The superadhesive meshes can capture large and small microplastic particles, and are made from sustainable biopolymers.

PhD Position: Biocatalytic depolymerization of new biopolymers

Plant-derived biopolymers may become sustainable alternatives to fossil-based polymers, yet their poor material performance has so far limited their adoption. Plant-derived biopolymers require careful control over the micro- and nanostructures to tune their mechanical behavior. Silk-spinning as done by spiders is one such mechanism, which combines liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and mechanical force to drive β-sheet formation from α-helical precursor proteins to achieve high strength fibers. We develop a similar processing route combining coacervation resulting from LLPS and mechanical force to enhance maize-derived zein into what we call a “plantymer” material, yielding films and fibers with superior mechanical performance. LLPS of zein is triggered by water-ethanol solvent control, resulting in a protein-rich phase that retains fluidity to enable the shear-induced fabrication of films and fibers, mimicking the strengthening mechanism of silk. The resulting materials demonstrate

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There has been a development in the ability to 3D print PHA material. The post Ecogenesis Biopolymers Launches Third-Generation PHA Filament for 3D Printing appeared on Fabbaloo.