Living plastics from plasticizer-assisted thermal molding of silk protein.

ABSTRACT: The pursuit of materials, particularly plastics, with a minimal ecological footprint throughout their circular lifecycle, is crucial for advancing sustainable materials development. Living materials composed of embedded yet active organisms can leverage endogenous biotic resources to achieve functional materials that align with sustainability goals. However, current living material systems face challenges such as weak mechanical properties, limited environmental adaptability, and restricted cellular functionality. In this study, we propose an approach to sustainable living materials by incorporating active organisms into silk-based plastics through a plasticizer-assisted thermal molding process. We investigate the mechanism of structure formation in these materials, correlating manufacturi

SUBMITTER: Wang Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11697307 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature