Periodic Reporting for period 1 - superbiOmAT (Development of superabsorbent biomaterials based on oat protein through electrospinning and 3D printing)
Periodo di rendicontazione: 2024-01-01 al 2025-12-31
Superabsorbent materials (SAMs) are specialised substances capable of absorbing and retaining water in amounts exceeding ten times their own dry weight. These materials are vital for essential products such as diapers, menstrual pads, wound dressings, and soil conditioners for agriculture. However, a significant environmental challenge exists because most commercially available SAMs are derived from petroleum and are difficult to degrade. Furthermore, their breakdown products can be biologically toxic, contributing to environmental pollution.
The superbiOmAT project addresses this challenge by developing sustainable, bio-based superabsorbent alternatives derived from oat protein (OP). Oats are a major crop in the European Union, which is a global leader in its production. Specifically, the project utilises OP, which is an under-exploited by-product remaining after the extraction of health-promoting β-glucans. By revalorising this by-product, superbiOmAT promotes a circular economy and aligns with the strategic goals of the European Green Deal and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The overall objective of the project is to develop green superabsorbent biomaterials. This is achieved through three scientific pathways: increasing the water-binding capacity of the protein through chemical functionalisation, processing the material using advanced techniques like electrospinning and 3D printing, and evaluating the performance of these new materials in practical applications like agriculture and hygiene.
The superbiOmAT project addresses this challenge by developing sustainable, bio-based superabsorbent alternatives derived from oat protein (OP). Oats are a major crop in the European Union, which is a global leader in its production. Specifically, the project utilises OP, which is an under-exploited by-product remaining after the extraction of health-promoting β-glucans. By revalorising this by-product, superbiOmAT promotes a circular economy and aligns with the strategic goals of the European Green Deal and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The overall objective of the project is to develop green superabsorbent biomaterials. This is achieved through three scientific pathways: increasing the water-binding capacity of the protein through chemical functionalisation, processing the material using advanced techniques like electrospinning and 3D printing, and evaluating the performance of these new materials in practical applications like agriculture and hygiene.
The superbiOmAT project achieved significant scientific and technical progress in generating new knowledge regarding plant-protein-based systems. The primary objective of increasing the water-binding capacity of oat protein through chemical modification was fully achieved. Researchers investigated acylation routes using EDTAD (ethylenediaminetetraacetic dianhydride) and succinic anhydride (SA) to introduce carboxylic groups into the protein backbone, which was confirmed through characterisation techniques like FTIR and TGA.
In the field of advanced processing, the project demonstrated the feasibility of using electrohydrodynamic processing and 3D printing techniques. Researchers successfully produced micro- and nanofibrous membranes from oat protein hydrolysate through electrospinning, proving that these protein systems can be processed into fibers without the need for synthetic copolymers. Parallel work on 3D printing resulted in the optimisation of protein formulations suitable for extrusión.
The evaluation of potential applications was partially achieved, with a primary focus on the agricultural sector.
In the field of advanced processing, the project demonstrated the feasibility of using electrohydrodynamic processing and 3D printing techniques. Researchers successfully produced micro- and nanofibrous membranes from oat protein hydrolysate through electrospinning, proving that these protein systems can be processed into fibers without the need for synthetic copolymers. Parallel work on 3D printing resulted in the optimisation of protein formulations suitable for extrusión.
The evaluation of potential applications was partially achieved, with a primary focus on the agricultural sector.
The superbiOmAT project advanced the state of the art by developing 100% bio-based superabsorbent materials that avoid synthetic grafting, moving away from current models that rely on toxic polyacrylamides. A key scientific result was the establishment of structure–function–process relationships for electrospinning oat protein hydrolysates and optimising 3D-printed protein doughs. The project also successfully demonstrated the valorisation of marine bio-waste, utilising alginate extracted from invasive seaweed to enhance the printability and strength of protein-based bioinks.
The potential impacts of these results are significant across multiple sectors. Environmentally, the project contributes to the transition toward a climate-neutral economy by replacing petroleum-derived polymers with renewable, biodegradable alternatives, thereby reducing pollution and carbon footprints. Economically, the results open new business lines for European industry in agricultural water management and sustainable hygiene products. Societally, the project raised awareness regarding the toxicity of traditional SAMs and promoted the inclusion of the gender dimension in material science, as a primary application for these biomaterials is in menstrual hygiene products.
To ensure further success and commercialisation, several key needs have been identified. Further research is required to improve the water stability of electrospun membranes and to experimentally validate material performance in hygiene contexts using simulated urine and artificial blood.
The potential impacts of these results are significant across multiple sectors. Environmentally, the project contributes to the transition toward a climate-neutral economy by replacing petroleum-derived polymers with renewable, biodegradable alternatives, thereby reducing pollution and carbon footprints. Economically, the results open new business lines for European industry in agricultural water management and sustainable hygiene products. Societally, the project raised awareness regarding the toxicity of traditional SAMs and promoted the inclusion of the gender dimension in material science, as a primary application for these biomaterials is in menstrual hygiene products.
To ensure further success and commercialisation, several key needs have been identified. Further research is required to improve the water stability of electrospun membranes and to experimentally validate material performance in hygiene contexts using simulated urine and artificial blood.