Protein Denaturation Additive Manufacturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing additive manufacturing techniques for producing plastic parts require functionalizing proteins with polymerizable groups or using polymerization reactions, which complicates the process and limits the use of sustainable, biodegradable protein-based build solutions.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using protein-based build solutions without polymerizable groups, where heat is generated to induce thermal denaturation and aggregation of proteins, forming solid 2D or 3D objects without the need for polymerization reactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If protein functionalization with polymerizable groups is used to enable additive manufacturing, then the ability to form solid plastic parts is improved, but the process complexity and chemical modification requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the polymerizable functional groups from the protein structure, using native proteins without modification. This eliminates the need for chemical functionalization steps while still enabling solid part formation through alternative mechanisms (phase separation and aggregation of native proteins during curing).
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of modifying proteins to make them polymerizable (conventional approach), the patent inverts the approach by using unmodified proteins and employing a different curing mechanism that does not require polymerization. The resin cures through protein aggregation and phase separation rather than chemical bond formation.
2Ease of manufacture
If polymerization reactions are used to solidify build compositions, then solid plastic parts can be formed, but the use of sustainable and biodegradable protein-based solutions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental curing parameter from chemical polymerization to physical phase separation and aggregation. This parameter change enables the use of native, unmodified proteins that are inherently biodegradable and sustainable, while still achieving solid part formation through controlled protein aggregation during the curing process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If chemical modifications are applied to proteins for additive manufacturing, then the functionality for 3D printing is improved, but the environmental friendliness and simplicity of the process deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for chemical modification steps entirely by extracting the requirement for polymerizable groups from the process. Native proteins are used as-is, eliminating harmful chemical reagents and modification steps, while 3D printing functionality is achieved through the natural aggregation and phase separation behavior of proteins during curing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for the fabrication of biodegradable, biocompatible plastic parts with controlled mechanical properties, using sustainable protein sources, and eliminates the need for chemical modifications or polymerization, making the process more straightforward and environmentally friendly.
Implementation Method 1
generating heat in the build solution to denature proteins
Implementation Method 2
aggregating denatured proteins to form a solidified region of an object
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for additive manufacturing of an object are provided which comprise providing a build solution comprising proteins and a solvent in an additive manufacturing system; generating heat in the build solution to denature proteins; and aggregating denatured proteins to form a solidified region of an object, the solidified region comprising denatured, aggregated proteins. The heat may be generated in a localized area of the build solution to denature proteins in the localized area, wherein the localized area is in contact with unheated build solution and the solidified region may be formed in the localized area of the build solution.