AFRL eyes development of next-generation textile for DAF uniforms

A domesticated adult muskox rests in its pasture at the Palmer Muskox Farm in Palmer, Alaska. While materials such as merino wool and goose down have typically been used to insulate cold-weather garments, Air Force Research Laboratory, or AFRL, researchers have recently begun to explore muskox wool fibers as an alternative source for thermal-insulating textiles for military uniforms. However, a raw muskox wool supply chain will be difficult to come by, as the average Alaskan muskox typically only produces one offspring every one to three years. Because it is not practical to breed these animals solely for their wool, researchers in AFRL’s Materials and Manufacturing Directorate have set their sights on recreating muskox wool keratin fibers in the lab using synthetic biology to address theoretical supply chain needs, prioritize U.S.-based textile manufacturing and promote biotechnology research initiatives in the United States. (Courtesy photo / Cornell University)