Innovative Concepts: The Future of Bulletproof Skin and Spider Silk
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Chapter 1: The Quest for Bulletproof Skin
The idea of bulletproof skin may seem like something out of comic books featuring heroes like Thor and Superman, but advancements in technology are bringing us closer to this concept. While humans currently lack a way to possess naturally bulletproof skin, innovations are leading to the creation of extremely lightweight protective suits that function similarly to a second skin.
One of the most intriguing examples of bulletproof attire comes from the iconic character John Wick, whose stylish suits are crafted from kevlar. Typically, kevlar is bulky, which makes its use in Wick's suits particularly noteworthy. In reality, there are indeed bulletproof suits available today, first introduced in 2014. These suits, designed by companies like Garrison Bespoke, are not made of traditional kevlar and can withstand handgun fire, though they may not offer the same protection against all forms of ammunition as depicted in films. Another option is Bulletproof Zone, which produces a wool topcoat that provides comparable anti-ballistic protection to conventional law enforcement vests.
The Hacksmith has also engineered their own version of Wick's suit, utilizing layers of kevlar. Their process can be viewed in the following video:
Section 1.1: The Search for Superior Materials
Is there something even more resilient than kevlar? The answer lies in spider silk, a material known for its remarkable strength and lightweight properties. Spider silk surpasses steel in toughness and outperforms kevlar in various tests. However, utilizing this substance for applications beyond its natural web has posed significant challenges, primarily because of the difficulties in harvesting it.
Efforts to obtain silk from the Madagascar golden orb spider, known for its strong yellow strands, have proven complex. These spiders have a tendency to cannibalize each other, complicating farming efforts. Historical attempts to gather their silk have led to only modest successes, resulting in items like gloves and small textiles, but not enough for practical applications such as body armor.
Subsection 1.1.1: Genetic Solutions
Fortunately, scientists in China have pioneered a method to produce spider silk on a larger scale. By genetically modifying silkworms, they have enabled these insects to create spider silk. While the silk produced by these modified silkworms may not be as elastic as that of natural spiders, it retains the impressive strength of the golden orb's silk. Notably, Kraig Biocraft has developed a product named Dragon Silk, derived from these bioengineered silkworms.
Section 1.2: Spider Goats and Their Contributions
In a remarkable twist, researcher Randy Lewis and his team at the University of Wyoming have taken this a step further by creating genetically modified goats. These transgenic goats produce spider silk proteins in their milk, which can be collected and spun into silk. Each quart of milk yields approximately half an ounce of silk, offering a novel approach to silk production.
Chapter 2: Artistic Innovations and Medical Applications
One fascinating project by Dutch artist Jalila Essaidi showcases the potential of spider silk in creating bullet-resistant materials. Essaidi's work involves weaving human skin cells with spider silk derived from Randy Lewis's research. Using a high-speed camera, she demonstrated that a bullet fired from a .22 caliber gun at reduced speed was repelled by this innovative material. Although the skin could not stop a bullet at full speed, it represents a significant milestone. Furthermore, researchers are exploring the use of spider silk in medical applications, such as skin grafts, where its flexibility could provide advantages over traditional grafts.
While progress is being made, practical applications of spider silk as body armor are still in the works. Various companies and research institutions are focusing on this technology, but it may take some time before we witness the mass production of spider silk for use in protective gear or bulletproof skin grafts!
Resources for Further Reading
- Spider Silk Is Stronger Than Steel
- Gossamer Silk, From Spiders Spun
- How Modified Worms and Goats Can Mass-Produce Nature’s Toughest Fiber
- Utah researcher helps artist make bulletproof skin
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