These materials, or biopolymers, have unique physical properties that are not
readily found in synthetic polymers like plastic. A newly-discovered protein
from squid ring teeth (SRT) - circular predatory appendages located on the
suction cups of squid, used to strongly grasp prey, has gained interest because
of its remarkable properties and sustainable production.Originating in the
ringed teeth of a squid&China
wholesale Large aperture cylindrical grinder Factory39;s predatory arms,
this protein can be processed into fibres and films with applications ranging
from 'smart' clothes for health monitoring, to self-healing recyclable fabrics
that reduce micro-plastic pollution.In the textiles industry, SRT protein could
address one of the main sources of micro-plastic pollution by providing an
abrasion resistant coating that reduces micro-fibre erosion in washing
machines.The elasticity, flexibility and strength of SRT-based materials, as
well as their self-healing, optical, and thermal and electrical conducting
properties, can be explained by the variety of molecular arrangements they can
adopt.SRT proteins are composed of building blocks arranged in such a way that
micro-phase separation occurs.
Similarly, a self-healing SRT protein coating
could increase the longevity and safety of damage prone biochemical implants, as
well as garments tailored # for protection against chemical and biological
warfare agents. The shapes formed dictate the property of the material and
scientists have experimented with these to produce SRT-based products for a
variety of uses. The blocks cannot separate completely to produce two distinct
layers, so instead molecular-level shapes are created, such as repeating
cylindrical blocks, disordered tangles or ordered layers.It is hoped that the
SRT-based prototypes will soon become available more widely, but more
development is needed..Washington: A recently discovered protein, found in
squids, could revolutionise materials in a way that would be unattainable with
conventional plastic.""Nature produces a variety of smart materials capable of
environmental sensing, self-healing and exceptional mechanical function.
This is
a similar situation to oil and water but on a much smaller, nano-scale. The
study was published in Frontiers in Chemistry."Squid proteins can be used to
produce next generation materials for an array of fields including energy and
biomedicine, as well as the security and defence sector," says lead author Melik
Demirel, adding, "We reviewed the current knowledge on squid ring teeth-based
materials, which are an excellent alternative to plastics because they are
eco-friendly and environmentally sustainable. Materials made from this protein
are eco-friendly and biodegradable, with sustainable large-scale production
achieved using laboratory culture methods.The oceans, which have borne the brunt
of plastic pollution, are at the centre of the search for sustainable
alternatives. Importantly, biopolymers are sustainable and can be engineered to
enhance their physical properties," explains Demirel
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