Tune in to the Nano Webinar: Protein Amyloid Fibers & Interactions with Nanocellulose

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TAPPI NanoDivision is once again organizing an informative webinar. In this seminar, protein amyloid fibers will be introduced, and discussed in the context of biological pathology, functionality, and practical application, with an emphasis on understanding key structure-property relationships in the design of functional materials. In particular, the use of common food-based proteins such as lysozyme and bovine serum albumin for the preparation of synthetic amyloid fibers are highlighted. Furthermore, the interactions between amyloid fibers and nanocellulose are discussed, as relating to the preparation of composite materials such as films, bioadhesives, and aerogels for various applications. Taken together, the design and engineering of natural materials such as protein amyloid fibers represents a significant milestone towards addressing key sustainable development goals in our modern society.

Kevin De France, Assistant Professor in Chemical Engineering at Queen’s University (Canada), will host the Nano Webinar: Protein Amyloid Fibers & Interactions with Nanocellulose held Wednesday, February 23rd 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM (EDT) to discuss the development of high-performance sustainable bio-based materials.

Main Discussion Points:

1. Discuss protein amyloid fibers, including preparation, biological relevance, and potential applications
2. Relate material interactions of proteins and cellulose to a desired use/function

Webinar attendance is free and open to everyone, but registration is required. Reserve your space today!

Meet Presenter: Kevin De France        

Kevin De France is an incoming Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Queen’s University in Canada, where his lab will focus on the development of sustainable materials from natural building-blocks based on cellulose and protein. Kevin attended McMaster University, receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering and Biosciences in 2014, and his Ph.D. (also from McMaster) in Chemical Engineering in 2019. His thesis focused on the design of structured cellulose nanocrystal composite hydrogels for biomedical applications, under the co-supervision of Dr. Emily Cranston and Dr. Todd Hoare. Kevin then joined the Cellulose & Wood Materials Lab at Empa – Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, where he currently works as an NSERC Postdoctoral Fellow under Dr. Gustav Nyström. Kevin has been highly involved in the TAPPI Nano community, attending conferences in Grenoble, Montreal, and Madison, and was a co-founder of the TAPPI Nano Student Committee. Kevin received the TAPPI NanoDivision Student Award in 2019.

Register today for the Nano Webinar: Protein Amyloid Fibers & Interactions with Nanocellulose held Wednesday, February 23rd 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM (EDT).

Webinar attendance is free and open to everyone, but registration is required.
Reserve your space today!