A company using genetically modified silkworms to make spider silk, Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, has created a new hybrid silkworm that produces more spider silk per cocoon. Called BAM 1, the new silkworm is expected to be used in production trials in the first and second quarters of 2024.
The company created BAM 1 by selectively breeding its Dragon SilkTM strain with commercial silkworm strains. The resulting hybrid produces more usable silk per cocoon than previous hybrids.
Kraig Biocraft Laboratories plans to use BAM 1 in its spring production trials. The company believes that BAM 1 will be a key player in its efforts to commercialise spider silk production.
