(405b) Self-Assembly of Bioresource Molecules for Multiple-Function Materials

Bioresource materials such as cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, are usually low-cost, biocompatible, and abundant in nature. The synthesis of functional materials from these bioresource materials can address long-term environmental challenges such as resource and energy depletion, plastic pollution, and climate change. However, introducing chemical functionalization and self-assembling methodologies to renewable resource materials for functional materials is very challenging due to their macromolecular structures, heterogeneous properties, poor solubility, and the disturbance of impurities. In this talk, we will summarize how we explore self-assembly methodologies to produce new nanostructures and endure new functions for renewable resource materials. Several examples will be discussed. For example, glycerol, a biowaste from the biodiesel process, has been assembled into a nano-core-shell structure for a smart food packaging film sensor for universal real-time food spoilage monitoring. Lignin, a biorefinery waste, can be assembled as a biowaste-derived, nanohybrid-reinforced double-function slow-release fertilizer with a metal adsorption function. Ultimately, we would like to use these self-assembly nanostructures from renewable resources to achieve a high-efficiency circular bioeconomy.