Introduction to Lipid- and Protein-based Functional Materials

Abstract

This chapter describes the multifaceted applications of lipid- and protein-based functional materials. The first part of the chapter describes the application of lipids. Lipids, which encompass oils and fats, emerge as a promising raw material for chemicals and polymers and have applications in the food industry owing to their renewable and abundant nature. This part further extends to lipid-based plasticizers and biocomposites and their use in nanomedicines. The second part of the chapter shifts its focus to proteins, highlighting their remarkable versatility through diverse applications, such as bioplastics, adhesives, wound dressings, and drug delivery systems. The environmentally conscious attributes of protein-based materials are emphasized, concluding with their potential for new innovations in these dynamic and cutting-edge fields.