Functionalization of casein for preparing self-crosslinking protein-based materials

CENCHA, LUISA G.; ALLASIA, MARIANA; VAILLARD, VICTORIA A.; NIERES, PABLO D.; CORDOBA C.; GUGLIOTTA, LUIS M.; VAILLARD, SANTIAGO E.; MINARI, ROQUE J.

Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires

Congreso; WCCE11 - 11th World Congress of Chemical Engineering; 2023

Asociación Argentina de Ingenieros Químicos

To create eco-friendly polymeric products, incorporating bio-derived raw materials is crucial. This study proposes a method to improve the biodegradability and performance of protein-containing materials using self-chemical crosslinking of proteins. The approach involves incorporating bio-based ketone pendant groups into casein, which enhances its water resistance and mechanical properties. This was achieved by reacting casein with the N-hydroxysuccinimide ester of bio-based levulinic acid to create ketone groups in the protein backbone. The resulting modified casein was used to synthesize hybrid acrylic/protein latexes, providing a pathway for developing self-crosslinkable room-temperature protein-based materials.