SRT Protein Bioelastomer Melt Processing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for novel, eco-friendly materials that can be easily produced from renewable resources and exhibit multifunctional characteristics, as previous attempts to develop biomimetic materials with desirable properties have been limited in success.

Innovation Solution

The development of compositions and methods involving modified Squid Ring Teeth (SRT) proteins, which exhibit micro-mechanical properties similar to strong synthetic polymers, allowing for the creation of a recyclable bioelastomer with elastic and viscoelastic thermo-reversible behavior by transitioning the proteins to a melt and forming amorphous products that can be reused.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If biomimetic materials are developed from naturally occurring products, then desirable functional and physical properties are retained, but the success rate is low and production is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional and physical propertiesVSAvoidproduction difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical state of SRT proteins through controlled heating to transition them from solid to melt phase, enabling thermoplastic processing. This allows the protein material to be shaped and molded while maintaining its functional properties, resolving the contradiction between retaining natural properties and ease of manufacture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates composite materials by combining SRT proteins with plasticizers to form processable melts. This composite approach enables the protein material to be processed like synthetic polymers while retaining its bio-based functional properties, addressing both reliability and manufacturability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If SRT proteins are transitioned to a melt for processing, then ease of manufacture and recyclability are improved, but the protein structure may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveprocessabilityVSAvoidprotein structure integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes phase transitions by heating SRT proteins to their glass transition temperature to convert them from a rigid solid state to a processable melt state. This reversible phase transition enables manufacturing operations while preserving the underlying protein structure, as the material returns to its original state upon cooling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes physical parameters (temperature, viscosity) of the SRT protein without altering its chemical composition or fundamental structure. By controlling temperature within specific ranges, the protein becomes processable as a melt while maintaining structural integrity that allows for recyclability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If renewable resources are used to create eco-friendly materials, then environmental sustainability is improved, but the materials may lack the strength and versatility of synthetic polymers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental sustainabilityVSAvoidmechanical properties

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent develops composite materials combining SRT proteins with plasticizers, creating a composite system that exhibits both the eco-friendly properties of renewable resources and the processability and mechanical performance characteristics of synthetic polymers. The composite structure allows the bio-based material to achieve synthetic polymer-like strength and versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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

The SRT-based bioelastomer retains its functional properties after melting and solidifying, enabling the production of versatile products such as films, fibers, and adhesives with excellent mechanical properties, suitable for various applications including underwater environments.

Implementation Method 1

The mixture is heated to between 32° C. and 195° C. to obtain an SRT protein melt

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

forming the product comprises cooling the SRT protein melt to form at least one structure having a three dimensional shape

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCooling: Cooling

Data Source

PatentUS10253144B2Compositions and methods related to proteins capable of reversible transition to a melt

Publication Date: 2019.04.09 THE PENN STATE RES FOUND INC

AI summary

Provided are compositions and methods for making a variety of products. The methods involve mixing sucker ring teeth (SRT) protein and a plasticizer or a solvent to obtain a mixture of the SRT protein and the plasticizer. When the SRT is mixed with a plasticizer it is heated to between 32° C. and 195° C. to obtain an SRT protein melt. The melt is used to form a wide variety of products. When the SRT is mixed with a solvent, such as an organic solvent or an aqueous solvent, a solution of the SRT protein is formed, and is subsequently used to forming a product from the solution, wherein the product contains SRT protein.