RRC ID 89211
Author Roumeli E, Hendrickx R, Bonanomi L, Vashisth A, Rinaldi K, Daraio C.
Title Biological matrix composites from cultured plant cells.
Journal Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A
Abstract We present an approach to fabricate biological matrix composites made entirely from cultured plant cells. We utilize the cell’s innate ability to synthesize nanofibrillar cell walls, which serve as the composite’s fundamental building blocks. Following a controlled compression/dehydration process, the cells arrange into lamellar structures with hierarchical features. We demonstrate that the native cell wall nanofibrils tether adjacent cells together through fibrillar interlocking and intermolecular hydrogen bonding. These interactions facilitate intercellular adhesion and eliminate the need for other binders. Our fabrication process utilizes the entire plant cell, grown in an in vitro culture; requires no harsh chemical treatments or waste-generating extraction or selection processes; and leads to bulk biocomposites that can be produced in situ and biodegrade in soil. The final mechanical properties are comparable to commodity plastics and can be further modulated by introducing filler particles.
Volume 119(15)
Pages e2119523119
Published 2022-4-12
DOI 10.1073/pnas.2119523119
PMID 35377816
PMC PMC9169740
MeSH Biodegradable Plastics* / chemical synthesis Biodegradable Plastics* / chemistry Cell Culture Techniques Cells, Cultured Plant Cells*
Resource
Arabidopsis / Cultured plant cells, genes rpc00001