Chitosan Bioplastic (Shrilk)

A fully degradable bioplastic can be created by isolating chitosan from shrimp shells and forming a laminate with silk fibroin protein in a structure that mimics the microarchitecture of natural insect cuticle. It is an alternative to plastic, similar in strength and toughness to an aluminium alloy but half the weight, and can be made into complex shapes with varying stiffness.

Uses

• As a new material no widespread uses are yet known

Potential Uses

• Alternative to plastic in bags, packaging, and disposable nappies
• Suture for wounds that bear high loads, such as in hernia repair
• Scaffold for tissue regeneration

Processes

• Wide variations in stiffness, from elastic to rigid, can be achieved by controlling water content in the fabrication process.

More Information

• Wyss Institute (Harvard) Article
• Harvard publicity article