The silk protein can also be used to produce lightweight wound-healing products, such as for use with eye injuries. Other products that would use spider silk proteins include lightweight bulletproof vests and automobile airbags.

    Future

    • The breeding of genetically modified goats to produce silk proteins in milk has led to further developments in the production of spider silk. Vegetation is also being genetically modified to produce spider silk proteins in a larger quantity than those produced by goats. Alfalfa plants with a high protein content are capable of yielding large amounts of spider silk proteins.