AMSilk

AMSilk GmbH (2008, Munich) is the first industrial supplier of recombinant spider‑silk proteins. Using GMO E. coli fed with plant‑derived sugars, it ferments, purifies and dries silk proteins that can be spun into Biosteel® fibres, formed into hydrogels or compounded into films. The fibres exhibit tensile strength >1 GPa with 35 % elongation, are fully biodegradable and free of animal inputs. A cradle‑to‑gate assessment shows up to 90 % lower CO₂ e and land use than conventional silk. Demonstrators include the Adidas Futurecraft Biofabric running‑shoe upper (100 % Biosteel knit) and Airbus prototype composite panels aimed at lightweight cabin structures. In 2024 AMSilk signed a production partnership with Ajinomoto and 21st.BIO to reach multi‑thousand‑tonne capacity, underpinning entry into luxury apparel and med‑tech sutures.