Faculty profile headshot photo of OrlandoRojas-Goehring-6164-2-1

Orlando Rojas

Professor
Canada Excellence Research Chair in Bioproducts
Scientific Director, Bioproducts Institute

Chemical & Biological Engineering Building, Rm 259
2360 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada

work phone: 6048223457

Biobased Colloids and Materials (BiCMat)

Our BiCMat group works toward supporting global sustainable development through research on the fundamental and utilization aspects of renewable resources, including lignocellulose, proteins and other biopolymers. Our research aims to discover competitive alternatives for fossil materials.

BiCMat group Activity reports:

Some of our work (cover art of recent articles):

Selected Publications

Pasquier E., Mattos B.D., Koivula H., Khakalo A., Belgacem M.N., Rojas O.J., Bras J. (2022). Multilayers of Renewable Nanostructured Materials with High Oxygen and Water Vapor Barriers for Food Packaging ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces 14, 30236-30245
Guo T., Wan Z., Yu Y., Chen H., Wang Z., Li D., Song J., Rojas O.J., Jin Y. (2022). Mechanisms of Strain-Induced Interfacial Strengthening of Wet-Spun Filaments ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces 14, 16809-16819
Reyes G., Pacheco, C.M., Isaza-Ferro E., González A., Pasquier E., Alejandro-Martín S., Arteaga-Peréz L.E., Carrillo R.R., Carrillo-Varela I., Mendonça R.T., Flanigan C., Rojas O.J. (2022). Upcycling agro-industrial blueberry waste into platform chemicals and structured materials for application in marine environments Green Chemistry 24, 3794–3804
Xu J., Liu L., Zu Y., Pei W., Zhang L., Ye W., Bai L., Wang Z., Fan Y., Yong Q., Rojas O.J. (2022). Simple synthesis of self-assembled nacre-like materials with 3D periodic layers from nanochitin via hydrogelation and mineralization Green Chemistry 24, 1308-1317
Chen C., Wu Q., Wan Z., Yang Q., Xu Z., Li D., Jin Y., Rojas O.J. (2022). Mildly processed chitin used in one-component drinking straws and single use materials: Strength, biodegradability and recyclability Chemical Engineering Journal 442, 136173
Haj Y.A., Mousavihashemi S., Robertson D., Borghei M., Pääkkönen T., Rojas O.J., Kontturi E., Kallio T., Vapaavuori J. (2022). Biowaste-derived electrode and electrolyte materials for flexible supercapacitors Chemical Engineering Journal 435, 135058
Xu J., Zou Y., Liu L., Yu J., Wang Z., Fan Y., Rojas O.J. (2022). Multifunctional aqueous ferrofluid stabilized by cellulose nanofibrils with long term stability Chemical Engineering Journal 443, 136252
Kamkar M., Ghaffarkhah A., Ajdary R., Lu Y., Ahmadijokani F., Mhatre S. E., Erfanian E., Sundararaj U., Arjmand M., Rojas O.J. (2022). Structured Ultra-Flyweight Aerogels by Interfacial Complexation: Self-Assembly Enabling Multiscale Designs Small 18, 2200220
Pang B., Ajdary R., Antonietti M., Rojas O.J. (2022). Pickering emulgels reinforced with host-guest supramolecular inclusion complexes for high fidelity direct ink writing Materials Horizons 9, 835-840
Wang Y., He Y., Wang Q., Wang X., Tardy B.L., Richardson J.J., Rojas O.J., Guo J. (2022). Microporous membranes for ultrafast and energy-efficient removal of antibiotics through polyphenol-mediated nanointerfaces Matter
Niu X., Foster E.J., Patrick B.O., Rojas O.J. (2022). Betulin Self-Assembly: From High Axial Aspect Crystals to Hedgehog Suprastructures Advanced Functional Materials 2206058
Dong, X., Gan, W., Shang, Y., Tang J., Wang Y., Cao Z., Xie Y., Liu J., Bai L., Li J., Rojas O.J. (2022). Low-value wood for sustainable high-performance structural materials Nature Sustainability 5, 628–635
Ahmadijokani F., Molavi H., Tajahmadi S., Rezakazemi M., Amini M., Kamkar M., Rojas O.J. (2022). Coordination chemistry of metal–organic frameworks: Detection, adsorption, and photodegradation of tetracycline antibiotics and beyond Coordination Chemistry Reviews 464, 214562
Kaschuk J.J., Haj Y.A., Rojas O.J., Miettunen K., Abitbol T., Vapaavuori J. (2022). Plant-based Structures as an Opportunity to Engineer Optical Functions in next-generation Light Management Advanced Materials 34, 2104473
Bai L., Liu L., Esquivel M., Tardy B.L., Huan S., Niu X., Liu S., Yang G., Fan Y., Rojas O.J. (2022). Nanochitin: Chemistry, Structure, Assembly, and Applications Chemical Reviews 122, 11604-11674
Li T., Chen C., Brozena A.H., Zhu J.Y., Xu L., Driemeier C., Dai J., Rojas O.J., Isogai A., Wågberg L., Hu L. (2021). Developing fibrillated cellulose as a sustainable technological material Nature 590, 47–56
Beaumont M., Jusner P., Gierlinger N., King A.W.T., Potthast A., Rojas O.J., Rosenau T. (2021). Unique Reactivity of Nanoporous Cellulosic Materials Mediated by Surface-Confined Water Nature Communications 12, 2513
Grillo R., Mattos B.D., Antunes D.R., Forini M.M.L., Monikh F.A., Rojas O.J. (2021). Foliage adhesion and interactions with particulate delivery systems for plant nanobionics and intelligent agriculture Nano Today 37, 101078
Zhao B., Borghei M., Zou T., Wang L., Johansson L-S., Majoinen J., Sipponen M.H., Österberg M., Mattos B.D., Rojas O.J. (2021). Lignin-Based Porous Supraparticles for Carbon Capture ACS Nano 15, 6774–6786
Ge W., Cao S., Yang Y., Rojas O.J., Wang X. (2021). Nanocellulose/LiCl Systems Enable Conductive and Stretchable Electrolyte Hydrogels with Tolerance to Dehydration and Extreme Cold Conditions Chemical Engineering Journal 408, 127306
Guo T., Wan Z., Li D., Song J., Rojas O.J., Jin Y. (2021). Intermolecular self-assembly of dopamineconjugated carboxymethylcellulose and carbon nanotubes toward supertough filaments and multifunctional wearables Chemical Engineering Journal 128981
Huan S., Zhu Y., Xu W., McClements D.J., Bai L., Rojas O.J. (2021). Pickering Emulsions via Interfacial Nanoparticle Complexation of Oppositely Charged Nanopolysaccharides ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces 13, 12581–12593
Yazdani, M.R., Ajdary R., Kankkunen A., Rojas O.J., Seppälä A. (2021). Cellulose nanofibrils endow phase change polyethylene glycol with form control and solid-to-gel transition for thermal energy storage ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces 13, 6188–620
Chu G., Chen F., Zhao B., Zhang X., Zussman E., Rojas O.J. (2021). , Self-Assembled Nanorods and Microspheres for Functional Photonics: Retroreflector Meets Microlens Array Advanced Optical Materials 2002258
Niu X., Huan S.Q., Li H.M., Pan H., Rojas O.J. (2021). Transparent films by ionic liquid welding of cellulose nanofibers and polylactide: Enhanced biodegradability in marine environments Journal of Hazardous Materials 402, 124073
Zwilling J., Jiang X., Venditti R.A., Jameel H., Velev O.D., Rojas O.J., Gonzalez R. (2021). Understanding lignin micro- and nanoparticle nucleation and growth in aqueous suspensions by solvent fractionation Green Chemistry 23, 1001-1012
Bai L., Huan S., Zhu Y., Chu G., McClements D.J., Rojas O.J. (2021). Recent Advances in Food Emulsions and Engineering Foodstuffs Using Plant-Based Nanocelluloses Annual Review of Food Science and Technology 12, 383-406
Balakshin M.Y., Capanema E.A., Sulaeva I., Schlee P., Huang Z., Feng M., Borghei M., Rojas O.J., Potthast A., Rosenau T. (2021). New opportunities in the valorization of technical lignins ChemSusChem 14, 1016
Nugroho R.W.N., Outinen M., Toikkanen O., Heino A., Sawada D., Rojas O.J. (2021). Effect of water activity on the functional, colloidal, physical, and microstructural properties of infant formula powder Journal of Colloid and Interface Science 586, 56-66
Jin S.-A., Facchine E.G., Rojas O.J., Khan S.A., Spontak R.J. (2021). Mesophase Characteristics of Cellulose Nanocrystal Films Prepared from Electrolyte Suspensions Journal of Colloid and Interface Science 599, 207-218
Jin S.-A., Facchine E.G., Rojas O.J., Khan S.A., Spontak R.J. (2021). Cellulose Nanofibers and the Film-Formation Dilemma: Drying Temperature and Tunable Optical, Mechanical and Wetting Properties of Nanocomposite Films Composed of Waterborne Sulfopolyester Journal of Colloid and Interface Science 598, 369-378
Facchine E.G., Bai L., Rojas O.J., Khan S.A. (2021). Associative structures formed from cellulose nanofibrils and nanochitins are pH-responsive and exhibit tunable rheology Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 588, 232-241
Ajdary R., Kretzschmar N., Baniasadi H., Trifol J., Seppälä J.V., Partanen J., Rojas O.J. (2021). Selective Laser Sintering of Lignin-based Composites ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering 9, 7, 2727–2735
Borrero-López A.M., Wang W., Valencia C., Franco J.M., Rojas O.J. (2021). Lignin effects in castor oil-based elastomers and new limits in their rheological and cushioning behavior Composites Science and Technology 203, 108602
Hong G., Cheng H., Zhang S., Rojas, O.J. (2021). Mussel-inspired reinforcement of a biodegradable aliphatic polyester with bamboo fibers Journal of Cleaner Production 296, 126587
Zambrano F., Wang Y., Zwilling J.D., Venditti R.A., Jameel H., Rojas O.J., Gonzalez R. (2021). Micro- and nanofibrillated cellulose from virgin and recycled fibers: A comparative study of its effects on the properties of hygiene tissue paper Carbohydrate Polymers 254, 117430
Baniasadi H., Ajdary R., Trifol J., Rojas O.J., Seppälä J. (2021). Direct ink writing of aloe vera/cellulose nanofibrils bio-hydrogels Carbohydrate Polymers 266, 118114
Shi X., Yazdani M.R., Ajdary R., Rojas O.J. (2021). Leakage-proof microencapsulation of phase change materials by emulsification with acetylated cellulose nanofibrils Carbohydrate Polymers 254, 117430
Guo S., Li X., Kuang Y., Liao J., Li J., Mo L., He S., Zhu W., Song J., Song T., Rojas O.J. (2021). Residual Lignin in Cellulose Nanofibrils Enhances the Interfacial Stabilization of Pickering Emulsions Carbohydrate Polymers 253, 117223
Berto G.L., Mattos B.D., Rojas O.J., Arantes V. (2021). Single-step fiber pre-treatment with monocomponent endoglucanases: defibrillation energy and cellulose nanofibril quality ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering 9, 2260–2270
Berto G.L., Mattos B.D., Rojas O.J., Arantes V. (2021). Single-step fiber pre-treatment with monocomponent endoglucanases: defibrillation energy and cellulose nanofibril quality ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering 9, 2260–2270
Bast L.K., Klockars K.W., Greca L.G., Rojas O.J., Tardy B.L., Bruns N. (2021). Infiltration of Proteins in Cholesteric Cellulose Structures Biomacromolecules ASAP
Pasquier E., Mattos B.D., Belgacem N., Bras J., Rojas O.J. (2021). Lignin nanoparticle nucleation and growth on cellulose and chitin nanofibers, Biomacromolecules Biomacromolecules 22, 880–889
Gonzalez-Vogel A., Carrasco F.F., Rojas O.J. (2021). 3D Printed manifolds for improved flow management in electrodialysis operation for desalination Desalination 505, 114996
Lehtonen J., Chen X., Beaumont M., Hassinen J., Orelma H., Dumée L.F., Tardy B.L., Rojas O.J. (2021). Impact of incubation conditions and post-treatment on the properties of bacterial cellulose membranes for pressure-driven filtration Cellulose 251, 11707
Väisänen S., Ajdary R., Altgen M., Nieminen K., Kesari K.K., Ruokolainen J., Rojas O.J., Vuorinen T. (2021). Cellulose dissolution in aqueous NaOH-ZnO: Cellulose reactivity and the role of ZnO Cellulose 28,–1281
Lv S., Zhou H., Bai L., Rojas O.J., McClements D.J. (2021). Development of food-grade Pickering emulsions stabilized by a mixture of cellulose nanofibrils and nanochitin Food Hydrocolloids 113, 106451
Zhou H., Dai T., Liu J., Tan Y., Bai L., Rojas O.J., McClements D.J. (2021). Chitin Nanocrystals Reduce Lipid Digestion and β-Carotene Bioaccessibility: An In-Vitro INFOGEST Gastrointestinal Study Food Hydrocolloids 113, 106494
Tyagi P., Gutierrez J.N., Nathani V., Lucia L.A., Rojas O.J., Hubbe M.H., Pal L. (2021). Hydrothermal and mechanically generated hemp hurd nanofibers for sustainable barrier coatings/films Industrial Crops & Products ASAP
Kaschuk J.J., Borghei M., Solin K., Tripathi A., Khakalo A., Leite F.A.S., Branco A., de Sousa M.C.A., Frollini E., Rojas O.J. (2021). Cross-linked and surface-modified cellulose acetate as a cover layer for paperbased electrochromic devices ACS Applied Polymer Materials ASAP
Bai L., Huan S., Rojas O.J., McClements D.J. (2021). Recent Innovations in Emulsion Science and Technology for Food Applications Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry ASAP
Hokkanen S.P., Partanen R., Jukkola A., Frey A.D., Rojas O.J. (2021). Partitioning of the milk fat globule membrane between buttermilk and butter serum is determined by the thermal behaviour of the fat globules International Dairy Journal 112, 104863
Ma Q., Lu X., Wang W., Hubbe M.A., Liu Y., Mu J., Wang J., Sun J., Rojas O.J. (2021). Recent developments in colorimetric and optical indicators stimulated by volatile base nitrogen to monitor seafood freshness, Food Packaging and Shelf Life 28, 100634
Sulbarán-Rangel B., Hernández Díaz J.A., Guzmán González C.A., Rojas O.J. (2021). Partially acetylated cellulose nanofibrils from Agave tequilana bagasse and Pickering stabilization, Journal of Dispersion Science and Technology ASAP
Gonzalez-Vogel A., Moltedo J.J., Quezada R., Schwarz A., Rojas O.J. (2021). Pilot treatment of bleaching acidic filtrate in Kraft pulping with high frequency pulsed electrodialysis Journal of Environmental Management 282, 111891