BPI Seminar by Dr. Mohammad Peydayesh
August 7, 2024, 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Protein Nanofibrils for Advanced Materials Design
Location: CHBE #202, 2360 East Mall Vancouver BC V6T 1Z4
Agenda
- 12:00pm Intro by Prof. Orlando Rojas
- 12:05pm Presentation by Dr. Mohammad Peydayesh, ETH Zurich
- 12:45pm Q&A
Abstract
Addressing today’s global challenges requires holistic, multidisciplinary approaches that involve sustainable materials and technologies. In this context, one key strategy is transitioning from synthetic, petroleum-based materials to renewable and “green” materials derived from bio-wastes and sidestreams. Protein nanofibrils represent a novel class of materials with unique surface functionalities and an ultra-high surface-to-volume ratio, making them ideal for advanced material design. Interestingly, these nanobuilding blocks can be obtained by self-assembling proteins valorized from agricultural and food waste.
This presentation will explore recent advancements in using protein nanofibrils materials to develop innovative films, hydrogels, and aerogels. These materials have the potential to address global issues such as water purification and the production of bioplastics. Additionally, we will discuss the environmental impact of using protein nanofibril materials through life cycle assessment, benchmarking them against other commonly used materials.
About the Speaker
Mohammad Peydayesh is a senior scientist and lecturer in the Department of Health Science and Technology at ETH Zurich. His multidisciplinary research spans from chemical and materials engineering to environmental science and sustainability. His work focuses on soft matter, self-assembly phenomena, protein nanofibrils, advanced sustainable materials, waste valorization, water purification, and sustainability evaluation.
Dr. Peydayesh earned his PhD in Chemical Engineering from the Iran University of Science and Technology in 2018, graduating with honors. His doctoral research centered on developing composite materials and membranes for water purification and CO2 capture. Following his PhD, he joined ETH Zurich as a postdoctoral fellow working on protein nanofibril materials. In 2021, he became a senior researcher at the Food and Soft Material Laboratory, focusing on valorizing agri-food waste to develop sustainable materials and technologies. In recognition of his contributions, he was elected as a member of the Swiss Young Academy in 2024.