Five University of Texas at Austin students have developed a protein-based sealant that could offer a safer alternative to chemical treatments currently used to make activewear water-resistant and stain-resistant.

The team — Ella Baird, Selina Bakieva, Joanna Du, Brandon Nguyen and Nahomi Vasquez — won the Outstanding Science Award at the Biodesign Challenge this summer, a competition held in New York City that drew student teams from more than 60 high schools and universities across more than 20 countries.

The students created their sealant from corn and beeswax as part of a research program at UT called the Sustainable Fashion Materials stream within the Freshman Research Initiative. Their instructor, Jessica Ciarla, is an associate professor of instruction in the Division of Textiles and Apparel.

Current Chemical Concerns

The sealant addresses a significant issue in the fashion industry. Manufacturers currently use PFAS compounds to give clothing moisture-wicking and water-resistant properties. Some of these compounds have been linked to harmful health effects in people.

Ciarla explained that designers have avoided using cotton in activewear despite its comfort benefits. Cotton keeps the body cool but does not wick moisture when people sweat.

The plant-based sealant could allow manufacturers to use sustainable organic cotton in activewear while maintaining the performance features consumers expect, Ciarla said.

Market Demand Exists

Market research conducted by the student team found significant commercial potential for their innovation. Among their findings: 67 percent of consumers would pay more for cotton activewear with better performance features, and eight in 10 consumers want more cotton activewear options.

Nguyen noted that cotton represents a particularly promising market for their sealant based on these consumer preferences.

Project Continues

The work does not end with the award. Nguyen is continuing the sealant's development for his master's thesis while working with Ciarla and Nathaniel Lynd, an associate professor of chemical engineering. The team plans to pursue grants and seek partnerships with scientists and companies to bring the product to market.

Ciarla recently received an appointment as a Discovery to Impact ambassador, a role intended to help other students bridge the gap between research and commercialization.

UT has seen prior success in similar competitions. In 2024, Anya Koehne, a biochemistry graduate, won the top prize at the same Biodesign Challenge for developing a precursor to a probiotic pill designed to break down plastic pollution and convert it to organic material. Koehne had worked in UT's Ecocentric Future Lab as a student in the Freshman Research Initiative.

Source: This report is based on information published by The University of Texas at Austin.