Scientists make breakthrough with surprising new potato-based material: ‘It’s… revolutionary’

An international research team has created a plant-based, oil-free substance from potato proteins that it says could be a game-changer for low-calorie foods and sustainability.

How to understand nutrition reportedthe team set out to develop an environmentally friendly “super lubricant” that could replace lubricants derived from synthetic materials, which tend to be more polluting. Potato proteins were an obvious choice as a base material because they are widespread in nature and can be easily converted into hydrogel is a water-based substance commonly used for medicinal and food purposes.

According to a study published in Communication materialsplant protein can achieve “ultra-low friction,” meaning it can move smoothly across a variety of surfaces. It is ideal for biomedical applications such as tissue engineering or artificial joints because the material mimics synovial fluid, which lubricates joints throughout the body.

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“This is a revolutionary materials science paradigm for biomedical applications and a key milestone towards the development of highly sustainable, plant-derived aqueous lubricants,” Anwesha Sarkar, Professor at the School of Food Science and Nutrition at the University of Leeds and lead author of the study. , said Understanding nutrition.

“What we have created could well be the next generation of engineered biomedical materials for applications such as artificial synovial fluid, tears and saliva. It can also be used for low-calorie foods, where you can get low-fat foods without sacrificing the fatty feel. analogues with higher fat content,” Olivia Pabua, a research fellow at the university and first author of the study, added.

Because potato proteins are readily available and are a by-product of starch production, they are more environmentally friendly than synthetic hydrogels typically made from oil industry by-productssuch as polyethylene glycol. The plant-based hydrogel could revolutionize food and biomedicine with major health benefits, the researchers explained.

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In the future, scientists plan to explore other vegetable protein systems in hopes of finding other building blocks for green lubricants, according to studying.

The humble potato is used in other unlikely ways, such as in the production of all-natural fabrics and alternatives to plastic packaging. If these products go mainstream, they could change the fashion and shipping industries.

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