4th International Conference on Sustainable Bioplastics November 10-11, 2016 Alicante, Spain

Biography:

Alan looks after Business Development for Avantium Renewable Chemistries, picking up projects from the incubator stage to when it’s time to seek collaborations. For the past 13 years he has been working in a role in business development in the Chemical Industry and before that spent over a decade running R&D projects.

Abstract:

We have recently announced the completion of the JV with BASF named Synvina.® It’s goal is to develop world-leading positions in FDCA and PEF by building an upto 50ktpa plant at the BASF’s Verbund site in Antwerp and to license the technology for industrial scale production. Synvina® will use the YXY process® developed by Avantium for the production of FDCA.There are two projects in an earlier phase which we are able to share more details of.

1. Zambezi process – 2G sugar biorefinery and
2. Mekong process – to produce bio based monoethylene glycol (bio-MEG)

The Zambezi process has great potential to provide sugars from non-food biomass for chemical and bio-polymer applications. Zambezi has several advantages over other 2G technologies: static biomass, avoidance of pretreatment, high purity glucose products, near quantitative yield, produces clean lignin and is feedstock flexible.

The Mekong process is one-step, high atom efficiency process which is competitive with the oil based MEG. The current commercial route to bio-MEG is a multistep low atom efficiency process, making bio-MEG too expensive, especially in a low oil environment. With bio-MEG demands estimated to reach 3 million tonnes in the next few years and the wider MEG market some 10x this volume, the potential for the technology is enormous.

The current status and perspectives of Zambezi and Mekong will be discussed further in the talk.

Biography:

Professor Seiichi TAGUCHI has completed his PhD from The University of Tokyo and was promoted to be professor of the Graduate School of Engineering, Hokkaido University, in 2004. In 1997, he visited to join as research scientist at the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology of Immune System, Luis-Pasteur University. After that, he joined Polymer Chemistry Laboratory of RIKEN as a senior research scientist and firstly introduced modern approaches such as enzyme evolution to biotechnological production of polyhydroxyalkanates. His current main research focuses on the creation of novel biological catalysts that can be adapted to the desired environment or biosystem. He has published more than 150 papers in reputed journals.

Abstract:

Biologically synthesized polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are attractive materials as bio-based alternatives to petroleum-derived thermoplastics. We developed a microbial platform carrying evolutionarily engineered PHA synthetic enzymes that confer high enantio-selectivity and broad substrate specificity toward monomeric constituents. The finding of an engineered PHA synthase with lactate (LA)-polymerizing activity (Lactate Polymerizing Enzyme, LPE) was a major breakthrough to achieve the microbial production of the diverse polymers, particularly LA-based polymers. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is most widespread bio-based polymer due to its superior transparency and processability. Our microbial processes produce LA-based polymers from renewable resources via one-pot fermentation. In this talk, topics for the engineering approaches to synthesize new biopolymers will be introduced together with the polymer biodegradation. Especially, combination of metabolic engineering and enzyme engineering are very powerful toolboxes for this purpose. Recently, using analytical GC-MS, we established the quantitative metabolite analysis procedure to address the rate-limiting step for synthesis of LA-based polymers. This new analytical system actually provided us with improved production of PLA-related polymers. This strategy should be applicable to a wide range of PHA-producing systems. It should also be noted that the unusual substrate specificity of LPE was found to be applicable to the synthesis of PLA-related polymers incorporating even other 2-hydroxyalkanoate (2HA) monomers; glycolate and 2-hydroxybutyrate. This finding further expands the structural diversity in microbial polyesters. Xylose utilization was also an effective for production of PLA-related polymers with respect to realizing the value chain system from raw biomass to value-added biomaterials.

Biography:

Kenichiro Nishiza has completed his Master’s degree of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry from Kyoto University Graduate School of Engineering, and has joined Kaneka Corporation in 2005. He has been working at the Cooperate R&D of Kaneka in the research field of Reactive Polymer Processing from 2005 to 2011. Now, he is the Technical Service Specialist Biopolymer of Kaneka Belgium, and has been developing new PHA applications in European market.

Abstract:

Mainly due to its bio-based and biodegradable character, PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoate) materials are gaining clear interests in the field of polymer industries. In this presentation a specific co-polymer of 3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate (“PHBH”), is described as produced by Kaneka Corporation. PHBH is a 100% plant-based and biodegradable polymer to offer flexibility in films, heat resistance in solid products. While maintaining the key characteristics of polyolefin materials, the polymer can be converted to its compounds in a variable range from soft to hard. Moreover, the printability and heat-sealability are of high quality and suitable for biodegradable packaging. PHBH holds OK compost and OK compost HOME certifications which guarantee biodegradation in an industrial and a home composting system and PHBH biodegrades under anaerobic conditions. It also meets the ASTM D7081 which is the standard specification of marine biodegradation. Kaneka has been gathering data of marine biodegradability, and it will be presented at the conference. These various biodegradabilities draw attention as a low environmental load material. For example, PHBH is tested as garbage bags for anaerobic digestion facilities. The employed raw materials are biomasses such as plant oils, which are renewable resources. Through Kaneka’s fermentation technology, the polymers are accumulated in the bodies of microorganisms and further refined and extracted. PHBH based materials are generally converted by standard polymer processing techniques such as injection moulding, blow moulding, etc. In addition, we would like to introduce several marine biodegradable applications which can contribute to reducing marine pollution by plastics.

Biography:

Carine Mangeon Pastori is a PhD of the East Paris Institute of Chemistry and Materials Science, Thiais, France, since September 2014. Her scientist research deals with the development of new biobased polymeric materials. The main goal of her study consists in developing and improving the properties of polyhydroxyalkanotaes (PHA) produced from bacterial strains in order to enhance their thermal and mechanical properties. She has published two patents and one publication in this research field.

Abstract:

Poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate)s (PHAs), have been suggested as green substitutes to replace petroleum-based commodity polymer because of their biodegradability, biocompatibility and versatility. Although PHAs are very promising material in the field of eco-friendly plastics, their intrinsic brittleness and narrow processing temperature window limit their range of application. As a consequence, many attempts have been made to develop PHA with better mechanical and thermal properties. In recent years, much attention has been focused on the development of polymeric materials from vegetable oils, a sustainable resource. Their competitive cost, worldwide availability and built-in functionality (ester functions and insaturations) make them attractive to reinforced various types of polymers. In this study, we report a unique approach to toughen PHAs by increasing their elongation at break and enhancing their thermal stability using sunflower oil (SO). The strategy consisted in the synthesis of a biobased semi-interpenetrating (semi-IPNs) network by crossliking sunflower oil and triméthylolpropane tris(3-mercaptopropionate), a trithiol using “click” thiol-ene reactions into linear PHA polymer matrix. This functionalization process that is characterized by high yields, high reaction rate and short reaction time was initiated photochemically by ultraviolet light in the presence of a photoinitiator 2,2-diméthoxy-2-phényl acétophénone (DMPA). The resulting semi-IPNs PHA/SO exhibited excellent flexibility and showed relatively good thermal stability. Mechanical analysis results have shown that semi-IPNs with 30 wt% of crosslinked sunflower oil displayed excellent properties with an increase of the elastic modulus (170 %) as compared to pristine PHA (7 %). Moreover, it has been demonstrated that the thermal stability of the semi-IPNs increased by incorporation sunflower oil into PHA matrix. Moreover, a single glass transition temperature for the semi-IPN containing sunflower oil up to 30% was observed with dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), which suggested good compatibility between sunflower oil and PHA in the network.

Biography:

Veronica Carbonell is licentiate on Environmental Sciences by the University of Miguel Hernandez with strong international background .Thanks to Veronica Carbonell is licentiate on Environmental Sciences by the University of Miguel Hernandez with strong international background thanks to

Abstract:

Statement of the problem: Greenhouse gas emissions and limited fossil fuel reserves increase the need to find alternative ways to generate substitutes for petroleum-derived products such as ethylene. Ethylene is a simple alkene of commercial value due to multitude of large-scale uses in plastic industry and ever growing demand. One of the promising approaches is to use cyanobacterial cells as biological factories, through their photosynthetic capacity to produce ethylene using atmospheric CO₂ and water as substrates. Methodology & Theorical Orientation: The biosynthesis of ethylene has been studied in Synechoccocus sp 7942 by over-expressing the heterologous ethylene forming enzyme (efe) from Pseudomonas syringae which converts the endogenous metabolic precursor 2-oxoglutarate to ethylene. As a volatile gas, ethylene then diffuses out from the cell and spontaneously separates into the culture headspace for collection and analysis. Findings: We have studied different aspects of observed genetic instability which have earlier compromised prolonged ethylene production in Synechococcus and developed stable production strains capable of sustained autotrophic ethylene biosynthesis. Conclusion & Significance: Although the production lev 5:els still remain below the threshold required for commercial applications, cyanobacteria have been intensively studied in this respect, and a range of molecular biology tools and production platforms are being developed and characterized.

Biography:

Dr. Maximilian Lackner earned his PhD in 2003 and his habilitation in 2009 from Vienna University of Technology. He has held several senior leadership positions in the polymer industry in Austria and China. Dr. Lackner has founded 5 companies, amongst them one for antimicrobial polymers and one in the area of bioplastics, Lackner Ventures & Consulting GmbH. This company collaborates with JinHui Zhaolong, one of the largest PBAT manufacturers. The research interests of Dr. Lackner include PHA and PBAT. Lackner Ventures & Consulting GmbH runs a research project to produce PHB from CO2 and sunlight using cyanobacteria. Dr. Lackner has authored more than 100 scientific articles. He teaches materials science at the University of Applied Sciences FH Technikum Wien.

Abstract:

PBAT (polybutyrate adipate terephthalate, or short polybutyrate) is a biodegradable random copolymer. The copolyester of adipic acid, 1,4-butanediol and dimethyl terephthalate is available commercially as resin and as compound with PLA or starch. Today, the building blocks are made from fossil resources, with some manufacturers having plans to switch to renewable resources. As a “drop-in” polymer, PBAT ressembles LDPE in its properties. Global annual production capacities are currently around 100,000 tons. Typical applications are packagings (e.g. plastic films, bottles), coatings (e.g. of paper and cardboard) and foam. A major advantage of PBAT is its compostability, in contrast to e.g. polylactic acid (PLA), where industrial fermentation conditions (60°C) are necessary. The costs of PBAT are between those of PLA and PHA. In this keynote lecture, properties of PBAT and its compounds are presented, alongside application examples and an outlook into the future.

Biography:

Prof. Matjaž Kunaver finished his MSc at the University of Leeds UK in 1991 and has received his PhD degree in 1998 at the University of Leeds UK. He is a senior scientist – researcher at the National Institute of Chemistry, Laboratory for Polymer Chemistry and Technology, Ljubljana, Slovenia and assistant professor at the University of Ljubljana and at the Polymer Technology College. His main fields of research are the utilization of biomass as a feedstock for polymer synthesis and nowadays production of nanocellulose. He has published more than 50 original scientific papers and 6 patents.

Abstract:

Biomass represents an immense and renewable source for the production of bio-fuels and valuable chemicals. Using liquefaction reaction, lignocellulosic components are depolymerised to low molecular mass compounds with high reactivity, high hydroxyl group content and can be used in many useful applications. We used liquefied biomass as a feedstock in polymer chemistry, such as synthesis of polyesters, polyurethane foams and adhesives. Herein we also report on the optimized procedure for rapid preparation of nanocrystalline cellulose by liquefaction of its amorphous part of cellulose, lignin and hemicelluloses in ethylene glycol under acidic catalysis. Lignocellulosic biomass was dispersed in glycol and methane sulfonic acid was used as a catalyst. The NCC was isolated as a residue, rinsed with 1,4-dioxane and centrifuged. The product was a NCC suspension in 1,4-dioxane or similar medium polar solvent. The crystallinity index was from 83% to 90% and the yield was more than 67% when using cotton as the starting material. Method for preparation of NCC by acid hydrolysis in ethylene glycol is a model procedure for NCC isolation from different natural cellulosic sources such as biomass with high yields and with high crystallinity index. A special attention was given to the utilization of the liquefied lignocellulosic materials as a new energy source with high heating value. The utilization of liquefied lignocellulosic materials can at least partially reduce the crude oil consumption, thus increasing the use of the renewable resources in large extent.

Biography:

Professor Dr. NSc. Eng. Luciano Pighinelli, is currently associate professor of toxicology and genetics research program. Lutheran University of Brazil and Assistant Professor of research program in materials engineering at the same university. Doctorate in biomaterials area for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering at the University of Innsbruck -Austria, in cooperation with the institute of biopolymers and chemical fibres in Lodz, Poland. Has several papers and patents in the field of regenerative medicine and radiotherapy. Currently developing research in biomaterials area and biodegradation of polymers used in regenerative medicine and drug-delivery. Research field in Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering: Bioactive ceramics; scaffolds for bone and tissue repair; musculoskeletal tissue engineering: bone; cartilage; articular joints; calcium phosphate-based drug delivery devices; ceramics for orthopaedics.

Abstract:

Nature itself uses materials like cellulose to provide the structure of plants, chitin as the exoskeleton of several insects and molluscs, collagen for mechanical support in connective tissues and so on. At present, the socioeconomic situation of the modern world has raised the interest in renewable materials to use in regenerative medicine.Hard tissue of the human body is very important. The skeletal system provides support and gives shape to the body and provides a network for all soft tissues. The most common problems with hard tissues are bone fractures, defects or diseases in addition other various problems which need to be cured. Bone consists of 69% calcium phosphate (mainly hydroxyapatite), 21% collagen, 9% water and 1% other constituents. It has a composite nature which is built up of mainly ceramic (hydroxyapatite) and polymer (collagen), with a complex hierarchical microstructure very difficult to imitate which gives most of the superior mechanical properties to bone.Biomaterials as an artificial bone are classified into surface-active materials such as hydroxyapatite (HAp), and resorbable materials such as ß-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) and bioactive and biodegradable material as a chitosan and its derivatives. The composition of biomaterials as a ceramics, polymers and/or composite materials, with all advantages and drawbacks, are developed to be used for bone problems. When all these properties of polymers, ceramics are considered producing composite materials have a reasonable approach.In this studies composition of Chitosan and/or Calcium Phosphates are derived from the junction of two or more different materials, containing organic and inorganic materials, including characteristics like bioactivity and biodegradability and biocompatibility with human tissues. The chemical characteristics of chitosan and nano B-TCP / HAp complex are showed by FTIR studies and can be seen the main peaks of energy vibration of both components organic/ inorganic exist in the material complex, also can be seen a good stability of the nano-ceramic formation in the chitosan salt solution by potential Zeta and ceramic particles size range from 12.8 to 58nm. In this studies also is showed a new method of preparation of calcium phosphates ceramics from micro size to nano size using a common commercial calcium phosphates, the process consist in a simple dissolution process of the calcium phosphates in acid however this solution was used to dissolve the chitosan creating a hydrochloric chitosan solutions modified with nano-calcium phosphate complex. These materials can be used in future for medical applications as a base for scaffolds production and as implants in regenerative medicine. 

Biography:

Professor Seiichi TAGUCHI has completed his PhD from The University of Tokyo and was promoted to be professor of the Graduate School of Engineering, Hokkaido University, in 2004. In 1997, he visited to join as research scientist at the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology of Immune System, Luis-Pasteur University. After that, he joined Polymer Chemistry Laboratory of RIKEN as a senior research scientist and firstly introduced modern approaches such as enzyme evolution to biotechnological production of polyhydroxyalkanates. His current main research focuses on the creation of novel biological catalysts that can be adapted to the desired environment or biosystem. He has published more than 150 papers in reputed journals.

Abstract:

Biologically synthesized polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are attractive materials as bio-based alternatives to petroleum-derived thermoplastics. We developed a microbial platform carrying evolutionarily engineered PHA synthetic enzymes that confer high enantio-selectivity and broad substrate specificity toward monomeric constituents. The finding of an engineered PHA synthase with lactate (LA)-polymerizing activity (Lactate Polymerizing Enzyme, LPE) was a major breakthrough to achieve the microbial production of the diverse polymers, particularly LA-based polymers. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is most widespread bio-based polymer due to its superior transparency and processability. Our microbial processes produce LA-based polymers from renewable resources via one-pot fermentation. In this talk, topics for the engineering approaches to synthesize new biopolymers will be introduced together with the polymer biodegradation. Especially, combination of metabolic engineering and enzyme engineering are very powerful toolboxes for this purpose. Recently, using analytical GC-MS, we established the quantitative metabolite analysis procedure to address the rate-limiting step for synthesis of LA-based polymers. This new analytical system actually provided us with improved production of PLA-related polymers. This strategy should be applicable to a wide range of PHA-producing systems. It should also be noted that the unusual substrate specificity of LPE was found to be applicable to the synthesis of PLA-related polymers incorporating even other 2-hydroxyalkanoate (2HA) monomers; glycolate and 2-hydroxybutyrate. This finding further expands the structural diversity in microbial polyesters. Xylose utilization was also an effective for production of PLA-related polymers with respect to realizing the value chain system from raw biomass to value-added biomaterials.

Biography:

Dr. Eleonora Zakharian obtained her PhD in biophysics in 2001 at Yerevan State University in Armenia. In years of 2002-2005, she received her postdoctoral training in the laboratory of Dr. Rosetta N. Reusch, at Michigan State University, MI. In the period of 2005-2010 Dr. Zakharian was a postdoc at New Jersey Medical School (now Rutgers), NJ. In 2010 she got an Instructor position, and in 2012 an Assistant Professor position at the same University. In year 2012, Dr. Zakharian obtained her tenure-track Assistant Professor position at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, where she is currently running her lab. Eleonora has 35 articles published in peer-reviewed journals.

Abstract:

Protein posttranslational modifications, such as glycosylation, acetylation, or phosphorylation, are widespread phenomena in cellular physiology. In our study we focus on posttranslational modification (PTM) of a cold, pain, and newly recognized testosterone receptor, TRPM8 by a polyester comprised of repeated units of R-3-hydroxybutyrate, which forms a polymeric chain, poly-(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB). We term this modification PHBylation by analogy with the known protein modifications. However, PHBylation stands out of other PTMs that it is a covalent and permanent attachment of a large hydrophobic polymer that introduces significant conformational changes on the channel protein and therefore impacts its function. Along with PHB, we discovered that TRPM8 is modified with inorganic polyphosphate (polyP), where both polymers essentially contribute to the channel structure/function relationship. We found that PHB was critical for the temperature and ligand-induced TRPM8 channel activity. Furthermore, PHB mediated ligand binding to the cannel, while polyP contributed to its voltage-sensitivity. These results indicate that TRPM8 functions in a form of supramolecular complexes with PHB and polyP. The formation of such complexes offers a new concept for model of a mammalian ion channel. It proposes indispensable roles of these PTMs, reflecting (a) temperature- or ligand-induced conformational changes that translate to channel gating; (b) proper protein folding and localization to the plasma membrane; and (c) PHB-polyP-rendered structure of an ion-conducting core within the protein, which ensures ion selection and conduction along the uniform energy profile lining the internal cavity between both polymers.

Biography:

Professor Seiichi TAGUCHI has completed his PhD from The University of Tokyo and was promoted to be professor of the Graduate School of Engineering, Hokkaido University, in 2004. In 1997, he visited to join as research scientist at the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology of Immune System, Luis-Pasteur University. After that, he joined Polymer Chemistry Laboratory of RIKEN as a senior research scientist and firstly introduced modern approaches such as enzyme evolution to biotechnological production of polyhydroxyalkanates. His current main research focuses on the creation of novel biological catalysts that can be adapted to the desired environment or biosystem. He has published more than 150 papers in reputed journals

Abstract:

Biologically synthesized polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are attractive materials as bio-based alternatives to petroleum-derived thermoplastics. We developed a microbial platform carrying evolutionarily engineered PHA synthetic enzymes that confer high enantio-selectivity and broad substrate specificity toward monomeric constituents. The finding of an engineered PHA synthase with lactate (LA)-polymerizing activity (Lactate Polymerizing Enzyme, LPE) was a major breakthrough to achieve the microbial production of the diverse polymers, particularly LA-based polymers. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is most widespread bio-based polymer due to its superior transparency and processability. Our microbial processes produce LA-based polymers from renewable resources via one-pot fermentation. In this talk, topics for the engineering approaches to synthesize new biopolymers will be introduced together with the polymer biodegradation. Especially, combination of metabolic engineering and enzyme engineering are very powerful toolboxes for this purpose. Recently, using analytical GC-MS, we established the quantitative metabolite analysis procedure to address the rate-limiting step for synthesis of LA-based polymers. This new analytical system actually provided us with improved production of PLA-related polymers. This strategy should be applicable to a wide range of PHA-producing systems. It should also be noted that the unusual substrate specificity of LPE was found to be applicable to the synthesis of PLA-related polymers incorporating even other 2-hydroxyalkanoate (2HA) monomers; glycolate and 2-hydroxybutyrate. This finding further expands the structural diversity in microbial polyesters. Xylose utilization was also an effective for production of PLA-related polymers with respect to realizing the value chain system from raw biomass to value-added biomaterials.

Biography:

Prof. (Assoc.) Dr. Mohd Ikmar Nizam Bin Haji Mohamad Isa has completed his PhD at the age of 28 years from Universiti Malaya in 2006. He is Prof. (Assoc.) of Physics at the School of Fundamental Science, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu. He has published more than 80 articles in reputable journals (2006-2016) and won numerous awards and medals in International Expos Competition.

Abstract:

The study of ion conduction mechanism in biopolymer is important for designing better performance of biopolymer electrolyte for electrochemical devices. A solution casting method was successfully used to fabricate a biopolymer electrolyte system consist of carboxy methylcellulose (CMC) as polymer host, oleic acid (OA) as ionic dopant and glycerol (Gly) as plasticizer. The CMC-OA-Gly biopolymer electrolytes were characterized using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to study the ion-conduction mechanism. The optimum room temperature conductivity achieved is 1.64 x 10-4 S cm-1 for sample containing 40 wt. % Gly. Conductivity mechanism of this biopolymer system fits the small polaran hopping (SPH) model.

Biography:

Ilaria Cacciotti is an Associate Professor of Biomaterials, Tissue Engineering, and Material Science and Technology. She is the Coordinator for Engineering Area, member of the Research Committee and of the Board of PhD Course in Industrial and Civil Engineering at the Engineering Department of University of Rome Niccolò Cusano. She has graduated in Medical Engineering (Master of Science Award ‘Fondazione Raeli’), completed her PhD in Materials Engineering, and has obtained II Level Master’s degrees in Forensic Genetics and in Protection against CBRNe events. She has spent research periods at Kyoto Institute of Technology-Piezotech (Japan) and ITRI-Deakin University (Australia). Her research activity is mainly focused on the synthesis and characterisation of nanoceramic, polymeric and composite materials, in forms of particles, spheres, films, fibres, for biomedical and food packaging application. She was awarded with 8^th CCT Award “Best Oral Presentation for Young Researchers”, 10^th International Award "Giuseppe Sciacca"-Young Students, European Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Doctoral Award, "Young Researcher Award Elsevier-Materials Science and Engineering: C", "Top Cited Author 2011-2012 ChemEngJ", "Certificate of Excellence in Reviewing" (MaterChem and Phys 2013).

Abstract:

Biography:

Professor Valerie LANGLOIS has completed his PhD at the age of 28 years from University Paris VI. She is now deputy director of the East Paris Institute of Chemistry and Materials Science in Thiais, France (Université Paris Est, CNRS). Her main scientific interests are related to biodegradable polyesters, their chemical modifications and synthesis of copolymers. Her research activities are devoted to fundamental aspects of biodegradable polyesters in relation with their biomedical applications such as drug delivery systems, tissue engineering or antibacterial materials. She has published more than eighty publications in this research field.

Abstract:

Poly(3-hydroxyalkanoates) (PHAs) constitute a class of natural polyesters produced and accumulated by many bacteria as carbon and energy supply when an essential nutrient is limited. Due to their biodegradability and biocompatibility features, PHAs look promising candidates for biomedical applications especially in the fields of biomedical devices, tissue engineering or biodegradable drug carriers. For the latter application, amphiphilic bacterial PHAs-based diblock or triblock copolymers have been synthesized and proved to self-assemble into micelles, nanoparticles or polymersomes in aqueous media. In the case of endovascular prosthesis, drug eluting stents are of great interest in the field of interventional cardiology by promising a long-term prevention of restenosis. An adequate drug release control, mechanical response to stent expansion and degradability of the coating are of major importance. The present approach described the potential use of poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate)s as biodegradable and compatible coatings. We also showed that electrospun biocomposite scaffolds based on biocompatible and biodegradable polyesters, such as poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate)s, will hold relevance as temporary supports for human mesenchymal stromal cells development and differentiation with a high therapeutic potential in tissue regeneration processes. Recently, we developed antibacterial biomaterials based on PHAs by different photochemical modifications of the surface. Such PHAs derived materials led to a tremendous inhibition of the adhesion of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.

Biography:

Mrs. Pilar Villanueva, has a bachelor in Chemical Engineering and finished her PhD in 2009 within the programme “Technological Innovation Projects and Process and Product Engineering” in the Universitat Jaume I of Castellón. Her thesis was focused on basic research in the development of nanocomposites made of polyethylene and clay nanofillers She works in AIMPLAS as researcher and extrusion technician since 2009. She has participated in several national and European projects involved in the development of new biodegradable and compostable plastics for packaging, agricultural applications and household appliances (examples of projects HYDRUS, DRIUS, BUGWORKERS, BIOTUBO, LATSTARCH). Author of more than 20 contributions to conferences and journals, including an international patent.

Abstract:

Biodegradable plastic materials can be considered as the main breakthrough of the last two decades in plastics technology. Its use has broaden to many applications as its properties have been improved to meet more demanding requirements. Biodegradable materials are being established as an alternative to conventional thermoplastic materials in a number of applications such as packaging, biomedical, agriculture, etc. However, most of the biodegradable plastics need physical and/or chemical modifications to achieve the requirements for each case of study. Related to this, AIMPLAS is working in different European projects where new materials have been developed suitable to obtain biodegradable packaging by extrusion technologies directly applicable to conventional industrial processes. Two examples are BIOBOTTLE and BIO4MAP projects. BIOBOTTLE project. New biodegradable bottles and pouches have been developed for packaging different types of dairy products (fresh milk, pasteurized mild and UHT dairy products), maintaining their shelf life in comparison with traditional packages. The packages developed into the project, fulfil the different characteristics based on thermal, mechanical, microbiological and organoleptic properties depending on the type of dairy product. One of the main challenges of this project was to fulfil the thermal properties to support the sterilization and pasteurization conditions. BIO4MAP project. The aim of this project has been to develop innovative fully biodegradable and recyclable, multilayer, flexible and transparent structures for packaging fresh pasta and different types of cheese that requires customized modified atmosphere (MAP). Different biodegradable thermoplastic materials have been combined, mainly polylactic acid (PLA) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH). Packages have been obtained by coextrusion and thermoforming technologies. With the aim of increasing the barrier against moisture, a biodegradable coating based on natural waxes has been applied to the inner layer of the multilayer structure.

Biography:

Daniel Brannum is starting his 5th year in the Macromolecular Science and Engineering Department at Case Western Reserve University. He has 2 patents pending and multiple papers in preparation. During his time in graduate school Daniel has received the Bayer Award for excellence in research, dedication, and contribution to the scientific community and earned internship positions at 3 different Fortune 500 companies.

Abstract:

The demand for viable materials to treat medical solutions such as tissue regeneration and bone regrowth in modern day medicine has not yet been met. Though there have been many breakthroughs, in recent decades the advances are unfortunately incremental. Collagen, being the most abundant protein found in the human extracellular matrix has been an attractive option for treatment in these fields. However, properties such as thermal stability, solubility, and reconstitution of hierarchical structure have proven to be challenging. Due to the poor solubility in standard solvents people have heated solution, used organic acids, or even electrospun collagen mats. These methods destroy hydrogen bonding, denaturing the collagen into random coil type polymers. The presented research highlights a benign solvent system that allows for an increase in collagen concentration levels orders of magnitude higher than previously cited in literature. At the same time the collagen solution only temporarily disrupts the hydrogen bonding making it possible to reconstitute the natural triple helix. This method is then used to form physical crosslinked hydrogels and dry films. For additional stability and comparison of mechanical properties, chemical crosslinking through known natural methods, such as genipin and riboflavin, were used. The fundamental understanding of collagen and how to mimic physiological conditions will bring forward new advances in medical applications.

Biography:

Tina MODJINOU has started her graduate studies (PhD) at East Paris Institute of Chemistry and Materials Science in Thiais, France (Université Paris Est, CNRS) since October 2013 under the advisor of Pr. Estelle Renard in Pr. Langlois research group. Her PhD work focuses in part on the chemical modification strategies for biodegradable/biocompatible copolyester mainly PHAs for medical applications. The main goal of her studies is devoted to the design of new bio-based materials with antioxidant and antibacterial activities and the improvement of theirs properties. She has published three publications in these research fields.

Abstract:

With the increasing scarcity of oil resources and in a period of energy transition due to global warming and the impacts on the biosphere, researches increasingly greater are conducted to find an alternative to petrochemical products. Among these resources, plants have a growing interest since they are an enormous source of complex chemical molecules exploited in different fields such as Fragrance, Food, Cosmetic and Pharmaceutical industries. Essential oils, present in plant resources, constitute a non-food valorization of the Biomass. The powerful and green process of thiol-ene addition was used to elaborate bio-based networks from eugenol loaded with two phenolic compounds as active release materials. Carvacrol, a phenolic monoterpenoïd presents in thyme or oregano, and tannic acid, a polyphenol family tannins (glucose polyester) known for their antibacterial and antioxidant activities have been embedded in the cross-linked eugenol based network to increase its antibacterial properties. Their antibacterial and antioxidant activities have been evaluated and promising properties have been demonstrated since derived materials led to a tremendous inhibition of the adhesion of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Systems proceeding by diffusion (carvacrol) or by diffusion and immobilization (tannic acid) of antibacterial and antioxidant moieties have been obtained. Moreover, in the case of tannic acid, the materials present the advantage of having a sustainable antibacterial and antioxidant activities over time since an oxidative coupling reaction between phenol groups leads to the trapping of tannic acid in the network.

Biography:

Bas Krins is Director R&D of Applied Polymer Innovations BV (API). Previously he worked at Akzo (Nobel), Acordis and Diolen. He is a specialist with respect to the development of high-end applications of (bio)polymers.

Abstract:

Applied Polymer Innovations BV (API) is an commercial research institute with lab and pilot plant facilities dedicated to the development of high-end applications of polymers. It has an extensive know-how with respect to the use of biopolymers. Apart from contract-research, API is working together with investors on the development of start-ups. In 2015 the first start-up is realized: Innofil3D BV, a company producing monofilaments for 3D-printing from PLA and other polymers. At the moment other start-ups are being prepared. One start-up will produce compostable twines for the cultivations of tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers. Another start-up will produce biodegradable trimmer lines. These and other examples will be shown in order to illucidate the fact that biopolymers do offer a lot of commercially attractive opportunities for new applications.

Biography:

Dr Somayeh Mollasalehi has completed her PhD at the University of Manchester and she is working as a researcher at the University of Manchester.

Abstract:

The water soluble biodegradable polymer polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is widely industrially used in textile sizing and paper coating as well a variety of other applications. While some individual microbes and consortia capable of degrading PVA have been identified in the laboratory, there have been few studies that have examined its impact on naturally occurring microbial communities. In this research, terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (TRFLP) where used to monitor changes in the fungal community profile in compost and soil at 25°C and 45°C following PVA addition over a six weeks period. In compost, the response to the presence of PVA was complex. At both 25°C and 45°C, in the absence of PVA, the community shifted over 6 weeks, with greatest change noticeable after 2 weeks. In soil at 25°C, the community changed in the presence compared to the absence of PVA with the greatest shift in the community occurring after four weeks before returning to a profile similar to that seen in the absence of PVA after 6 weeks. Overall, this study has shown that PVA causes a significant shift in the fungal community with a number of T-RF’s detected only in the presence of PVA. However, these were minor components of the community and the presence of PVA did not cause a major shift in the dominant species.

Biography:

Dr. Lucía Famá has completed his PhD and postdoctoral studies from University of Buenos aires, Argentina. She is adjunt investigator of the National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET) and profesor asistant from University of Buenos Aires. She has published more than 25 papers in reputed journals, 7 chapters of books, and she has 3 pantente. She also recived two prizes for her expertise in biomaterials. She works in composite and biodegradable materials for 15 years, and currently develops her investigations in the laboratory of polymers and composites materials from University of Buenos aires.

Abstract:

Packaging has a key role in containing and protecting food since it is highly manipulated by producers and consumers. However, packaging materials are one of the main solid wastes in major cities of the world. Cassava starch constitutes a useful alternative to develop eco-friendly materials to replace that from petroleum due to its advantages such as biodegradability, low cost and availability. The incorporation of additives from natural sources into starch films is a new strategy to improve the shelf-life of food products and the functionality of a packaging. In this sense, antioxidants (yerba mate extract), proteins (from lentil) and micro/nano fillers (from lentil and starch) were investigated because the important properties that they can transmit to a food product such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-mutagen, or protean effects, and as reinforcement of food packaging. Starch-glycerol films with antioxidants and protein presented improvements in the strain at break, showing materials with more flexibility, as a typical behavior of a plasticized film. The plasticizing effect of these additives was also confirmed from water vapour permeability, thermogravimetric and mechanic dynamic properties. The use of lentil microparticles and starch nanoparticles showed significant reinforcing effect. The effects observed on cassava starch based films, derived from the incorporation of antioxidants, protein and particles, makes us to think about the different potential uses of these films as coating and/or packaging of food products in order to retard their oxidation, avoid chipping or cracking during handling, increase their shelf life, and/or as reinforcement of their cover.

Biography:

Asma Alhosni is a PhD student at the University of Manchester, She has completed her MSc from Nottingham University in UK..She is working as a lecturere at the Higher college of Technology in the Sultanate of Oman

Abstract:

Over the last six decades, the use of plastic materials has had a major impact on our daily lives and has become essential for modern societies due to their extensive and diverse range of applications. However, the recalcitrant nature of many plastics means that they are problematic in terms of disposal and are a major industrial waste product and environmental pollutant. The use of biodegradable polymers can aid in resolving a number of waste management issues as they are degraded ultimately to CO2 and water and can be directed to conventional industrial composting systems. Four different biodegradable polymers, namely polycaprolactone, polyhydroxybutytate, polylactic acid and poly(1,4 butylene) succinate were used to study the time required for biodegradation to occur in soil and compost under laboratory conditions. Degradation of polymer discs was measured by monitoring changes in disc weight, thickness and diameter over a period of more than ten months at three different temperatures: 25°C, 37°C and 50°C. Degradation rates varied widely between the polymers and the incubation temperatures. Polycaprolactone showed the fastest degradation rate under all conditions and found to be completely degraded when buried in compost and incubated at 50°C after 91 days. Fungi from the surface of the polymers discs following colonisation were isolated and identified by ITS rDNA sequencing.