Biomaterial matrix with tunable hygroscopic properties

This technology is a nanomaterial particle-filament composite material and method to generate responsive materials to changes in humidity and water content.

Unmet Need: Responsive large-scale materials based on nanomaterials

Nanoparticles have unique optical, electronic, and mechanical properties which are rarely found in large-scale materials. Due to granular nature of nanoparticles, synthesizing large-scale materials derived from nanomaterials remains challenging.

The Technology: Biomaterial composite matrix responsive to changes in humidity and water content

This technology integrates hygroscopic bacterial spores into a matrix of stiff filaments. Several species of bacterial spores are genetically engineered to optimize their hydroscopic and hygroscopic properties before they are implemented in a modifiable cellulose nanofiber. This material can generate strains as high as 11% with a corresponding density of more than 20 J/cm2. This technology presents a method for designing dynamic materials with tunable energy, antimicrobial, and optical properties.

Applications:

  • Reusable biodegradable absorbent material
  • Hygroscopic fabric that generate heat or energy
  • Humidity sensors
  • Encasing to waterproof electronics
  • Cleanup material for environmental and disaster remediation
  • Admixture with building materials for waterproofing or expansion/contraction cycles
  • Food and product desiccant

Advantages:

  • Biomaterial responsive to the environment
  • Genetically engineered to obtain the best hydroscopic, hygroscopic, and physical properties for the desired application
  • Antimicrobial activity

Lead Inventor:

Ozgur Sahin, Ph.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Pending (US 20210197498)

Related Publications:

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