Abstract
An emerging group of hybrid materials is the so-called bio-nanocomposites, which are bio-hybrid nanostructured materials based on the combination of natural polymers (polysaccharides, proteins, enzymes, nucleic acids) and inorganic solids (clays, double layered hydroxides, phosphates, metal oxides, etc.). Bio-nanocomposites are interesting because, among other properties, the use of biopolymers provides biocompatibility, non-toxicity and biodegradability to the resulting nanohybrid materials. An example of this type of natural polymers is gelatin, a polypeptide derived from the structural protein collagen, that is able to form transparent, elastic and thermoreversible gels. This paper will review the role of inorganic solids, such as montmorillonite or perovskite, in combination with gelatin, on the characteristics and final properties of different type of bio-nanocomposites based on this protein. With these examples, we will show the influence of the solids on the gelatin gel-transition temperature, film formation ability and rheological, mechanical and dielectric properties.
Keywords: Bio-nanocomposites, Gelatin, Clays, Perovskites, Exfoliation, Intercalation compounds, Dielectric properties, Rheological properties
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Role of nanomaterials in fabrication of coatings, Machining and Joining
The application of nanoscience has brought about a revolution in the field of mechanical engineering by providing novel materials, boosting manufacturing processes, and generating cutting-edge products. The purpose of this special issue is to investigate the enormous impact that nanoscience has had on mechanical engineering, with a particular emphasis on ...read more
Advanced Inorganic Nanocomposites and Their Emerging Applications
This special issue collection will highlight developments on the recent trends about the synthesis of metal oxides, nanoclusters, biomaterials, 2D nanomaterials, nanocrystals, nanocomposites, etc. and their applications in electrochemical systems, tissue regeneration, energy storage and harvesting, sensors, etc. The novelty of the methods in the chemical synthesis and their characterizations, ...read more
Applicability of Nanotechnology for Performance Enhancement of Clean Energy Technologies
Population growth, industrialization, and improvement in living quality would lead to further increase in energy demand in near future. Regarding the disadvantages of fossil fuels such as fluctuations in their price, high emissions of greenhouse gases and restriction of their sources, it is crucial to use and exploit alternative energy ...read more
Graphene and 2D Materials for Energy Storage and Conversion
This thematic issue will discuss the recent advances in graphene-based nanomaterials for different energy technologies. Graphene possesses a high surface area, and stable structure and exhibits many interesting electronic, optical, and mechanical properties due to its 2D crystal structure. Graphene is of both fundamental interest and suitable for a wide ...read more
Related Books
Nanoscale Field Effect Transistors: Emerging Applications
Nanoelectronics Devices: Design, Materials, and Applications Part II
Nanoelectronics Devices: Design, Materials, and Applications (Part I)
Role of Nanotechnology in Cancer Therapy
Synthesis and Applications of Semiconductor Nanostructures
Pathways to Green Nanomaterials: Plants as Raw Materials, Reducing Agents and Hosts
Applications of Nanomaterials in Medical Procedures and Treatments
Synthesis of Nanomaterials
Nanobiotechnology: Principles and Applications
Bio-Inspired Nanotechnology
4