HiPProFib

In today’s textiles, man-made fibre materials primarily have a fossil-based origin, representing 62% of the total textile fibre industry. HiPProFib seeks to introduce a promising alternative and addition in the form of man-made protein fibre materials. The project is based on our discovery of a novel class of protein nanofibrils with exceptional chemical and tensile durability. Moreover, a broad range of functionalities can be introduced into the composingsubunits through protein engineering, without loss of the structural characteristics allowing to retain the functional properties. In this project, proof-of-principle is provided that processing of such protein nanofibrillar material leads to stable micrometre-scale filaments with a length of multiple meters. The first generation nanofiber silks will provide for remarkable mechanic properties, comparable to some (synthetic) textile fibres, easy production protocols, and the tunable nature of these protein-based filaments positions these nanofiber silks as ideal candidate for new bio-based textile fibres. Our firm believe of nanofiber silk materials to form a sustainable, circular alternative or addition to many of today’s man-made fibre materials is further strengthened by the broad enthusiasm of our industrial partners in our advisory board.