Truth_is_a_tool
22時間前
As I have repeatedly noted, the sericin coating around silk is not readily washable. That means you won’t see it in t-shirts, underwear, men’s pants, etc.
The sericin coating is removed during the de-gumming process so your point has no merit whatsoever. You do know there are regular finished silk products that can be washed in a washing machine right ? Heck, even Tide’s silk-care guide says some silk can be machine washed on a delicate cycle. Finished silk care depends on the yarn, weave/knit, dye, garment construction, blends, finishes, and care label. Also , KBLB’s fiber doesn’t have to use PFAS to be usable in clothing. PFAS-free textile finishes exist such as polyurethane, polyacrylate, wax-based, silicone-based, and other newer coatings. Performance trade-offs exist of course with different coatings. They don’t have to use any coating. It all depends on the applications.
Bottom line , KBLB’s fiber is a recombinant silkworm-spun spider/silkworm composite, not pure spider silk, and not just a “modified silkworm silk” either. Final apparel use will depend on degumming, finishing, testing, and garment design. To call it just a “modified silkworm fiber” is purposely misleading on your part as is your use of sericin coating as an excuse.
GlitteringWanderer70
3日前
Does NOT Matter!!
This matters MOST!
Yes, there have been some updates and context around Kraig Biocraft Laboratories (KBLB / Kraig Labs) spider silk production progress beyond their most recent major press release (the June 9, 2026 announcement of a record ~2.5 metric ton cocoon harvest from the May 15–June 4 cycle). ?
Key Recent Production Milestones (Leading Up to and Following the Latest PR)
• Record Harvest (June 9, 2026 PR): Nearly 2.5 metric tons of recombinant spider silk cocoons in one cycle — their largest ever. This fits their aggressive 2026 scaling plan, which targeted ramping toward ~10 metric tons of cocoons per month. Processing (reeling into usable fiber) was stated as underway. ?
• Prior Cycle Progress (April 2026): They produced ~1.8 metric tons of cocoons (a prior record at the time) and reported ~50% conversion into reeled silk fiber by late April. This demonstrated advancing downstream processing capabilities. ?
• Expansion Efforts: Multiple new facilities/rearing centers in Southeast Asia (e.g., Vietnam via Prodigy Textiles), new strains (BAM-1 Alpha hybrids), and infrastructure like diapausing systems to support higher yields and year-round production. They’ve deployed large numbers of hybrid silkworms with positive field reports. ?
June 15, 2026 Update (Post-Harvest Interview)
CEO Kim Thompson gave a detailed interview with Pulse 2.0 shortly after the record harvest announcement. Key points on production: ?
• Emphasis on leveraging existing global silk infrastructure (which produces >150,000 metric tons of silk annually) for easier scaling, rather than building new systems from scratch.
• Focus on achieving sustained monthly metric-ton-level production as the definition of commercial success, with silk entering supply chains for apparel, performance textiles, etc.
• Highlights of technological edges: Natural spinning by engineered silkworms (better fiber quality than fermentation methods), recent genetic advances (e.g., large gene inserts, Darwin Bark Spider silk recombinants), and vertical integration in Southeast Asia.
• Optimism about moving from proof-of-concept to reliable, repeatable commercial output. No specific new harvest or reeling numbers were given, but it framed ongoing execution positively.
Other Context and Commercial Signals
• Ongoing Processing & Next Cycles: Post-harvest statements indicate reeling/processing of the 2.5-ton batch is in progress, with preparations for further expansion cycles (e.g., June/July). No public detailed update on completion percentage or exact reeled fiber yield from the latest batch as of early July 2026. ?
• Commercial Traction: Earlier orders/pilots (e.g., with a performance sports brand in late 2025) and discussions with brands in apparel/luxury/fashion. Revenue remains minimal (company is still pre-commercial/revenue-generating at scale), with funding via equity. ?
• Broader Buzz: Featured in National Geographic (March 2026 issue) on their scaling efforts. They position themselves as the only company currently producing recombinant spider silk fibers at this level. ?
Bottom line: Kraig Labs continues to hit escalating production records and expand capacity in 2026, aligning with their goal of commercial-scale output this year. The June harvest and Thompson’s mid-June interview represent the most recent public momentum, with processing as the key next step being actively pursued. There don’t appear to be major new announcements in the last couple of weeks (as of July 1, 2026), which is typical between cycles. For the absolute latest, check their site (kraiglabs.com/news), OTC filings, or investor updates/YouTube channel. ?
This is based on public news, company releases, and interviews — progress looks solid on the production ramp but remains execution-focused toward revenue-generating shipments.
GlitteringWanderer70
4日前
Here is what grok says and I asked to also compare against the ChatGPT answer you received…👍
KBLB (Kraig Biocraft Laboratories) produces recombinant/hybrid spider silk (primarily via their Dragon Silk™ / SpydaSilk® products) using genetically engineered (transgenic) silkworms, not pure spidroin or purely mundane silkworm silk. ?
They insert spider silk protein genes (spidroin sequences, e.g., from major ampullate spidroins like MaSp1/MaSp2 or others) into silkworms (Bombyx mori). The silkworms then produce silk fibers that combine native silkworm fibroin proteins with these spider silk proteins (or analogs). ?
• Not 100% spidroin: Early versions incorporated spider silk proteins at low percentages (e.g., ~2-5% in initial peer-reviewed work). They have advanced to higher incorporation via techniques like knock-in/knock-out to replace more native fibroin genes, aiming for “nearly pure” spider silk in newer strains (e.g., SpiderPillar™ concepts). However, current commercial-scale Dragon Silk is a composite/hybrid of spider and silkworm proteins. ?
• The fiber retains a sericin coating (the “glue” protein in silkworm silk), which is typically removed/degummed during processing, similar to conventional silkworm silk. ?
This is not mundane unmodified silkworm silk. The spider protein integration improves mechanical properties (strength, toughness, elasticity) beyond standard silkworm silk. ?
Is it a good substitute for (natural) spidroin/spider silk?
It depends on the application and metrics:
• Strengths as a substitute: Scalable production using existing silkworm infrastructure (they’ve achieved multi-ton harvests, e.g., ~2.5 metric tons of cocoons in one cycle). Fibers show enhanced properties vs. regular silkworm silk—e.g., higher toughness, tensile strength up to ~1.79 GPa in some samples, good elasticity. It’s positioned for textiles, apparel (via SpydaSilk), ballistic/protective uses, and more. Biodegradable, biocompatible, and leverages natural spinning. ?
• Limitations: It’s a hybrid, so not identical to natural dragline spider silk (which is pure spidroin-based with specific hierarchical structure, no sericin, and spun via highly specialized spider ducts). Natural spider silk has exceptional toughness (often cited as superior in energy absorption) and specific behaviors (e.g., supercontraction). The spinning process differs: silkworm glands/ducts are optimized for cocoon silk, while spiders have sophisticated, variable ducts for different silk types with precise shear, pH, and ion control for optimal molecular alignment. ?
ChatGPT’s assessment aligns reasonably with the science: The product is more similar to (modified) silkworm silk than pure native spider silk, especially in processing (sericin, fiber diameter ~10-15 µm vs. spider dragline ~2-5 µm) and the composite nature. Even with high spidroin content, the spinning apparatus introduces differences in fiber microstructure and properties. ?
That said, KBLB’s material is a practical, commercial substitute for many uses where pure natural spider silk isn’t viable (due to spiders’ cannibalism and tiny yields). Independent tests and their data show it outperforming conventional silk and approaching/ rivaling spider silk in key metrics for applications like high-performance textiles. Competitors often use microbial fermentation + wet-spinning, which has its own drawbacks (cost, solvents, less “natural” structure). KBLB claims to be the only one at commercial natural-spinning scale for recombinant versions. ?
Bottom line: The stock board post is directionally correct on the hybrid nature and spinning differences limiting perfect equivalence. ChatGPT is not wrong on similarity to silkworm silk but may understate the performance gains from the recombinant approach. KBLB’s fiber is a strong real-world option for spider-silk-like properties at scale, not “mundane” silk. For ultimate performance matching native spidroin, pure synthetic routes or further genetic optimization would be needed. Always verify latest production data, as the company continues iterating.
GlitteringWanderer70
4日前
I thought this was interesting considering everything unfolding with Kraig Labs these days…passing this along…after digging into some of the “what ifs” actually become reality..I asked Grok the following question..I will add that “if” this product is One of One..that’s monopoly? that’s moat? that’s proprietary? …that has already proven it could be scaled? What is that worth to a larger company?
Question: Hypothetically speaking…If Kraig Labs is successful with providing the tonnage needed to fulfill demand seemingly..could they and would they be a potential buy out candidate from a bigger company…say a DuPont or Dow or another huge textile player considering they have a monopoly with proprietary genetic edited spider silk product? Is this a legit question?
Grok Answer:
Yes, this is a completely legit question. It’s a standard strategic analysis in biotech, materials science, and M&A contexts: when a small innovator achieves scalable production of a proprietary, high-value disruptive material (especially one with “moat” potential like IP-protected genetic engineering), larger incumbents often evaluate acquisition to secure technology, eliminate competition, accelerate market entry, or defend their portfolios. ?
Kraig Biocraft Laboratories (KBLB) Context
Kraig Labs uses genetically engineered silkworms (Bombyx mori) to produce recombinant spider silk proteins (e.g., Dragon Silk™). This leverages the established silkworm silk industry for potentially cost-effective, scalable output—unlike many competitors relying on microbial fermentation or other methods. They have reported major production ramps (e.g., 1.3+ metric tons of cocoons in a month, later records up to ~2.5 tons), first commercial shipments (apparel/fashion), and positioning as a leader with a unique transgenic platform. ?
If they truly deliver consistent “tonnage” to meet broader demand (defense, apparel, industrial, medical, etc.), they would control a significant proprietary edge in a material long sought after for its strength, toughness, elasticity, and biodegradability (often compared favorably to Kevlar or steel on a weight basis). ?
Could They Be a Buyout Candidate? (Yes, Plausibly)
• Strategic Fit for Big Players: Companies like DuPont, Dow, BASF, or other textile/chemical giants (e.g., Invista, Huntsman successors, or apparel-focused firms) have long histories in performance fibers, polymers, and biomaterials. Spider silk represents a next-gen sustainable/high-performance alternative to synthetics like nylon (which DuPont pioneered) or aramids. Acquiring a proven scalable platform would give them:
• Proprietary IP and genetic tech as a barrier.
• A “green”/bio-based offering for regulatory/ESG pressures in textiles and defense.
• Vertical integration or expansion into high-margin applications (ballistics, medical, luxury/performance apparel). ??Historical precedent exists in the space: Seevix (spider silk tech) was acquired by ASICS. Chemical giants routinely acquire or partner with biotech startups for novel materials. ?
• Monopoly-Like Position: If Kraig is first (or dominant) at true commercial scale with this specific silkworm-based method, it creates a strong moat. Larger firms might prefer buying the leader over building internally (big chem firms have tried and sometimes deprioritized spider silk R&D in the past). ?
• M&A Patterns: Specialty chemical and materials companies actively buy disruptive bio-platforms for sustainability and performance. Examples include acquisitions in bio-based chemicals, textiles, and polymers. Defense contractors or apparel giants could also be interested for supply chain security. ?
Would They Be? (It Depends—But Incentives Align Hypothetically)
• Seller Side (Kraig): As a small public micro-cap (~$100M+ market cap range recently, with a large share count), founders/investors could see a premium buyout as an attractive exit after years of R&D. Scaling further (capex, global ops) is capital-intensive; a big partner provides resources, distribution, and de-risking. Many biotech/materials firms get acquired post-proof-of-scale. ?
• Buyer Side: Big firms weigh valuation (Kraig’s would rise sharply on sustained tonnage + revenue), integration risks, IP strength, regulatory hurdles (GMO aspects), and competition. If demand explodes and Kraig proves profitable monopoly-like pricing power early on, the strategic value could justify a deal. Timing matters—post-2026 commercialization milestones would make them far more attractive. ?
Caveats/Risks: Not guaranteed. Execution (consistent quality, cost, yields), competition (other spider silk approaches), dilution, or regulatory/IP challenges could change the picture. Big firms sometimes prefer partnerships/JVs over full buyouts. Kraig has emphasized independence and scaling on its own. ?
In summary, yes—hypothetically, successful tonnage delivery would make Kraig a classic acquisition target for exactly the reasons you described. This is how disruptive biotech materials often consolidate (e.g., similar dynamics in other synthetic biology platforms). It’s a smart question for anyone evaluating the company.
Hot Features
プレミアム
登録してリアルタイムのアラート、カスタムポートフォリオ、市場の動きを入手してください。
King Bolaba
1日前
Z06 MAN
2日前
arachnodude
3日前
jealmc79
4日前
メールアドレスで登録
