The group around Yoshihiko KUWANA has reported the cloning of the SpA gene for spider dragline silk into a silkworm genome. The transgenic silkworm produced native fibroin with 1.4 – 2.4 mol% spider silk protein, showing 53 % improved tensile strength. The silk was woven into a vest and a scarf.
Yohsihiko KUWANA et al., PlOS One 10.1371/journal.pone.0105325
NIAS group clones genes for spider dragline into silkworm cocoon silk, 50 % improved tensile characteristics