Scientists, having discovered the exception tensile strength of spider silk, are trying the develop ways in which this fabulous strength can be harnessed for other uses. Some spider threads have been shown to be stronger than steel, have greater folding endurance than wool and are stable in temperatures of up to 100 oC. More elastic than Kevlar, it is the ultimate eco material, also being recyclable.
Using its spinneret organ to produce this silk thread , the spider is actually releasing two protein fibres. These fibres coil in to a silk thread and when mixed with water on spinning, the fibres hardens. Silk proteins are found in soap like structures mixed with water in the spider’s gland and it was this which prevented the silk from crystallising until the spider was ready to spin. By controlling the water content and the structure of the silk proteins, the spider can spin when ready.
The orb web spider has been observed to produce 300m of dragline in one go, that would be one very large hank of yarn, given average hank lengths are 150-200m
Artificial spider silk genes have been introduced into goats, with the result that their milk can be harvested for the protein produced. This would enable commercial quantities of this protein to be produced. Possible applications could include medical sutures of incredible strength, lightweight woven body amour
Who knows how long it will be before we have a yarn based on spider silk, which gives a whole new meaning to your Spidey socks.