Figure 1: Aspect ratio is a crucial network building block property, defining network formation, architecture, and mechanics in synthetic and living systems. (Left) Schematic representation of the aspect ratios (AR) of protein L polyprotein constructs and fibrin proto-fibers. (Middle) A schematic representation of the two dominated formation regimes: translation diffusion limited (TDL) where building blocks can only interact by translating their centre of mass; and rotationally diffusion limited (RDL) where building blocks are able to interact purely via rotation about their centre of mass. (Right) The fitted increase in mechanical rigidity as a function of aspect ratio with inserted schematics showing the change in structural topology as the system transitions from TDL to RDL formation above the critical aspect ratio, ARc. Copyright: Image partly published in Hughes M. D. G. et al., Nat. Commun. 14, 5593 (2023) under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Biology Exploits Geometry
6th February 2025

Advancing sustainable materials development

Researchers from SoftComp partner KU Leuven, Belgium, have introduced a novel strategy to upcycle humins, a major by-product of biorefineries, into new materials , advancing materials development using sustainable building blocks. Humins, black, tar-like substances formed during the acid-catalysed treatment of biomass that can account for up to 50% of total carbon loss, have long posed a challenge to commercialisation efforts due to their variable composition and difficult handling properties.

However, the SoftComp researchers have now developed a method to transform humins into fine powders or low-viscosity liquids through esterification reactions with targeted reagents. This approach tackles the solubility and thermal stability challenges of humins by modifying their molecular structure and achieving uniform physical states.

Building on this success, the team has also developed a one-step synthesis method to incorporate humins into polyester matrices, yielding high-strength thermoplastic elastomers. Blending humins with polylactic acid (PLA) – a biodegradable polymer derived from bio-based sources – at a 1:1 weight ratio resulted in the formation of foam-like structures with improved mechanical properties, phase stability, and uniform morphology. The study was supported by comprehensive characterisation using various analytical techniques.

Overall, this work highlights the potential of humins as versatile building blocks for producing added-value materials, advancing sustainable materials development, and expanding the applications of renewable resources. Successful valorisation of these biorefinery side-streams has the potential to significantly reduce global reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate environmental impact, aligning with sustainable development goals.

Read more:
Kandemir D. et. al, Chem. Sus. Chem. (2024), e202400403

SoftComp partner:
KU Leuven

Fig. 1. Chemical modification of humins through their hydroxyl groups. The schematic shows the structure of humins, highlighting the reactive hydroxyl functionalities. After chemical modification, the photographs on the right display the powder product (top) and the less viscous liquid product (bottom). Copyright: Dilhan Kandemir. All rights reserved.
Fig. 1. Chemical modification of humins through their hydroxyl groups. The schematic shows the structure of humins, highlighting the reactive hydroxyl functionalities. After chemical modification, the photographs on the right display the powder product (top) and the less viscous liquid product (bottom). Copyright: Dilhan Kandemir. All rights reserved.
Fig. 2. Schematic illustration of the blending of humins and PLA, the production of humins from sugar-based feedstocks, and the production of PLA from sugar cane crop residues. Copyright: Dilhan Kandemir. All rights reserved.
Fig. 2. Schematic illustration of the blending of humins and PLA, the production of humins from sugar-based feedstocks, and the production of PLA from sugar cane crop residues. Copyright: Dilhan Kandemir. All rights reserved.
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