Polymers, plastics and composite materials from agricultural proteins
Method for using animal by-products to prepare a protein based cross-linked polymer. Process conditions sufficient to destroy pathogens Polymer can be used as adhesive, to prepare natural fiber composite material or further processed or blended to form thermoset plastics. Plastics can be biodegradable.
Highlights
- Method for using animal by-products to prepare a protein based cross-linked polymer.
- Process conditions sufficient to destroy pathogens
- Polymer can be used as adhesive, to prepare natural fiber composite material or further processed or blended to form thermoset plastics.
- Plastics can be biodegradable.
Opportunity
With a global aim to sustainability, using agricultural waste material as sources for otherwise newly manufactured material is at the forefront of emerging technologies. When transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) were linked to specific risk materials (SRM) from animal carcasses, necessary conditions were required to restructure the rendering process to safely handle SRMs. SRMs were banned from use in animal feed, pet food and fertilizers, which was a typical use prior to the emergence of TSEs related diseases (e.g. mad cow disease). This new method for using animal by-products to prepare a protein based cross-linked polymer uses a process that sufficient to destroy pathogens. The polymer can be used as an adhesive, or in preparation of a natural fiber composite material. The polymer can be further processed or blended to form thermoset plastics. The plastics can be biodegradable.
Competitive advantage
- Converting low value animal waste into useful resources for circular economy
- Minimizes waste to landfills and destructive contamination of agricultural land
- Flexibility of chemical modifications in process allows to target specificity of end products
Status
- Patent issued Canada - CA2872905A1
About University of Alberta
The University of Alberta is a large, comprehensive public research university in Edmonton with multiple campuses and a strong applied research culture. Industry engages through co-located labs and pilot-scale facilities, as well as established co-op and internship programs that place talent with partners year-round. Integration with Alberta’s province-wide hospital system supports clinical research and accelerates translation. Companies also benefit from proximity to regional industry clusters and collaboration hubs on and near campus for joint R&D and prototyping. Supported by NSERC, CIHR, SSHRC, and Canada Foundation for Innovation funding—plus provincial and industry support—the tech transfer office manages IP, licensing, and startup formation with streamlined sponsored-research agreements.
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