INTRODUCTION
What is the strongest material in the world? Most would answer steal or diamonds. However, that is not the case; the strongest material known to man is spider silk. It is considered to be stronger than steal in much smaller volume; some spider silk as thin as a human hair, as explained by Liz Boatman in the 2011 article, “Bridges Made Of Spider Silk? You Can Thank The Goats For That.” Science has found that spider silk could innovate and revolutionize many industries. However, finding spider silk in large quantities is no easy feat because spiders are small and could not produce enough for a potential uses. Canada and the United States have both pursued endeavors that would allow them to produce larger quantities of spider silk; the ultimate solution may be shocking to many. Researchers found that the protein could be produced in the milk of everyday, commonplace goats. This is how the Spider Goats were made. This does not mean that there is a herd of 8-legged goats or goats building webs or attacking people with spider pinchers. These goats look perfectly normal, but their milk has so many potentials for so many applications.
DISCUSSION
The protein involved in the production of spider silk is known as biopolymers and is believed to have been produced by members of the arachnid family as far back 350 million years and it has not changed in all of that time (Boatman, 2011). Genetic manipulation of the biology of nature, animals and human beings is a topic of great debate all across the country and the whole world. Genetically Modified plants and food additives are controversial, stem cell research and designer babies all have some people up-in-arms, while others are fascinated by biology and genetic technologies that continues to grow and develop in the modern era. The spider goats are producing more of the necessary spider silk protein. It is then separated from the rest of the milk product and then can be manipulated in the laboratory in order to be used for a number of new and, probably, surprising applications (Boatman, 2011).
There are a number of potential uses of this protein that have been recognized; three are the most intriguing, as the protein has gained the interest of the field of medicine, architecture and construction and the military. One major industry interested in is the science behind the spider goats are those pursuing architectural and construction endeavors. The nature of the spider silk protein, if produced in large quantities, could be applied as construction materials. Being stronger than steal many feel it would be beneficial to add to the structure of buildings and, even more probable, bridges (Boatman, 2011). Another application is one recognized by healthcare industry. The spider silk is so strong, but also pliable and flexible that it would be the ideal replacement for damaged, torn or lost tendons in the body. With the spider silk tendon replacement it would be a far more natural and reliable option compared to the limitations of prosthetic or artificial tendon replacements. The military, as well as, law enforcement are quite interested in these spider silk proteins as a material that could be used in armor. Present bullet proof vests are not impenetrable and are costly to make, being synthetic. However, the spider silk could be more protective and less cumbersome, lighter weight, making it a far safer alternative to current body armor (Howell, 2014).
CONCLUSION
There are many who argue the ethical aspects of biological manipulations, but in this case the goats are not harmed; it is only when they are milked that the protein is acquired, being milked in a typical action for goats. The animals are not being harmed and the possible application of spider silks could, again, be incredibly innovated. It could change the mobility of the permanently injured, development stronger and safer structures and finally help to protect the lives of law enforcement and military with the most current and effective technologies. There are many other industries that will likely take notice in the future and the use of spider silk is very likely to something that may become quite commonplace in the future.
REFERENCES
Boatman, L. (2011). Bridges made of spider silk? You can thank the goats for that. Berkeley
Science Review. 1. Retrieved August 2, 2016, from http://berkeleysciencereview.com/bridges-made-of-spider-silk-you-can-thank-the-goats-for-that/
Howell, E. (2014). Future soldiers may wear bulletproof spider silk. Live Science Magazine. 1.
Retrieved August 2, 2016, from http://www.livescience.com/46519-spider-silk-bulletproof-clothing.html
