Bioresource materials such as cellulose, chitin, and lignin, are usually low-cost, biocompatible, and abundant in nature. The synthesis of biobased multiple-functional materials from these bioresource materials can address long-term challenges in Food-water-energy nexus, such as resource and energy depletion,food security, and water scarcity. However, the adaption of chemical functionalization and self-assembling methodologies to renewable resource materials for multiple-functional materials is very challenging due to their macromolecular structures, heterogeneous properties, poor solubility, and the disturbance of impurities. In this talk, we will summarize how we explore self-assembly methods to produce new nanostructures and endure new functions for renewable resource materials. Several examples will be discussed. For example, glycerol and cellulose-based bioresources have been assembled into a nano-core-shell structure for a smart food packaging film sensor for universal real-time food spoilage monitoring. Biomass waste or cellulose can be assembled as multiple-functional controlled release materials, stress sensors, triboelectrical sensors, etc. Ultimately, we would like to use these self-assembly nanostructures from renewable resources to achieve a high-efficiency circular economy.
