Bolt Threads, a US biotechnology company is joining forces with Ginkgo Bioworks, a company creating a platform that allows users to “program cells as easily as computers”.
Bolt Threads hopes that the partnership will help make the manufacturing process for its B-silk more sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective. The product is inspired by spider silk, and clinical trials have shown that it has benefits for the skin.
According to their website, “B-silk protein can be produced at scale to replace ingredients like silicone and keratin in skin and hair care products. This patented ingredient delivers silk-like softness, powerful environmental defence, and clinically-proven results.”
“B-silk protein has been clinically shown to increase skin firmness and elasticity, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improve overall skin’s healthy appearance. Benefits of formulating with B-silk protein: Vegan alternative to keratin, Synthetic polymer alternative, Outperforms hydrolyzed silk, Supports skin barrier repair, Oxidative stress defence, Versatile and stable”.
Silk proteins are inherently biodegradable and can be produced in a sustainable, closed-loop process. Bolt Threads hopes that by helping companies move away from petroleum-based materials and chemicals, it can start to write a better future for our planet.
Because of its high production cost, the silk is currently used mostly in premium products. An improvement in manufacturing efficiency would allow it to be more widely adopted.
Bolt Threads is recognised for leading sustainable material innovation, having also developed a mushroom-based leather alternative called Mylo. Mylo has already been adopted by major brands like Lululemon, Adidas, and Stella McCartney.
“Ginkgo’s expertise in engineering biology will enable us to accelerate our work transforming the clean beauty and personal care industries with new, sustainable ingredients that have been previously inaccessible to consumers,” said David Breslauer, co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer at Bolt Threads. “B-silk protein has the potential to bring new performance properties to everyday products while utilizing truly sustainable production processes at scale.”
