We discuss the most recent developments in the area of plant-based supramolecular structures, their deconstruction and engineering into new materials. Associated efforts benefit from the power of supramolecular chemistry combined with bottom-up synthesis using building blocks that include polysaccharides (cellulose, chitin and heteropolysaccharides), polyphenols (lignin, tannins), among others. We give some bioproduct examples that were developed by controlling colloidal interactions, chemical modification and self-assembly at interfaces (liquid/liquid, gas/liquid and solid/liquid) . Given the close relationship of natural constructs with water, we reflect on the sol-gel processing with liquid crystalline phase transitions, supramolecular and induced polymeric and colloidal gelation, especially if induced by metal-coordination. Looking into the routes available to process the building blocks for material development, we present consolidation phenomena in gel-to-solid processing, with special attention to extrusion, spinning, casting and regeneration. They are put forward as successful examples of multiscale architectures that exploit the synergies that are otherwise found in nature.

Plant-based supramolecular structures: Strategies for next generation biomolecular engineering

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

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