Page 11 - tech fest 2025 אשדוד חוברת תקצירים

Engineering Tough Protein Bioadhesives: Combining Lamin Nanofilaments with Mussel- Inspired DOPA Chemistry
ChE-A-05
Ravid Bublil; ravidbublil@gmail.com
Advisor: Dr. Kfir Ben-Harush
SCE - Shamoon College of Engineering, Ashdod
Bioadhesives provide a sustainable alternative to synthetic glues but often suffer from poor toughness and low cohesive strength. To overcome these limitations, recombinant lamin proteins (structural proteins that naturally assemble into tough nanofilaments) were explored for their potential use as a new building blocks for protein-based adhesives. Lamin’s unique mechanical properties provide a strong cohesive network, essential for durable bioadhesives. To further enhance adhesion to surfaces, we drew inspiration from mussel foot proteins, known for their DOPA-rich chemistry that enables strong binding, even in wet environments. By using tyrosinase enzymes, tyrosine residues in lamin proteins were selectively converted into DOPA groups. Adhesion tests demonstrated improved bonding with increasing DOPA content. Future work should focus on composite formulations with polydopamine and chitosan, for the optimization of cohesion and adhesion.
Keywords: adhesion, bioadhesive, DOPA, lamins, tyrosinase
Lamin Nanofilaments as a Bioinspired Toughening Agent for Glass and Carbon Fiber Composites
ChE-A-06
Eden Benjo; eden120899@gmail.com
Advisor: Dr. Kfir Ben-Harush
SCE - Shamoon College of Engineering, Ashdod
This project explores the potential of lamin nanofilament solutions as bioinspired toughening agents in fiber-reinforced polymer composites. Lamin proteins, known for their ability to self-assemble into robust nanostructures, may enhance the mechanical properties of composite materials. This study investigated the effects of two distinct lamin nanofilament preparations on the tensile toughness of composites reinforced with glass and carbon fibers. By varying the retention times of synthetic fibers in lamin solutions, we were able to assess the influence of protein infiltration on interfacial bonding and energy dissipation mechanisms. Mechanical testing, including tensile toughness evaluations, shouldl be conducted to quantify improvements. This study established a foundation for the development of sustainable, protein-based toughening strategies in advanced composite materials.
Keywords: bioinspired toughening, fiber-reinforced composites, interfacial adhesion, lamin nanofilaments, mechanical enhancement
Book of Abstracts | 2025
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