Gels and films can be formed from protein dissolved into a benign solvent that comprises alcohol, water, and salt. In one example, the protein can be collagen. In one example, the benign solvent can include a water to alcohol ratio of between ninety-nine-to-one and one-to-ninety-nine by volume, a salt concentration between zero moles per liter and the maximum salt concentration soluble in water, and a protein amount of between near zero percent and about 25 percent by weight as compared to the mixture of water and alcohol. Once the protein is dissolved in the benign solvent, secondary processing steps can be conducted to form protein based bioadhesives, gels, and films with desirable physical properties. Additional process steps can include washings that improve the properties of the protein structures.
