Protein eutectogel as a platform for advanced materials and manufacturing – 23-085

Abstract

Protein-based materials can be applied in many areas including tissue engineering, packaging, sensors, medical devices, air and water purification, and energy storage. However, existing protein-based materials suffer from brittleness and poor mechanical properties. To address this issue, researchers at McMaster University have developed a resin-based method to fabricate protein eutectogels by blending plant proteins with deep eutectic solvents. The protein eutectogel exhibits a high flowability at certain temperatures, which allows the protein eutectogel to be shaped by multiple methods such as extrusion printing and injection molding. The protein eutectogel also offers good tensile strength and flexibility over a broad range of ambient conditions deeming it well-suited for above mentioned applications.

Applications

• Food packaging
• 3D printing ink and filament
• Filtration material
• Tissue engineering scaffold

Advantages

• Thermoplastic
• Biodegradable
• Flexible
• High melt flowability
• High tensile strength
• High ductility