The study of protein-polysaccharide interactions as part of a biocomposite material is an area of research that carries implications in various fields of interest, such as the medical, environmental, and materials science. These blended polymer systems are extremely versatile as shown from a variety of biocomposites used by nature. However, to facilitate the deployment of such blended materials in modern technology, the development of new methodologies is required to tune their properties to suit specific technological demands. For example, protein-polysaccharide composites are currently being researched in the area of tissue scaffold engineering; however, the morphological bases of successful outcomes are not readily explained. Cellulose, which is the most abundant biopolymer worldwide, can add structural support to a protein, such as silk, enhancing the versatility of these materials for applicational uses. In this study, we found that hydrogen peroxide as a coagulation agent, compared to both water and ethanol, can crystallize the molecular structure of cellulose-silk biomaterials regenerated from ionic liquids; this effect creates a means for fine-tuning protein-polysaccharide composites at the molecular level. Our study also demonstrates that the hydrogen peroxide concentration affects the thermal and topographical properties of the composites as well as the formation of secondary structures of the silk proteins in the blended film. These physicochemical effects can be further tuned by varying the type of anion in the ionic liquid solvent. Our results suggest that the selection of a suitable coagulation agent, such as a solution of hydrogen peroxide, is a critical step in controlling the polysaccharide crystallinity of regenerated biocomposite materials.

Facile treatment to fine-tune cellulose crystals in cellulose-silk biocomposites through the use of hydrogen peroxide

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

[Author Benefits](https://scimeetings.acs.org/?utm_source=pubs_content_marketing&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=0320_MCF_NPI_Launch_Spring_Homepage&ref=pubs_content_marketing)

[How to use SciMeetings](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMeetings-ACSSpring2020-HowToGuide_M3020-Final.pdf)

[Frequently Asked Questions](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMtng_ACSNMSp2020_FAQ_M3120_Final.pdf)

ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.