Biomimetic Materials Mimicking Nature at the Base of EU Projects

Many marine organisms, such as mussels, are able to produce viscoelastic adhesive materials made of polymeric protein-polysaccharides, active in aqueous environment also. Some EU research groups are working to identify the same materials and processes for producing ecologically -friendly glues, at industrial scale. To obtain this and other goals, innovative bio-polymers will be produced by the use of plant biomass and by-products from fishery waste. These biopolymers will be used for making eco-friendly non-woven tissues by the electrospinning technology to obtain advanced medications, and producing food-packaging films by the casting technology. The multi-functionality of the bio-polymers obtained, useful to produce innovative goods, will be of great importance to reduce pollution and save the environment, also because they have to substitute the use of petrol-based compounds.