Highly Functional Protein Nanofiber Coatings: Toward a Bio-Based and Circular Textile Industry
This project develops highly functional nanofiber coatings from keratin waste and engineered protein nanofibrils to create breathable, water-repellent membranes and functional yarn coatings. By combining biological protein engineering with the electrospinning technology, this research demonstrates how sustainable materials can match advanced textiles. The outcome is a versatile coating platform that supports the transition to a circular and bio-based textile industry.
The textile industry is one of the largest contributors to environmental pollution, relying heavily on fossil-based materials, toxic solvents, and forever chemicals while generating significant microplastic waste throughout its lifecycle. Transitioning to a circular and sustainable model is essential to mitigate these impacts and reduce dependence on non-renewable resources. However, current bio-based textiles often lack the necessary modifiability for advanced applications, requiring harmful coatings and finishes to enhance their functionality. This research develops a versatile, fully bio-based coating portfolio to overcome these limitations.
By leveraging the engineerability of Endospore Appendages (ENAs)—biological nanofibrils developed in Flanders—we will design high-performance coatings. ENA nanofibrils will be combined with keratin from waste streams to enable scalable coating production via solvent electrospinning, a technique that provides membranes with tunable porosity and flexibility. To validate potential of the coatings, two key innovations will be explored: (1) a bio-based, water-repellent and breathable membrane as a sustainable alternative to fluorocarbon-based membranes such as Gore-Tex™ and (2) a proof-of-concept for direct yarn coating to enhance moisture management. This work contributes to a circular bio-based textile industry, strengthening Flanders’ role in sustainable innovation.
Acknowledgments
FWO – Strategic basic research project 1S87726N
Contact
Prof. dr. ir. Karen De Clerck (Karen.DeClerck@UGent.be)