Efficient delivery of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) into plants remains a critical challenge for sustainable agriculture and gene-silencing technologies. In this study, we uncovered the pivotal role of root hairs as biological gateways for the uptake of dsRNA-laden nanoparticles, demonstrating that nanoparticle internalization into root cells is strongly mediated by hair density and structure.

Using advanced microscopy and physiological manipulation, we showed that enhancing root hair development significantly increases nanoparticle entry and systemic distribution, while suppression of hair growth prevents uptake. This mechanistic insight opens new pathways for improving RNA-based crop protection and precision delivery systems in plant biotechnology.

Students: Ido Simon, Itamar Ziv
Collaborators: Aviram Avital, Avi Schroeder

Chiral nanocellulose self-assembles into photonic structures that interact strongly with light. We explore chiral CNC architectures for controlling optical emission and charge separation in optoelectronic devices.

These materials provide a sustainable platform for photonic devices, light-emitting systems, and quantum optoelectronics.

Students: Gur Aminadav, Shylee Belsey, Daniel Voignac
Collaborators: Prof. Yossi Paltiel

Flexible electronics demand materials that combine conductivity, flexibility, and sustainability. We developed composite films combining conductive MXene nanosheets with cellulose nanocrystal matrices, resulting in biodegradable electronic materials with excellent mechanical and electrical performance.

These materials enable sustainable sensors, flexible circuits, and transient electronics.

Students: Daniel Voignac
Collaborators: Prof. Yossi Paltiel, Prof. Maxim Sokol, Dr. Barak Radtzker, Bar Favelukis

Advanced bioprinting and cosmetic applications require inks that mimic the mechanical and biochemical properties of skin. We developed keratin-based ink formulations optimized for inkjet printing by tailoring rheological and surface properties.

These bio-inks enable precise patterning of skin-like structures and have applications in tissue engineering, cosmetics, and biomedical devices.

Students: Chen Nowogrodski, Yaniv Damatov
Collaborators: Prof. Shlomo Magdassi

Hydrogels are promising materials for biomedical scaffolds, but their mechanical weakness limits clinical translation. We developed nanocellulose-reinforced polymer hydrogels with enhanced toughness, resilience, and tunable mechanical properties.

These hydrogels provide a platform for tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and soft biomedical devices.

Students: Amir Rudich

We are developing innovative new bio-nanomaterials and structural proteins, for both medical-textile and tissue engineering applications. Few examples are: fibers produced from recombinant human collagen, recombinant resilin, nano cellulose and spider silk composite fibers.

Collaborators: Prof David Kaplan (Tuft University), CollPlant Ltd.

Figure: (upper) Image of rhCollagen fibers manufactured using the wet-spinning technique developed in our lab; (buttom) Stress-Strain curves of 0 and 5% Resilin in Collagen fibers

This project aims to produce customized plant based food, which integrates cooking capabilities along with the printing process. In this technology we combine a cellulose derivative with all the fundamental building blocks of food: proteins, fat, carbohydrates, as well as color and flavor. The desired mixture is extruded layer-by-layer using a 3D printer, while simultaneously being heated in a selective manner. With this process we are able to bake/fry/grill our printed sample, all at high resolution in the XY and Z. This will enable us to create new food textures in a more healthier and sustainable way.

Collaborators: Prof. Ido Braslevski, Savor Eat Ltd.

Figure: An early prototype of a 3D printed burger (all other ingredients are not 3D printed. Yet...)

Plant derived therapeutic proteins is a vigorously growing field. As new generation bioreactors, plants bring several advantages versus traditional expression systems: cost effectiveness, enormous scale up and down abilities and being mammalian pathogens free, bioreactors.

While it was successfully demonstrated that plants could produce adequate quantities of functional human proteins, the isolation and purification of recombinant proteins from plant tissue was largely neglected. Therefore, downstream processing of plant tissue in relation to therapeutic proteins production, as well as posttranslational modifications which differ between plants and animals, the immunogenicity of therapeutic glycoproteins produced in plants, remains open for scientific discovery and innovation.

Collaborators: BioBetter

Figure: Production of therapeutic proteins in plants process illustration

Bio-based multi-functional coatings based on Cellulose Nano Crystals (CNCs) combined with various nanoparticles to create stable, physically-robust, optically-transparent coatings. Some examples of the physio-chemical and thermal properties these coating possess are: photocatalytic capabilities, super hydrophilicity, heat resistant and heat storing capabilities, etc.

Collaborators: Prof. Yossi Paltiel and Prof. Jaacov Katan (Hebrew University), Mellodea Ltd.

 

Figure - SEM images of Polyethylene coated with 1µm CNC and 0.5mg/ml Nanoparticles: (upper) upper view; (buttom) cross-section

The integration of nanoparticles (NPs) with biomaterials such as proteins can yield novel hybrid nano-biomaterials with synergetic properties and functions. 

Stable protein 1 (SP1) is a ring-like protein with an outer diameter of 11 nm and an inner pore of 3 nm. Using genetic engineering, SP1 "tailored" mutants, grafted with a variety of features, can be linked to various surfaces and materials. This research studies the fabrication and characterization of SP1-NP hybrids for biological applications.

Figure: SEM images of silver NPs deposition (0.4V for 5s) on a SP1/MPTMS modified gold electrode

The use of implantable electrodes in electrically excitable tissue in order to restore function, has gained substantial clinical interest during the past two decades. Implantable electrodes are being used today as visual prosthetic devices to treat blindness. These electrodes can induce high resolution stimulation of the remaining neurons in retina, thus improving sensing and stimulation. We are developing such nanostructured soft electrodes, based on organic materials and stable protein 1 (SP1).

Collaborators: Prof. Yael Hanein (Tel-aviv University)




Figure: Spontaneous activity of retinal ganglion cells (RGC) recorded with the control microelectrode array (MEA) in blue, and MEA coated with SP1 in red 

A biological nanopore consists of a pore-forming protein which is embedded into the lipid bilayer.  An analyte is driven through the pore by applying voltage to the system, while the ionic current is monitored throughout the process. During the translocation of a DNA molecule through the pore, each nucleotide generates a unique electrical “fingerprint”. Repeating this process with numerous, consecutive, nucleotides can be used to perform DNA sequencing.

Stable Protein 1 (SP1) is a ring-shaped, highly stable, homo-dodecamer protein which was first isolated from Aspen trees. Due to SP1 stability under extreme conditions and its symmetrical inner pore, it can be used as nanopore. Recently we have demonstrated that SP1 can be embedded into lipid bilayers and create biological nanopores.
Collaborators: Prof. Danny Porath and Prof. Daniel Mandler (Hebrew University), Oxford Nanopore Technologies

Figure: X-ray reconstruction of SP1

Cellulose Nano Crystal (CNC) is used today for production of thin films, coating and barrier materials, as well as reinforcement of crosslinked polymers such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA).          

In our lab, we have developed both pure CNC and composite CNC/PVA films, which are 100% biodegradable, exhibiting excellent mechanical properties, low Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR) and high optical transparency.

Students: Shylee Belsey, Amir Rudich, Daniel Voignac

Collaborators: Melodea Ltd.

Figure - examples of a CNC-film properties: (upper) transparency; (buttom) flexibility

Integrating cellulose-derived nanoparticles into hydrogel systems.
Extreme elastisity and resilience.Application scope: biomedical scaffolding and mechanically demanding applications.

Student: Amir Rudich

Burns are one of the most common injuries to date, and usually require several weeks of recovery with repeated and painful bandaging. We are developing implants for the immediate treatment of soft-tissue injuries (2^nd-3^rd degree burns), as well as providing cosmetic coverage to any related skin deficiency. The implants being developed will have skin-like properties, color, texture, and could induce new cell growth.

The different implant layers are made out of hydrogels combined with natural-inspired materials, all created using the latest 2D- and 3D-printing techniques.

Students: Yaniv Damatov

Figure: Hydrogel nose created using traditional casting technique (front and side view)