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Updated: Jun 23, 2025
Synthesis of an Intein-mediated Artificial Protein Hydrogel
Published on: January 27, 2014
Sacrificial hydrogen bonds enhance the performance of covalently crosslinked composite films derived from soy protein
Ran Tian1, Yuan Zhao1, Yidan Fu1
1College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China.
Abstract:
Soy protein films have the advantage of being eco-friendly and renewable, but their practical applications are hindered by the mechanical properties. The exceptional tensile strength and fracture toughness of natural silk stem from sacrificial hydrogen bonds it contains that effectively dissipates energy. In this study, we draw inspiration from silk's structural principles to create biodegradable films based on soy protein isolate (SPI). Notably, composite films containing sodium lignosulfonate (LS) demonstrate exceptional strain at break (up to 153%) due to the augmentation of reversible hydrogen bonding, contrasted to films with the addition of solely dialdehyde starch (DAS). The enhancement of tensile strength is realized through a combination of Schiff base cross-linking and sacrificial hydrogen bonding. Furthermore, the incorporation of LS markedly improves the films' ultraviolet (UV) blocking capabilities and hydrophobicity. This innovative design strategy holds great promise for advancing the production of eco-friendly SPI-based films that combine strength and toughness.
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