Spiber ready for mass production of microbial sourced spider silk

In Japan, Tech-On reports that Spiber Inc. reports it is ready for mass production of its Qmonos spider silk fiber, sourced from microorganisms. The article reports that Spiber looks to build its pilot plant and have it operational by 2015, with a target production rate of 10 tons a year. In the meantime, Spiber plans a joint venture test plant, working with Kojima Industries. The test plant is expected to produce 1,200kg a year or more, starting later this year. Spiber has worked diligently to get to this point, and is on its 6th generation of the gene that allows the production of fibroin.

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