EcoBioInks4SmartTextiles
Eco-sustainable and photo-changeable fluorescent bio-inks
The EcoBioInks4SmartTextiles project aims to develop eco-sustainable bio-based inks with photocontrollable and reversibly switchable fluorescent properties for use in the fabrication of innovative textiles with new smart/technical properties.
Taking advantage of the optical properties of reversibly switchable fluorescent proteins (RSFPs), it is intended that the produced bio-based inks provide the textiles where they are applied with their controllable fluorescent properties.
This project will use bio- and nanotechnologies in the development of these inks and will explore their incorporation in textiles through methodologies conventionally used in textile fabrication, as well as through advanced processes of textile functionalization.
Main goals
- The optimization of the eco-sustainable production and purification of RSFPs;
- Followed by its incorporation into biocompatible matrices to obtain inks compatible with textile processing;
- The manufacture of innovative textiles through the application of RSFPs inks via conventional and advanced processes of textile functionalization.
Project number: POCI-01-0145-FEDER-030298
Project type: Scientific Research and Technological Development Projects (IC&DT)
Intervention Region Funding: North of Portugal
Project Duration: July 2018 to July 2021
Eligible Cost: 236 211.75 €
Financial support from the European Union: 200 779.99 €
Results
The expected outputs of this project are the development of bio-based inks and textile prototypes with unique and easily controllable optical properties. These highly innovative materials will be relevant to the textile industry, among other creative industries, and will boost the growth of biotechnology and smart specialization in these sectors.
The promoters of the EcoBioInks4SmartTextiles project have achieved promising developments in the production and purification of RSFPs and their immobilization in biocompatible matrices. The characterization of the solutions obtained so far are ongoing, as well as the optimization of experimental conditions supporting the scale up of the production processes.
Related Items
Project video – see here