Researchers from the Institute of Process Technology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed several
The new glass is of biological origin andmade from biologically derived amino acids or peptides (molecules of several amino acid residues). The development of such environmentally friendly bio-derived glass has been a very difficult task because biomolecules have poor thermal stability and are easily decomposed at the high temperatures commonly used in glass production.
To solve this problem, researchersused chemically modified amino acids and temperature-resistant peptides. Such molecules are suitable for making glass using the classic “heat-quenching” procedure.
An illustration of the production and properties of biomolecular glass. Image: Ruirui Xing et al., Science Advances
Biomolecular glass based on derivativesamino acids or peptides demonstrates a unique combination of functional properties and environmental friendliness, the developers note. The optical characteristics and mechanical properties of the new material are not inferior to classical glass. In this case, the biomaterial can decompose and be recycled in nature.
Traditional glass types are extremelycommon, but biologically incompatible and poorly decomposed in nature. As a result, discarded glass debris can remain intact for decades. The researchers believe that biomolecular glasses may become a sustainable alternative in the future, but it will take time to bring the technology to mass production.
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