Nature learned long ago how useful proteins are as a diverse set of building blocks to make materials with very diverse properties. Spider webs, egg whites, hair follicles, and skeletal muscles are all largely protein. This book provides a glimpse into both nature's strategies for the design and produc tion of protein-based materials, and how scientists have been able to go beyond the constraints of natural materials to produce synthetic analogs with potentially wider ranges of properties. The work presented is very much the beginning of the story. Only recently has there been much progress in obtaining a molecular understanding of some of nature's com plex materials, and the mimicry or replacement of these by synthetic or genetically engineered variants is a field still in its infancy. Yet this book will serve as a useful introduction for those wishing to get started in what is sure to be an active and productive field throughout the 21st century. The authors represent a wide range of interests and expertise, and the topics chosen are comprehensive. Charles R. Cantor Center for Advanced Biotechnology Boston University Series Preface The properties of materials depend on the nature of the macromolecules, small molecules and inorganic components and the interfaces and interac tions between them. Polymer chemistry and physics, and inorganic phase structure and density are major factors that influence the performance of materials.

Aerogels have been in use for over 80 years and have been utilised in a wide variety of applications, in particular, there has been growing use of insulating nanoporous materials in the aerospace industry. Recent awareness of the environmental implications of materials has driven researchers to develop new green materials, with aerogels being developed using biobased constituents, such as polysaccharides and proteins. Recently, biobased components, such as cellulose nanocrystals, have replaced synthetic counterparts in the production of nanoporous materials. Biobased Aerogelsis the first book to cover aerogel research from a green perspective, using commentary and analysis from leading researchers working in the field. Aerogels based on polysaccharides and proteins, their preparation and characterisation will be covered in detail, with further discussion highlighting properties such as surface morphology, shape recovery, mechanical properties and adsorption capacity. This insightful and timely publication will provide essential reading for those researchers and industrialists working within the green chemistry field.

This book explores in depth the latest enabling technologies for regenerative medicine. The opening section examines advances in 3D bioprinting and the fabrication of electrospun and electrosprayed scaffolds. The potential applications of intelligent nanocomposites are then considered, covering, for example, graphene-based nanocomposites, intrinsically conductive polymer nanocomposites, and smart diagnostic contact lens systems. The third section is devoted to various drug delivery systems and strategies for regenerative medicine. Finally, a wide range of future enabling technologies are discussed. Examples include temperature-responsive cell culture surfaces, nanopatterned scaffolds for neural tissue engineering, and process system engineering methodologies for application in tissue development. This is one of two books to be based on contributions from leading experts that were delivered at the 2018 Asia University Symposium on Biomedical Engineering in Seoul, Korea – the companion book examines in depth novel biomaterials for regenerative medicine.

Bio-Based Packaging Bio-Based Packaging An authoritative and up-to-date review of sustainable packaging development and applications Bio-Based Packaging explores using renewable and biodegradable materials as sustainable alternatives to non-renewable, petroleum-based packaging. This comprehensive volume surveys the properties of biopolymers, the environmental and economic impact of bio-based packaging, and new and emerging technologies that are increasing the number of potential applications of green materials in the packaging industry. Contributions address the advantages and challenges of bio-based packaging, discuss new materials to be used for food packaging, and highlight cutting-edge research on polymers such as starch, protein, polylactic acid (PLA), pectin, nanocellulose, and their nanocomposites. In-depth yet accessible chapters provide balanced coverage of a broad range of practical topics, including life cycle assessment (LCA) of bio-based packaging products, consumer perceptions and preferences, supply chains, business strategies and markets in biodegradable food packaging, manufacturing of bio-based packaging materials, and regulations for food packaging materials. Detailed discussions provide valuable insight into the opportunities for biopolymers in end-use sectors, the barriers to biopolymer-based concepts in the packaging market, recent advances made in the field of biopolymeric composite materials, the future of bio-plastics in commercial food packaging, and more. This book: Provides deep coverage of the bio-based packaging development, characterization, regulations and environmental and socio-economic impact Contains real-world case studies of bio-based packaging applications Includes an overview of recent advances and emerging aspects of nanotechnology for development of sustainable composites for packaging Discusses renewable sources for packaging material and the reuse and recycling of bio-based packaging products Bio-Based Packaging is essential reading for academics, researchers, and industry professionals working in packaging materials, renewable resources, sustainability, polymerization technology, food technology, material engineering, and related fields. For more information on the Wiley Series in Renewable Resources, visit www.wiley.com/go/rrs

Protein-Based Biopolymers: From Source to Biomedical Applications provides an overview on the development and application of protein biopolymers in biomedicine. Protein polymers have garnered increasing focus in the development of biomedical materials, devices and therapeutics due to their intrinsic bioactivity, biocompatibility and biodegradability. This book comprehensively reviews the latest advances on the synthesis, characterization, properties and applications of protein-based biopolymers. Each chapter is dedicated to a single protein class, covering a broad range of proteins including silk, collagen, keratin, fibrin, and more. In addition, the book explores the biomedical potential of these polymers, from tissue engineering, to drug delivery and wound healing. This book offers a valuable resource for academics and researchers in the fields of materials science, biomedical engineering and R&D groups working in pharmaceutical and biomedical industries. Covers a range of protein-based biopolymers, including elastin, collagen, keratin, soy and more Guides the reader through the fabrication, characterization and properties of protein biopolymers Explores the biomedical potential of protein biopolymers, covering applications such as cancer therapy, tissue engineering and drug delivery

Elastomeric proteins are ubiquitous in nature, where they have evolved precise structures and properties that are necessary to perform specific biological roles and functions. This book emphasizes the impact of amino acid sequence on modulating protein structure, properties, and function. Examples include conformational ensemble dynamics, environmental responsiveness, self-assembly, physico-mechanical properties, morphology, and properties tailored for biomedical applications. This foundational framework is not only critical to advance scientific understanding and knowledge on elastomeric proteins but also enables the conceptualization, rational design, and development of biosynthetic elastomers and their analogous polypeptides for a variety of applications. Edited and contributed by pioneering researchers in the field, the book provides a timely overview of the materials, along with the synthesis techniques, the unique characteristics of elastomeric proteins, and biomedical and industrial applications. The book will provide a reference for graduate students and researchers interested in designing biomimetic proteins tailored for various functions.

Peptides and Proteins as Biomaterials for Tissue Regeneration and Repair highlights the various important considerations that go into biomaterial development, both in terms of fundamentals and applications. After covering a general introduction to protein and cell interactions with biomaterials, the book discusses proteins in biomaterials that mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM). The properties, fabrication and application of peptide biomaterials and protein-based biomaterials are discussed in addition to in vivo and in vitro studies. This book is a valuable resource for researchers, scientists and advanced students interested in biomaterials science, chemistry, molecular biology and nanotechnology. Presents an all-inclusive and authoritative coverage of the important role which protein and peptides play as biomaterials for tissue regeneration Explores protein and peptides from the fundamentals, to processing and applications Written by an international group of leading biomaterials researchers