Biological matrix composites from cultured plant cells

We present an approach to fabricate biological matrix composites made entirely from cultured plant cells. We utilize the cell???s innate ability to synthesize nanofibrillar cell walls, which serve as the composite???s fundamental building blocks. Following a controlled compression/dehydration process, the cells arrange into lamellar structures with hierarchical features. We demonstrate that the native cell wall nanofibrils tether adjacent cells together through fibrillar interlocking and intermolecular hydrogen bonding. These interactions facilitate intercellular adhesion and eliminate the need for other binders. Our fabrication process utilizes the entire plant cell, grown in an in vitro culture; requires no harsh chemical treatments or waste-generating extraction or selection processes; and leads to bulk biocomposites that can be produced in situ and biodegrade in soil. The final mechanical properties are comparable to commodity plastics and can be further modulated by introducing filler particles.

Automated summary

We propose an approach to fabricate biological matrix composites using cultured plant cells, which have the ability to synthesize nanofibrillar cell walls. The cell walls tether adjacent cells together, eliminating the need for other binders. This method does not require harsh chemical treatments or produce waste, and the resulting biocomposites can degrade in soil with modifiable mechanical properties.