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Washington D.C .: A newly discovered protein found in squid could revolutionize materials in a way that would be inaccessible with conventional plastic.
The study was published in Frontiers in Chemistry.
Resulting from the ringed teeth of the predatory arms of a squid, this protein can be transformed into fibers and films with applications ranging from "smart" clothing for health monitoring to self-healing recyclable fabrics that reduce microplastic pollution . The materials made from this protein are eco-friendly and biodegradable, and their large-scale sustainable production is achieved using laboratory culture methods.
"Squid proteins can be used to produce next-generation materials for various fields, including energy and biomedicine, as well as for the security and defense sector," said the author. Principal Melik Demirel, adding: "We reviewed the current knowledge of squid rings based on materials, which are an excellent alternative to plastics because they are environmentally friendly and sustainable in terms of Environment. "
"Nature produces a variety of intelligent materials that can detect the environment, self-heal and exceptional mechanical functions.These materials, or biopolymers, have unique physical properties that are not easily found in synthetic polymers such as plastics. It is important to note that biopolymers are durable and can be durable, designed to enhance their physical properties, "says Demirel.
The oceans, which are the first victims of plastic pollution, are at the center of the search for sustainable alternatives. A recently discovered protein from squid teeth (squid), circular predatory appendages on squid suckers and used to firmly grasp prey, has attracted interest because of its remarkable properties and its production. sustainable.
The elasticity, flexibility and strength of SRT-based materials, as well as their self-healing, optical, thermal and conductive properties, can be explained by the variety of molecular arrangements they can adopt.
SRT proteins are composed of building blocks arranged to allow the separation of micro-phases. This situation is similar to that of oil and water, but on a much smaller and nano scale. Blocks can not separate completely to produce two distinct layers. As a result, molecular level forms are created, such as repeated cylindrical blocks, disordered entanglements, or ordered layers. Forms dictate the property of the material and scientists have experimented with them to produce SRT-based products for various uses.
In the textile industry, SRT could tackle one of the major sources of microplastic pollution by providing an abrasion-resistant coating that reduces microfiber erosion in washing machines. Similarly, a self-healing SRT protein coating could increase the longevity and safety of biochemical implants prone to damage, as well as clothing designed for protection against chemical and biological warfare agents.
It is even possible to interleave several layers of SRT protein with other compounds or technologies, which could lead to the development of "smart" garments that can protect us from pollutants in the air while ensuring our health.
The optical properties of SRT-based materials mean that these garments can also display information about our health or environment. Flexible photonic devices based on SRT – components that create, manipulate or detect light, such as LEDs and optical displays, typically made of hard materials such as glbad and quartz – are under development.
One of the main advantages of SRT-based materials over synthetic materials and fossil-fuel-based plastics is its ecological qualities. SRT proteins are produced cheaply and easily from renewable resources and researchers have found a way to produce them without catching a squid.
"We do not want to deplete squid's natural resources, so we produce these proteins in genetically modified bacteria, which is based on fermentation and uses sugar, water, and oxygen to produce the protein. biopolymers, "explains Demirel.
It is hoped that SRT-based prototypes will soon be available more widely, but further development is needed.
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