Breakthrough: Bacteria are fed with sugar, salt and other micronutrients to produce silk protein, which is then turned into a fine powder, spun and processed into fibers, composites, etc.
Application areas: textile materials, medical and aircraft and shipbuilding.
Main research institutions (companies): Japan's Spiber, Brazil's Institute of Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Bolt Threads, USA, Cambridge University Research Institute, Sweden Agricultural University