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2022
Soy Protein-based Soft Gels for Sensors & Soft Robotics
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Contributor/Checkoff:
North Dakota Soybean Council
Category:
Sustainable Production
Keywords:
Parent Project:
This is the first year of this project.
Lead Principal Investigator:
Long Jiang, North Dakota State University
Co-Principal Investigators:
Project Code:
QSSB
Contributing Organization (Checkoff):
North Dakota Soybean Council
$37,336
Institution Funded:
North Dakota State University
$37,336
Brief Project Summary:
In this project we plan to develop a soy protein-based, freeze-tolerant, conductive, strong, highly stretchable hydrogel for mechanical sensor applications. This gel is based on our patented soy protein resin platform (US patent 17/247,246) developed with the support of ND Soybean Council. Hydrogels have been widely used in pharmaceutical and biomedical applications in the past decades. Most recently, hydrogels that offer high strength, outstanding conductivity, and high stretchability have been intensively studied for potential uses in soft electronics including mechanical sensors, health monitoring devices, wearable devices, and soft robotics. In this project, a double-network structure...
Information And Results
Project Summary

In this project we plan to develop a soy protein-based, freeze-tolerant, conductive, strong, highly stretchable hydrogel for mechanical sensor applications. This gel is based on our patented soy protein resin platform (US patent 17/247,246) developed with the support of ND Soybean Council. Hydrogels have been widely used in pharmaceutical and biomedical applications in the past decades. Most recently, hydrogels that offer high strength, outstanding conductivity, and high stretchability have been intensively studied for potential uses in soft electronics including mechanical sensors, health monitoring devices, wearable devices, and soft robotics. In this project, a double-network structure will be created in the soy based-hydrogels to impart the material strength and stretchability. Chemically modified cellulose nanocrystals will be added for improved mechanical properties and conductivity. A glycerol/H2O binary solvent system will be used to provide anti-freezing property. The formulation and processing method of the gel will be meticulously adjusted and optimized for the application. Proof of concept prototypes including flexible circuit and deformation sensor will be produced and demonstrated.

Project Objectives

To develop a novel soy protein-based hydrogel that is suitable for soft/flexible electronics use. The ultimate goal of this project is to expand the use of the patented soy protein resin and further increase soy’s market potential.

Project Deliverables

• Soy protein-based hydrogels that have the desirable mechanical and electrical properties
• Understanding of the mechanical and electrical behavior of the gel under different deformation and temperature conditions
• Fabrication and user guidelines of the hydrogel

Progress Of Work

Updated December 1, 2021:
We have successfully prepared MSPI/PVA/TCNC DN ionic conductive organo-hydrogels with high mechanical properties and good conductivity. We will proceed to study the gel’s anti-freeze property and drying behavior. We will use optimized gels to demonstrate their applications in flexible electronics.

Final Project Results

Benefit To Soybean Farmers

A potential high-volume new use of soy protein that can increase soybean value and farmers’ income

The United Soybean Research Retention policy will display final reports with the project once completed but working files will be purged after three years. And financial information after seven years. All pertinent information is in the final report or if you want more information, please contact the project lead at your state soybean organization or principal investigator listed on the project.