Fabrication of a Novel Protein Sponge with Dual-Scale Porosity and Mixed Wettability Using a Clean and Versatile...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biotechnology
• Food Science

Background:

• Protein-based materials offer biocompatibility and biodegradability.
• Developing scalable and additive-free fabrication methods for protein structures is crucial for industrial adoption.
• Whey proteins are abundant, renewable biomaterials with potential for advanced applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate an open-porous protein sponge with mixed wettability entirely from whey proteins.
• To investigate the effects of microwave-convection drying on foam structure and protein denaturation.
• To explore the potential applications of the developed protein sponge in biomedicine, pharmaceuticals, and the food industry.

Main Methods:

• Additive-free foaming of whey protein solutions.
• Controlled microwave-convection drying to induce volumetric heating and foam stabilization.
• Characterization of the resulting porous structure, including dual-scale porosity and mixed wettability.
• Assessment of liquid absorption properties for polar and non-polar liquids.

Main Results:

• A stable, open-porous protein sponge was successfully fabricated using whey proteins.
• The microwave-convection drying process promoted foam expansion, prevented collapse, and induced protein denaturation.
• The resulting sponge exhibited dual-scale porosity with interconnected macroscopic and microscopic pores.
• The protein sponge demonstrated rapid absorption of both polar (water) and non-polar liquids due to its mixed wettability and capillary system.

Conclusions:

• The developed protein sponge offers a promising biomaterial for various applications.
• The fabrication method is clean, scalable, and avoids additives.
• The material's unique properties, including mixed wettability and dual-porosity, allow for versatile liquid handling and potential use in separation, delivery, or absorption systems.