Valorization of Protein Materials Through Mechanochemistry and Self-Assembly

The concept of combining mixing of solids by milling (a type of mechanochemistry) with aqueous self-assembly provides interesting possibilities for energy efficient production of advanced nanomaterials. Many proteins are outstanding building blocks for self-assembly, a prominent example being the conversion of proteins into protein nanofibrils (PNFs) - a structure related to amyloid fibrils. PNFs have attractive mechanical properties and have a tendency to form ordered materials. They are accordingly of interest as materials for bioplastics and potentially also for more high-tech applications. In this concept article we highlight our effort on valorization of such proteins with hydrophobic organic compounds such an organic dyes and drug molecules, by developing scalable methodology combining mechanochemistry and self-assembly. Compared to more established methodology, mechanochemical methodology is a valuable complement as it allows potential scalable production of hybrids between e. g. proteins and highly hydrophobic compounds - a class of hybrid material that is difficult to access by other means. This may allow for development of sustainable processes for fabrication of advanced protein-based materials derivable from renewable source materials.