Rational Molecular Design and Interfacial Assembly of Functional Biopolymers and Sustainable Materials

Functional materials capable of solving real-world problems—ranging from edible nanostructures and regenerative biomaterials to more environmentally friendly separation and capture media—are continually being developed through a common theoretical framework: rational molecular design, controlled interfacial assembly, and a quantitative understanding of structure-property relationships. Recent advances in protein-based nanostructures, biomimetic hydrogels, and sustainable catalytic or adsorbent materials demonstrate the powerful role of interdisciplinary strategies that integrate chemistry, materials science, and engineering.This research issue aims to integrate these overlapping yet fragmented disciplines and foster communication among researchers in the fields of biopolymer chemistry, functional materials, and sustainable process engineering. The goal is to explore unified design principles encompassing molecular structure, supramolecular architecture, interfacial phenomena, and system performance. Contributions that help address key scientific questions are encouraged, such as: How do intermolecular interactions determine the functionality of macroscopic materials? Can machine learning accelerate the discovery of functional biopolymers or green solvents? What are the design rules across structural scales—from molecules to interfaces to functional devices?To advance this interdisciplinary field, this theme welcomes original research, short reports, and comprehensive reviews focusing on (but not limited to) the following topics:o Molecular and supramolecular design of proteins, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), and covalent organic frameworks (COFs).o Ordered assembly and interface engineering of proteins, including liquid-crystalline biopolymers, two-dimensional biomembranes, Pickering emulsions, and protein-based hydrogels for cultured meat.o Molecular design and interface assembly of porous functional materials for nutrient delivery.o Structure-function characterization using spectroscopy, scattering, microscopy, and simulation techniques to bridge performance at the nanoscale and macroscale. Topic editors: Xiaokang Na, Chao Wu, Wuchao Ma, Qiyue Zhao Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/81332/rational-molecular-design-and-interfacial-assembly-of-functional-biopolymers-and-sustainable-materials