Advanced Bio-based Materials

Head of the Center: Dr. Kfir Ben Harush

 

The Research Center for Advanced Bio-based Materials is dedicated to a visionary pursuit: to revolutionize the materials industry by spearheading the development of cutting-edge, sustainable proteins that not only outperform traditional materials but also have a significantly reduced environmental footprint. Through relentless innovation, we aim to redefine the possibilities of composite materials, enhancing their strength, durability, and versatility. Our unwavering commitment extends to minimizing greenhouse gas emissions at every stage of production and utilization, ensuring a future where materials contribute to a thriving, ecologically balanced world. 

 

The increasing demand for eco-friendly materials has gained worldwide recognition from various industries and organizations. This trend is mainly due to the growing need for materials that offer high performance while reducing greenhouse gas emissions throughout their life cycle. Natural materials prove to be a promising alternative to address these concerns due to their unique properties. 

 Our research center is dedicated to developing composite materials using intermediate filament proteins. These proteins naturally protect biological cells in various tissues from mechanical stresses, preserving cellular integrity during movement and activity. They possess exceptional mechanical properties, combining both strength and elasticity. However, they have yet to be extensively explored as potential building blocks for material production. By using synthetic biology approaches, we create fibers, films, hydrogels, and particles made entirely of these proteins. These materials hold immense promise for use in a range of industries, including composites, textiles, and biomaterials. 

Contact Information:

Dr. Kfir Ben Harush
Tel: 972-8-8519024
Email: kfirb@sce.ac.il