💡 Researchers at IBEC have developed a novel biomaterial from chitin, inspired by nature, as a potential plastic replacement.

💧 This new material strengthens when exposed to water, unlike most biomaterials that weaken.

🔬 The biomaterial, a nickel-doped chitosan, showed tensile strengths between 30-40 MPa when dry, increasing to 53.01±1.68 MPa when wet, similar to high-performance plastics. It also demonstrated a biodegradability half-life of approximately four months in soil.

🌍 A zero-waste production cycle has been developed, utilizing expelled nickel and water for subsequent batches, with potential for large-scale production.

#Biomaterials #SustainableTech #PlasticAlternative

🌱 Researchers have developed "plantymers," a biodegradable plastic alternative made from plant proteins like corn zein, inspired by how spiders spin silk.

💧 The process involves dissolving plant proteins in ethanol and then adding water, creating a protein-rich liquid that can be spun into fibers or scraped into films, mimicking natural silk production.

📦 These plant-based materials are strong enough to compete with traditional plastics and are immediately useful for applications like fruit packaging, with potential for wider commercial use.

♻️ A startup, Upgrade Biopolymers, is collaborating with the research team to commercialize this sustainable alternative and promote a circular economy.

#SustainableMaterials #Biodegradable #PlasticAlternative