# BioPykrete: Hebrew University ice-cellulose composite shows 10x compressive strength of ice in tests

- Published: 2026-11-15 18:14 UTC
- Section: Machines & Making › Materials science
- Tags: BioPykrete, ice composite, cellulose nanocrystals, chimeric protein, AFPIII, CBM3a, compressive strength of ice, energy-to-failure, Arctic construction material
- URL: https://realtech.media/news/rt-2db9046aa843a8472101131e_biopykrete_hebrew_university/

**Hebrew University researchers added cellulose nanocrystals and an engineered protein to ice. The lab composite absorbs 70 times more energy before failure and breaks gradually.**

![BioPykrete: Hebrew University ice-cellulose composite shows 10x compressive strength of ice in tests](https://realtech.media/media/2026/11/8c8b7a16431b8629.webp)
*forschung-und-wissen.de*

Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, led by Ido Braslavsky, have developed BioPykrete, a composite of ice, cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and an engineered chimeric protein. The work was published in Colloids and Surfaces B Biointerfaces. In unconfined compression tests the composite showed a 10-fold increase in compressive strength and a 70-fold increase in energy-to-failure compared with standard ice [1]. The authors report a compressive strength approaching that of concrete [1].

## Chimeric protein and CNC network

The chimeric protein was made by genetically fusing the ice-binding protein AFPIII with the carbohydrate-binding module CBM3a. One domain binds to ice and the other to cellulose, so the protein acts as a molecular "bioadhesive" between the crystalline reinforcement and the ice matrix [1].

During controlled solidification of the suspension, the chimera is proposed to regulate the self-organisation of the CNC fibers. They form a reinforcing three-dimensional network that encloses ice within micro-scale cells [1]. According to the authors, this structural hierarchy appears to arrest crack propagation at the pore level.

## Gradual failure and open questions

Pure ice fails suddenly and in a brittle manner. BioPykrete instead failed progressively, in a ductile-like way, as shown by unconfined compression and fracture energy analysis [1]. Compared with an otherwise identical CNC-ice composite lacking the chimera, the version with the protein showed twice the strength and twice the energy-to-failure [1].

The authors describe BioPykrete as a proof-of-concept for a biodegradable, potentially low-carbon-footprint composite for Arctic environments, where traditional construction is economically and environmentally challenging [1]. Its suitability for infrastructure has not been established. It will require further durability, freeze-thaw, creep and life-cycle testing [1]. The results so far come from laboratory samples tested under controlled conditions.

## Sources

1. [Colloids and Surfaces B Biointerfaces](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfb.2026.116037)
2. [forschung-und-wissen.de](https://www.forschung-und-wissen.de/nachrichten/chemie/ein-neues-super-eis-ist-zehnmal-so-druckfest-wie-normales-eis-133715842)

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Source: RealTech, realtech.media — https://realtech.media/news/rt-2db9046aa843a8472101131e_biopykrete_hebrew_university/