WHAT ORGANISMS/NATURAL SYSTEMS DID YOU LEARN FROM AND HOW DID WHAT YOU LEARNED INFORM YOUR DESIGN?

Our concept is inspired by two natural systems: melanin and keratin.The main function of melanin is the absorption of every wavelengths of the visible light spectrum, plus ultra violet radiations. Moreover, the pigment possesses extra biological properties. Melanin is antioxidant, thermoregulative, antiviral and antimicrobial. Combining these functions in a packaging design provides precious advantages:  roducts are, for our best example, preserved from harmful radiations, increasing their shelf-life. Hydrophobicity and antioxidant properties can strenghten gas and liquid barriers – a potential to replace a lot of unsustainable light-proof materials.The main function of keratin is flexibility and strength. Keratin is hydrophilic, and capable of absorbing a large amount of water. In the soil, it is considered as a slow-decaying material, but nevertheless used as a fertilizer. It is insoluble in dilute acids, alkalines, water and organic solvents, and aqueous salt solutions. A slow degradation, resistance to pH variations, and preserved integrity in water generates a very resilient material. Last but not least, it is possible to boost keratin degradation, using microbial keratinases or denaturing agent such as urea. These characteristics are auspicious for the employ of keratin as a bio-polymer matrix.

WHAT IS THE PROBLEM YOU ARE TRYING TO SOLVE AND HOW IS IT RELATED TO CLIMATE CHANGE?

These last decades, more and more plastics accumulate in nature, due to an abundant use of petrol-based material. In agriculture, for example, these polymers are frequently used for diverse applications, eventually ending up into the ground, increasing pollution of soils. This is why we focus on designing a biodegradable alternative.

WHAT DOES YOUR DESIGN DO? HOW DOES IT ADDRESS THE PROBLEM OR OPPORTUNITY YOU SELECTED

We propose a biodegradable polymer, forming a light barrier against visible and UV lights, providing protection from water and oxygen exchange. Our polymer consists of a combination of a keratin biofilm, with embedded dead fungus spores containing melanin. The polymer benefits from the mechanical properties of keratin combined with the optical properties of melanin. The resources necessary to produce our material are waste from the agriculture industry, hence promoting a circular economy. As Nature teaches, waste to one is resources to another.

TEAM MEMBERS

Michelle Van der Vegt, Clémence Belbéoch, Fabian Delpy, Gydo Kersbergen, Edine Hiddink