Scientist eyes market potential of colorful silk by gene-modified silkworms

A Chinese bio-technologist called for cooperation with companies to tap the market potential of the garments produced with colorful silk spun by the genetically modified silkworms.

Professor Xiang Zhonghuai, a member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and a renowned scientist on silkworms, told Xinhua on Sunday that he hoped more companies could cooperate with his team to make such garments common products for every household.

"Clothes made by colorful silk spun by the genetically modified silkworms are more beautiful in color and more gentle in hand feel compared with common clothes," Xiang said.

"Their flexibility is much better than regular silk," he added.

Xiang, along with his research team, developed the world's first such silk in August.

"I hope more companies from both China and abroad would be interested in our products," he said.

Xiang said the price of such garments would be almost the same as regular silk clothes if they were produced in a large number.

Source: Xinhua