Biotechnology: An Eco-friendly Tool of Nature for Textile …
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10.2 Cotton with Improved Functional Behavior
Genetic engineering techniques for improvement in fundamental properties of cotton
e.g., length, strength, absorbance, coloration, thermal properties have been targeted
[169]. Genetic modification with the outcome of improved quality and properties of
fibers identified by combining indigo and melanin biosynthetic pathways of cotton
has been observed [170]. Formation of mohair type fiber by transferring rabbit keratin
into the cotton is under process. Insertion of genes containing information for the
formation of poly (β-D-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) enzymes through bombardment
into the cotton resulted in better insulating properties than naturally produced cotton
[171]. Identification of new genes may lead to developing cotton with improved
qualities and desired effects [162, 172].
10.3 Genetically Engineered Silk Fibres
Genetic modification of silkworm (Bombyxmori) for the production of new silk proteins or silk fibers is a new promising type of genetic engineering as transgenic
silkworm (Bombyxmori) was found not to be reproducible and efficient [173]. Different approaches like infection of silkworm larvae with a virus or recombinant
DNA, formation by vectors or electroporation methods are commonly applied for
the engineering of silk fibers utilizing green fluorescent protein (GFP) as selection
marker [174]. Genetic engineering of silkworm has unlocked the gate of engineered
silkworm for desired characteristics of silk proteins or virus-resistant silkworms are
economical for sericulture [175].
10.4 Spider Fiber
Numerous spiders having the ability to form diverse protein fibers with distinct
mechanical properties are known [176]. Most distinguished properties of spider
species (Nephilaclavipes or madagascariensis) like high modulus, high strength,
a high extension of break, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and high dissipation
energy, radial web, spoke thread, dragline thread has been improved by genetic engineering [177, 178]. The viscid spider threads forming fiber cores exhibit excellent
elongation break have a high strength level than nylon 6 [179].
Nature continues to be the major source for additional improvements in the fields
of textile and fibers. Due to the availability of facilities as well as analytical tools
many naturally occurring processes and the phenomenon of a complex system will
be revealed and explicated. The results of these novel phenomena can be transferred
to the field of textiles by bio-copying nature. Genetic engineering has already revolutionized by commercializing the Bt cotton. However, the success of any genetically
105
10.2 Cotton with Improved Functional Behavior
Genetic engineering techniques for improvement in fundamental properties of cotton
e.g., length, strength, absorbance, coloration, thermal properties have been targeted
[169]. Genetic modification with the outcome of improved quality and properties of
fibers identified by combining indigo and melanin biosynthetic pathways of cotton
has been observed [170]. Formation of mohair type fiber by transferring rabbit keratin
into the cotton is under process. Insertion of genes containing information for the
formation of poly (β-D-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) enzymes through bombardment
into the cotton resulted in better insulating properties than naturally produced cotton
[171]. Identification of new genes may lead to developing cotton with improved
qualities and desired effects [162, 172].
10.3 Genetically Engineered Silk Fibres
Genetic modification of silkworm (Bombyxmori) for the production of new silk proteins or silk fibers is a new promising type of genetic engineering as transgenic
silkworm (Bombyxmori) was found not to be reproducible and efficient [173]. Different approaches like infection of silkworm larvae with a virus or recombinant
DNA, formation by vectors or electroporation methods are commonly applied for
the engineering of silk fibers utilizing green fluorescent protein (GFP) as selection
marker [174]. Genetic engineering of silkworm has unlocked the gate of engineered
silkworm for desired characteristics of silk proteins or virus-resistant silkworms are
economical for sericulture [175].
10.4 Spider Fiber
Numerous spiders having the ability to form diverse protein fibers with distinct
mechanical properties are known [176]. Most distinguished properties of spider
species (Nephilaclavipes or madagascariensis) like high modulus, high strength,
a high extension of break, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and high dissipation
energy, radial web, spoke thread, dragline thread has been improved by genetic engineering [177, 178]. The viscid spider threads forming fiber cores exhibit excellent
elongation break have a high strength level than nylon 6 [179].
Nature continues to be the major source for additional improvements in the fields
of textile and fibers. Due to the availability of facilities as well as analytical tools
many naturally occurring processes and the phenomenon of a complex system will
be revealed and explicated. The results of these novel phenomena can be transferred
to the field of textiles by bio-copying nature. Genetic engineering has already revolutionized by commercializing the Bt cotton. However, the success of any genetically