The use of biodegradable polymers made from renewable agricultural pro
ducts, such as soy protein isolate, has been very limited because of t
he tendency of these polymers to absorb moisture. The author describes
a method for controlling this inherent water absorbency. Such an appr
oach may lead to the production of new polymer composites, based on so
y protein, having possible applications in medical/surgical devices an
d food packaging.