This protein based animal fibre is known for its aesthetic appeal and luxurious qualities.
Genetic manipulation can create finer and longer fibres, and inbuilt colour.
Wild silk from South Africa provides a sustainable income for rural populations.
Strong fine silk fibres are used in the medical world, cosmetic products, paper making, insulation and thermal underwear.
Silk is a natural protein fibre, some forms of which can be woven into textiles. The protein fibre of silk is composed mainly of fibroin and produced by certain insect larvae to form cocoons. The best-known type of silk is obtained from the cocoons of the larvae of the mulberry silkworm Bombyx mori reared in captivity. The shimmering appearance of silk is due to the triangular prism-like structure of the silk fibre, which allows silk cloth to refract incoming light at different angles, thus producing different colors.
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