Tough protein organohydrogels

J Mater Chem B. 2018 Dec 7;6(45):7366-7372. doi: 10.1039/c8tb02236d. Epub 2018 Oct 16.

Abstract

Tough protein organohydrogels were fabricated by applying a solvent displacement-induced toughening (SDIT) strategy. With SDIT, traditionally weak and brittle protein hydrogels were altered to protein organohydrogels with remarkably high performance in anti-freezing, non-drying, topological healing, thermal plasticizing, mechanical toughness and stretchability. The SDIT opens a reliable and straightforward path to develop novel biomimetic materials and artificial devices from abandunt protein-based sources.