Using pollen to make paper, sponges, and more

At first glance, the laboratory of Nam-Joon Cho at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University may appear to be a typical research hub, bustling with scientists and filled with machinery. However, the orange-yellow stains on the lab coats hanging nearby reveal a unique focus: pollen. These microscopic grains, released seasonally by trees, weeds, and grasses, contain male reproductive cells, but Cho's research goes beyond the common associations of pollen with allergies or plant reproduction. Over the past decade, he has dedicated his efforts to transforming pollen's rigid outer shell—often referred to as the 'diamond of the plant world' due to its toughness—into a more malleable, jam-like consistency. Cho envisions this microgel as a versatile component for creating a range of sustainable materials, such as paper, films, and sponges. "Many people dismiss pollen as mere dust when it’s not aiding in plant fertilization or feeding insects," he notes. "But with the right techniques, it can be harnessed for valuable applications." His insights are documented in a co-authored overview published in the upcoming 2024 Annual Review of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. He is not alone in this innovative pursuit. Noemi Csaba, a researcher specializing in nanotechnology and drug delivery at the University of Santiago de Compostela in Spain, is also exploring pollen's potential. She aims to create hollowed-out pollen shells that could serve as protective vehicles for delivering drugs to critical areas like the eyes, lungs, and stomach. Despite its intriguing properties, researchers interested in pollen's applications remain relatively rare. Csaba expresses her surprise at the underexplored potential of this biomaterial, stating, "Pollen is a very, very interesting biomaterial."