Project description
Light-reflective cellulose-based particles support the pigments and dyes sector
The pigments and dyes industry often uses toxic chemicals that are harmful to people and the environment. The search is on for more natural and sustainable alternatives and the European Research Council-funded PixCell project may have an answer. Cellulose is the most abundant biopolymer on Earth, the key component of plant cell walls that is also synthesised by a variety of bacteria. PixCell will develop a large-scale fabrication method for its cellulose-based photonic pigments. The pioneering micron-sized spherical particles composed of naturally derived cellulose nanocrystals can form dry microparticles capable of reflecting specific colours of light. Funding will help the team bring this sustainable, biocompatible alternative to market.
Objective
The objective of the proposal is to develop a process for large-scale fabrication of a novel class of cellulose-based photonic pigments, which will replace traditional, potentially hazardous colorants that are currently used in industry for cosmetics, food, textiles and security labelling. These novel photonic pigments consist of micron-sized spherical particles composed of naturally-derived cellulose nanocrystals. Within the remit of the ERC StG SeSaMe, it has been demonstrated that cellulose nanocrystals can self-assemble in aqueous droplets, forming dry microparticles, where the crystals are organised in chiral nematic ordered shells, capable of reflecting light of a specific colour.
Scaling up the fabrication of such photonic cellulose pigments will allow to manufacture a truly sustainable, biocompatible and potentially edible alternative to conventional synthetic dyes for mass-market applications.
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Funding Scheme
ERC-POC - Proof of Concept GrantHost institution
CB2 1TN Cambridge
United Kingdom