Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to biopolymers having coiled nanostructures, methods of making those biopolymers, and applications involving those biopolymers. Biopolymers having coiled nanostructures may be produced through a biophysical process by which the shape of a biopolymer macromolecular chain is altered. Biopolymers having coiled nanostructures may then be cross-linked to prepare biopolymeric networks. The biopolymeric networks may be configured to incorporate solid particles, in which they serve to hold the solid particles together against external stresses, solvents, and the like. For this reason, the biopolymers having coiled nanostructures are useful in a variety of applications, including in an improved process for forming iron ore pellets.