SMARC trainee Melika Tajipour, from Mark Mba-Wright’s Laboratory at Iowa State University presented research on the techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment of synthetic spider silk production from E. coli at AIChE conference in San Diego, CA.
In a world overrun by petroleum-based plastics, scientists are searching for alternatives that are more sustainable, more biodegradable and far less toxic to the environment.
SMARC faculty members, Marcus Foston, Arpita Bose, Dino Christenson, Mary Ruppert-Stroescu and Fuzhong Zhang have received awards from the Fall 2024 Here and Next Seed Grant Program,
Zhang’s lab explores ATP’s role in biomanufacturing
At Washington University, SMARC focuses on nature-inspired solutions that might reduce plastic.
In April, $3.6 million, interdisciplinary center to develop nature-inspired alternatives to plastics for widespread application launched at Washington University in St Louis.
McKelvey engineers tackle one of the biggest environmental issues of our time
Sinan Keten, Jerome B. Cohen Professor of Engineering, Northwestern University, received the 2024 ASME Gustus L. Larson Memorial Award for outstanding achievement in mechanical engineering.
Foston takes detailed look at lignin disassembly on path to replace petroleum with renewables
Brewing is an old science, but offers glimpse into plastic-free future
In January 2024, Washington University in St. Louis announced the launch of a new facility that may change how everyday products are made (Ladue News).
Marcus Foston, Fuzhong Zhang lead the center to focus on nature-inspired alternatives to plastics
Researchers working with Fuzhong Zhang have genetically engineered a protein-based bio-adhesive with programmable material properties
Researchers led by Fuzhong Zhang developed a synthetic biology tool to comprehensively reveal gene regulatory networks in E. coli
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis are producing nature-inspired materials that can replace petroleum-based products and decrease plastic waste.
Plastics have been somewhat of a double edge sword. While plastic products benefit society, it is also harmful to the environment since it is not biodegradable. A team at Washington University in St. Louis is looking to tackle the plastic waste problem.
Marcus Foston will lead a convergent team including faculty from WashU and other institutions
Scientists aim to mimic a mussel’s ability to stick to surfaces to bioengineer novel materials
On episode three of Bonding Over Science, host Dawn Stringer talks to EMSL user Marcus Foston, who is using synthetic biology to create an underwater hydrogel that mimics the strength of mussel foot proteins. Listen to Foston explain how this hydrogel’s powerful adhesive could replace surgical sutures and fix cracked boats.
Fuzhong Zhang developed a method to create synthetic spider silk at high yields while retaining strength and toughness using mussel foot proteins
Marcus Foston and Ulugbek Kamilov won a DOE grant to upcycle plastic waste
Marcus Foston is helping Fuzhong Zhang understand how novel synthetic biological materials based on mussel feet can be designed for applications that require underwater adhesives
In Red Bucket’s discussion with Dr. Foston, they will discuss the future of the coatings industry. They will examine the various renewable raw materials that could impact their industry. All of that and more on The Red Bucket.
The grant will allow Zhang’s team to understand genetic changes associated with particular material traits
Marcus Foston, associate professor and new director of diversity initiatives for the McKelvey School of Engineering, shares what he plans to achieve in this new role
