Interfibers: functional sustainable filaments obtained by interfacial complexation of natural sourced nanoblocks and microbial cellulose

• Grant number: 23/03039-7
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants
• Start date: June 01, 2025
• End date: May 31, 2030
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Rafael Grande
• Grantee: Rafael Grande
• Host Institution: Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos (EESC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 25/08717-9 - SUSTAINABLE FUNCTIONAL FILAMENTS OBTAINED BY INTERFACIAL COMPLEXATION OF NANOBLOCKS FROM NATURAL SOURCES AND BACTERIAL CELLULOSE, BP.JP

Abstract

The production of regenerated cellulose filaments and fibers has been a constant technological interest due to the possibility of creating textiles from any cellulose source. The historical Rayon® process evolved into Liocel® and others, being efficient but expensive and polluting, leading to its decline. Recently, we described a pioneering interfacial complexation process to produce cellulose filaments from nanocellulose, later expanded to nanochitin.The present project, named "INTERFIBRAS," proposes not only the continuation of studies with the interfacial complexation system but also an innovative advancement in the direct spinning process of nanocelluloses and nanochitins, with the immobilization of cellulose-synthesizing bacteria along the filaments. These filaments, with bacteria aligned on their surface, can be incubated so that the immobilized bacteria reinforce the filament through oriented cellulose biosynthesis. Thus, the filaments would serve as guides for the production of high-performance filaments, capable of providing high mechanical performance and with great potential to further reduce environmental impact.The INTERFIBRAS project aims to consolidate a national research group focused on cellulose spinning, a strategic line with strong international insertion. (AU)