Day 2 :
- Biopolymes as Materials | Green Composites in Biopolymers
Session Introduction
Takashi Yamashita
Tokyo University of Technology, Japan
Title: Development of Glycol-Lignin Derivatives for High Performance Hybrid Materials
Time : 11:20-11:45
Biography:
Professor Dr. Takashi Yamashita had been graduated from The University of Tokyo in 1984, then he had gotten Ph., D. from the University of Tokyo. He had worked for the University of Tokyo, Tokyo University of Science, and then he moved to Tokyo University of Technology in 2014 as the Department Head. His research interests cover development of photo-functional materials such as molecular machines, development of functional polyimides, development of the materials with nano-structure, fundamental theory on solid state photochemistry, and development of bio-mass materials. He had received Award of Photopolymer Science and Technology, and so on
Abstract:
Lignin is one of the natural resources contained in coniferous trees up to 30% in weight, but it has not been utilized as a useful material up to now in contrast to the wide application of celluloses. Recently Dr. Yamada has invented “glycollignin”, which is soluble materials directly derived from coniferous tree chips by the solvolysis with oligo-ethylene glycol. We have developed hybrid film materials with the glycol-lignin and clays which have excellent properties such as insulation, gas barrier, surge resistance and so on as well as thermal stability, and which are now applied as gasket packings FRP matrices and so on. In order to improve the film properties and processability of the glycol lignin, we prepared several derivatives of the glycol-lignin. Phenolic hydroxyl groups and the hydroxyl groups of ethylene glycol chains on the glycol-lignin were determined as 1.89mmol/g and 2.35mmol/g, respectively based on the acetylation method. Then several functional groups such as diisocyanates, dianhydrids, chlorides, epoxides and so on were introduced on the active hydroxyl moieties to the materials. Introduction of (di)anhydrides afford the material water-solubility which improved the fabrication process so much. Addition of diisocianates gave water-containing-elastic gelly materials. Thus chemical modification of the glycol-lignin has opened a door to the wide application of the materials from the view point of sustainable engineering.
Elisabete Frollini
University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
Title: Bio-based materials from renewable resources: A brief overview
Time : 11:45-12:10
Biography:
Elisabete Frollini is the Head of the Macromolecular Materials and Lignocellulosic Fiber Group, and is currently the coordinator of the Center for Research on Science and Technology of BioResources (Institute of Chemistry of Sao Carlos, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Carlos, Sao Paulo, Brazil). She has expertise in bio-based polymeric materials from biomass with an emphasis on lignocellulosic biomass, which has also been used within the scope of biorefinery.
Abstract:
Our research is focused on the use of raw materials which come from renewable sources and it aims at replacing those derived from petrochemical routes. In this context, cellulose derivatives have been synthesized for diversified applications1, polymers have been prepared for applications such as films, as well as matrices in composites reinforced with lignocellulosic fibers2,3, which have also been used as reinforcement of biopolymers obtained on an industrial scale4. In addition, bio-based mats have been prepared from the electrospinning of solutions obtained from the dissolution of lignocellulosic fibers and/or from their main constituents, combined or not with other polymers5,6,. The methodologies used in these studies have followed what is described in the respective papers. Ongoing studies are conducted by using similar methodologies to those described in the papers already published2-6. Lignins and derivatives (such as lignosulfonates) have successfully replaced phenols in the synthesis of phenolic resins subsequently used as matrices in composites reinforced with lignocellulosic fibers (such as sugarcane bagasse, coconut, sisal, curauá), as well as polyol replacements in the synthesis of polyurethanes (combine or not with castor oil), which were later used as matrices and also as films. Recent studies, as well as those in progress, have shown that the properties of mats such as the diameters of ultrafine (submicron) and nanometric (diameter ≤ 100 nm) fibers, tensile properties, among others, can be tuned by the electrospinning of solutions obtained by the simultaneous dissolution of lignocellulosic fibers or the constituents thereof (cellulose and/or lignin) and a polymer, both when the fibers are randomly oriented and when they are preferably oriented in a certain direction. The set of results obtained in the mentioned studies, as well as in others not cited herein, has generally met the expectations and also matches the worldwide tendency to seek raw material from renewable sources that leads to products with good properties.
12:10-12:40 Poster Presentations BP-01 to BP-10 @ Foyer
12:45-13:15 Poster Presentations BP-11 to BP-19 @ Foyer
Lunch Break 13:15-14:00 @ NCafé
Lovely Mathew
Viswajyothi College of Engineering and Technology, India
Title: Development of potentially biodegradable cellulose nanocrystal reinforced PBS-HBPP bionanocomposites
Time : 14:00-14:25
Biography:
Dr. Lovely Mathew has completed her Ph D from Cochin University of Science and Technology in 2006. She was the Professor of Chemistry Faculty in Newman College, Kerala since 1981. After her retirement in 2015, now she is working as a Professor and Project coordinator (Research) in Viswajyothi college of Engineering and Technology, Vazhakulam, Muvatupuzha, Kerala, India. She has published more than 20 papers in reputed international/national journals and has presented several research papers in various international conferences abroad. Her research area is natural fibre/nanocelluose reinforced polymer composites/Nanocomposites. She has completed several major research projects funded by DST, UGC KSCSTE, etc.. She is a registered guide of International and Inter University Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala ,India
Abstract:
A cost effective green approach has been used for the preparation of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) from isora fibre which is a bast fibre obtained from the bark of Helicteres isora plant. The process involves microwave liquefaction followed by persulphate treatment. CNC’s were extensively characterized by SEM, TEM, AFM, TGA WAXRD etc; to establish the morphology, aspect ratio, crystallinity, thermal stability etc. The aim of this work is to study the property enhancement of Poly butyl succinate (PBS)- hyper branched polyester polyols (HBPP) blends by adding CNC’s at different proportions to give green composites with potential applications in areas such as food packaging and medicines. Biodegradable (PBS) / (HBPP) blended films were processed using a brabender twin-screw compounder machine. This paper reports a single step reactive extrusion process for the fabrication of thermally stable PBS-HBPP grafted CNC’s bio nanocomposite films using dicumyl peroxide as a cross linking agent. The effect of addition of CNC particles on the mechanical, thermal and barrier properties of PBS-HBPP blends were studied. Spherulitic morphology, chemical structure and crystalline structure of neat PBS and PBS-HBPP blended films were examined by optical polarizing microscopy (OPM), FTIR spectroscopy and WAXRD respectively.. The addition of HBPP increased the toughness, and wettability of the film. FTIR spectroscopy studies showed that the PBS-HBPP blend was grafted on CNC through a stable C- C bond formation. This strong chemical link led to the efficient transfer of modulus of CNC’s to the PBS-HBPP blend thereby increasing the tensile strength and young’s modulus to a greater extent. Significant reduction in water vapour and oxygen permeability rates was also observed for PBS-HBPP nanocomposite over neat PBS. Experimentally, it was observed that the CNC’s wt. content, size and morphology are the parameters that substantially influence the mechanical, thermal and barrier properties of the composite samples. The surface of the nano particles act as initiators for network formation, as observed by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of the fractured sample
Biography:
Fabio Silvestri obtained his PhD in Material Science from University of Milano-Bicocca working on organic electronics (Prof. G. A. Pagani). During the doctoral studies, he also worked at Northwestern University (Prof. T.J. Marks) and Universidad Autonoma de Madrid (Prof Torres) on synthesis and characterization of new materials, and as a post-doctoral fellow at ETH Zürich, in the Prof. F. Diederich group. He then moved to Dow Chemical, working on polyurethane foams, and later on he joined Trocellen as Product Development Manager. He is now Innovation Manager for Trocellen group: his focus is to find new technology driven opportunities.
Abstract:
Chemically cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) foams can be considered as a commodity material, due to the high volumes and the relatively low price compared to other polymers and foams. Furukawa Electric, the shareholder of Trocellen Group, filed the first patent on this topic in 1968, almost 50 years ago, so we are not talking about an innovative technology. However, polyethylene is still an interesting material with a lot of different application, ranging from insulation to footwear, from automotive to sport and tapes.
Our new vision is “Making a difference – shaping the future”, so we have started to think about a solution to provide a safe and comfortable future with products that make a difference.
For this reason, we have decided to develop Trocellen Bio, a new foam that anticipates a precise request from the market, giving to our customer the opportunity to decide between the normal grade and a more sustainable one. This is because with this approach we can strongly reduce the CO2 emission, something it was never done in this field, at least at industrial scale. The most important thing is we can do it without any compromise in terms of physical-mechanical properties. As you can see in Figure 1, the compression stress at 25 and 50% is the same for the foam produced with Bio-based and petrochemical based polyethylene.
The same if we consider another mechanical property, the compression set (Figure 2).
As you can see, the values are very close to each other, underlying that this is a real alternative to the actual foam on the market, and a sustainable approach is possible.
Shuhua Zhang
Shanghai University of Engineering Science, China
Title: Processing Optimization and Characterization for PLA/MgAlCu-LDH/PVP Composite Microsphere
Biography:
Shuhua Zhang has completed his PhD from Harbin University of Science and Technology, and visiting studies from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory as a senior research scholar from September of 2013~ September of 2014. She is the associate professor of materials in polymer materials and engineering of Shanghai University of Engineering Science now. She has published more than 30 papers, an academic monographs and owned 4 authorized invention patents of China
Abstract:
In order to improve the mechanical properties of polylactic acid(PLA), PLA/MgAlCu-LDH/polyvinyl pyrrolidone(PVP) composite microsphere was successfully prepared on the basis of seminal emulson polymerization with PLA and PVP as monomer, MgAlCu-LDH as intercalating agent. Design-Expert 8.5 software was employed to optimize the processing technology with two steps. Firstly, single factor was analyzed based on the mass fraction ratio of MgAlCu-LDH to PLA, PVP concentration and stirring speed range being 1/15~1/8, 1~2%, 800~1200r/min, respectively. Secondly, the interaction effects of three factors were discussed according to the analysis of the software. The results show that the influence factors to microspheres size were as follows: the stirring speed > the mass fraction ratio of MgAlCu-LDH to PLA > PVP concentration. The optimized processing technology of microspheres indicates that the mass fraction ratio of MgAlCu-LDH to PLA is 1/15, the concentration of PVP is 2%, the stirring rate is 1200r/min. The structure and morphology of the dried frozen composite microsphere were characterized by XRD, FT-IR and SEM. The intercalation of part of the PLA into the gap of MgAlCu-LDH would be responsible for the new peaks on XRD spectra of MgAlCu-LDH and the disappear peaks at 1750cm-1, 1200cm-1 assigned to C=O on FT-IR spectra of PLA, which proves PLA/ MgAlCu-LDH/PVP composite microsphere was successfully prepared. Interestingly, some tinny channels resulted from volatile solvent on the surface of microsphere may be benefit for biocompatible
Marco Frediani
University of Florence, Italy
Title: Pyridine and Bipyridine End-functionalized Polylactide: Synthesis and Catalytic Applications
Biography:
Abstract:
The search for new recyclable hydrogenation catalysts stimulated the synthesis of a great deal of heterogeneous metal-supported catalysts(1). In this context, mainly metallo-supramolecular polymers and block copolymers found a wide range of applications as catalyst support due to the unique possibility to tune the chemical and physical properties of the polymer backbone combined with its low cost, good performance and recyclability under real catalytic conditions(2, 3). In addition, the solubility of functionalized polymers in certain solvents, while they are insoluble in others was successfully employed to recycle the catalytic metal centers anchored to these polymers(4). Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) was functionalized with nitrogen containing aromatic groups such as pyridine and asymmetric 2,2’-bipyridine at the carboxylic acid-end of the polymer chain by means of tin octanoate-catalysed ring opening polymerization(5). The obtained macroligands have been successfully employed to coordinate Pd(II), which chemoselectively hydrogenated α,β- unsaturated carbonyl compounds to give the saturated counterpart as major product (Figure 1)(6) The catalyst was easily recycled upon a simple filtration process.
End-functionalized isotactic PLA chains with opposite stereochemistry were used to generate, through a known supramolecular self-assembling process, functionalized stereocomplexes, featured by a higher thermal and hydrolytic resistence compared to isotactic PLA(7). The chemical nature of the nitrogen ligand introduced at the chain end of PLA was exploited to stabilize Pd-nanoparticles (NPs) by interactions of the aromatic or nitrogen functionality with the NPs’ surface. The polymer- anchored Pd-NPs were generated by: (i) a classical approach which comprised the coordination of Pd(II) to the nitrogen donor atoms of the functional group prior to reduction with hydrogen; (ii) the interaction of solvent-stabilized Pd-clusters, obtained by the metal vapor synthesis(8), with the functionalized PLA-stereocomplexes. The polymer-supported Pd-NPs were successfully applied to catalyze the selective hydrogenation of selected alkynes to the corresponding alkene (Figure 2a)(9) and cinnamyl alcohol to the corresponding saturated aldehyde (Figure 2b)(10). A key finding with functionalized PLA-stabilized Pd-NPs was that the end-group controls the Pd-NPs’ size and distribution, exerting hence a pronounced effect on the observed chemoselectivity of the catalytic reactions.
Networking & Refreshment Break 15:40-16:00 @ Foyer
Biography:
Dr. Amit Jaiswal is presently an assistant professor at the Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, India. He has completed his PhD in nanotechnology from IIT Guwahati and post-doc from Washington University in St. Louis, USA and Technion – Israel Institute of Technology. His research interest is in the synthesis of nanomaterials for sensing, catalysis, drug delivery and diagnostic applications. Dr. Jaiswal has published more than 10 papers in reputed journals
Abstract:
Cationic polymers for gene delivery to cells both in-vitro and in-vivo have been studied in detail. However, studies have shown that cationic polymer such as polyethyleneimine (PEI) suffer from high cellular toxicity and poor biocompatibility. Graphene and its derivatives such as Graphene Oxide (GO) and reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO) have emerged as excellent nanomaterials for biomedical applications such as drug delivery, gene delivery, cellular imaging, biosensing, photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy, tissue engineering etc due to their excellent physicochemical, optical and biocompatible properties. Here, we report the synthesis of a novel non-viral nano-vector for efficient gene delivery by functionalizing rGO sheets with a water-soluble biocompatible cationic polymer Poly (allylamine hydrochloride). GO sheets synthesised by improved Hummer’s method were simultaneously reduced and functionalized by PAH to form physiologically stable rGO/PAH nanocomposites. The optical, morphological, chemical, and structural properties of these nanocomposites were characterized in detail using UV-Visible spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, TEM, SEM, AFM, FT-IR and XRD respectively. Gel retardation assay using pEGFP clearly demonstrated the efficient DNA binding ability of these nanocomposites, thus validating the potential of rGO/PAH to be used as a non-viral gene delivery vector.
Biography:
Abstract:
According to the global trend in the world, many studies are conducted to valorize plant biomass as materials1,2. Plant fibers are used to reinforce composites and to enhance their properties. The lignin fraction produced by wood and paper industries, which is burnt now to produce energy3, should be valorized through chemistry for the synthesis of high value-added compound. In this work, ferulic acid and its derivatives, which can be obtained from lignin, were used to influence the aspect ratio of lignocellulosic fibers, one of the key parameters for mechanical thermoplastic's fiber reinforcement.
Two ferulic acid derivatives were synthesized by enzymatic chemistry following a green process4,5,6 and subsequently pulverized on hemp fibers. The first derivative was a macrobisphenol while the second one was obtained after the methylation of the phenolic functions of the latter. These pretreated lignocellulosic fibers were incorporated in a polycaprolactone matrix during a single screw extrusion process. Tensile test specimens were injected and mechanical properties were measured. Chemical analysis were conducted by SEC to measure the impact of the ferulic acid derivatives on the molar mass of the matrix. Rheological analysis provided information about the plasticizing effect of the ferulic acid derivatives on the materials. Hemp fibers, ferulic acid derivatives and crude polycaprolactone were also analyzed by Raman spectroscopy to define their spectral profile7.
The microstructure of the composites was determined by Confocal Raman Imaging and was correlated with the mechanical properties measured by tensile tests. We evidenced that the very single methylation of the macrobisphenol led to significant differences on the mechanical properties and the structure of the composites. Two hypothesis were investigated to explain such effects: a stronger interaction between hemp fibers and ferulic acid derivative changing the microstructure and/or an increased plasticizing effect of the ferulic acid derivative on the polymeric matrix.
- Biodegradable Polymers | Natural Polymers | Bippolymers Feed Stock Challenges & Opportunities | Biopolymers in Biofibers & Microbial Cellulose
Session Introduction
Marine Janvier
Chaire ABI – AgroParisTech, France
Title: Chemo-enzymatic synthesis and polymerizations of bio-based bisphenols derived from ferulic and sinapic acids
Biography:
Dr Marine Janvier is currently a post-doctoral researcher in Chemistry at the Chair ABI (Industrial Agro-Biotechnologies) in Reims (France). She has completed her PhD in green chemistry from University Claude Bernard (Lyon, France) where she studied the applications of isohexides as a new biobased platform for organocatalysis, developing an expertise in organic synthesis. She joined Professor Florent Allais' research group (Chair ABI) in 2016 for a post-doctoral fellowship dedicated to the use of syringaresinol as a platform molecule for the production of functional antiradical/antioxidant additives as well as monomer for polymerizations. Applications to epoxy-amine resins and non-isocyanate polyurethanes have shown the high interest of syringaresinol as a genuine renewable and safer replacement to toxic bisphenol-A. Those results have been published in peer-reviewed journals and presented in international congresses (ACS Philadelphia 2016 and ISGC La Rochelle 2017)
Abstract:
Novel renewable bisphenols were prepared through chemo-enzymatic processes under mild conditions from ferulic and sinapic acids.1,2 The enzyme-catalyzed steps have been optimized and lead to high purity grade bisphenols in high to excellent yields.
 The antiradical3/antioxidant4 properties of these bio-based bisphenols were investigated and revealed activities similar or higher than that of current commercially available antiradical/antioxidant additives such as Irganox 1010®. The bisphenols were then used as monomers for the preparation of various types of polymers such as copolyesters,1 polyurethanes,1 polyolefins,1,5 non-isocyanates polyurethanes (NIPUs)6 and epoxy resins7,8,9. The newly obtained materials were then characterized by NMR, GPC, DSC, TGA and DMA. These analyses revealed not only good thermal stabilities but also a broad range of accessible Tg.
Biography:
Michel Dana defended its PhD in organic chemistry at the University of Bordeaux I in 1996. Michel works at SILAB since 1997 and is now manager of the new technology platform
Abstract:
Interpenetrating polymer networks (IPN) (1) have gained great attention in the last decades, mainly due to their biomedical applications. IPN present properties that can be very different according to the macromolecular constituents and that can be tailored by the process. Currently, IPN are composed of chemical polymers or cross-linked by using chemicals. Our study aimed to develop an IPN based on natural polymers and chemical free to obtain a biopolymer-based film with “second skin” (2) properties, biosourced, biodegradable and in accordance with the requirements of the cosmetic industry.
For this purpose, we studied the influence of different natural polysaccharides molecular mass and their ratio but also the natures and concentration of the cross linker on the IPN properties, in the manufacturing process. This approach led to the development of the eco-designed and patented IBPN technology® (Interpenetrating BioPolymer Network). The resulting material is composed of a galactomannans network from Caesalpinia spinosa (3, 4) and of a sulfated galactans network from Kappaphycus alvarezii (5, 6) ionically crosslinked. Thermodynamic analyses by DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry) and DMA (Dynamic Mechanical Analyses) associated with visualization by AFM (Atomic Force Microscopy) and SEM (Scanning Electronic Microscopy) revealed the physical-IPN organization of the obtained material. Applied to the skin, this natural physical-IPN forms a “second-skin” film since it protects against mechanical aggressions (-14%, P<0.05), pollutants (-47%, P<0.001) and irritants (-22%).
In conclusion, the resulting biopolymer-based film has outstanding “second skin” properties. It is biodegradable and perfectly suitable to the cosmetic industry requirements. The sourcing of the two plants used for its production is sustainable. This study demonstrates the interest of the interpenetrating biopolymer network technology for new promising applications
Martin Koller
University of Graz, Austria
Title: Production of Polyhydroxyalkanoate (pha) Biopolyesters based on food-industrial waste- and surplus materials
Biography:
Martin Koller is working in the Office of Research Management and Service, c/o Institute of Chemistry, University of Graz, NAWI Graz, Heinrichstrasse 28/III, 8010 Graz, Austria
Abstract:
Scope: Value-added conversion of waste streams form food industry towards microbial biopolyesters [poly(hydroxyalkanoates), (PHAs)], used as biodegradable “green plastics”, is presented by two case studies: The utilization of lipid-rich waste fraction from slaughtering and rendering industry and of carbohydrate-rich waste from dairy industry. Process viability is demonstrated based on experimental results and economic appraisals, and by introducing strategies for the recycling of waste streams of the PHA production process itself.
Background: Our increasing demand for safe and convenient packaging materials and other plastics motivated mankind to produce more than 300 Mt annually of highly recalcitrant plastics, which are predominately based on limited fossil resources. Resulting piles of plastic waste, greenhouse gas emissions, global warming, together with the ongoing depletion of the fossil resources, provoked a tremendously dynamic “green plastic” market. Critically analysing various available “green plastics” often reveals severe shortcomings regarding the attributes “biobased”, “biodegradable”, “compostable”, and “biocompatible” that “green plastics” have to fulfil according to valid regulations [1]. In this context, the life cycle of PHAs, accumulated as microbial intracellular carbon- and energy reserves, justifies classifying them as “green plastics”. They are based on renewable resources and undergo complete biodegradation during composting. Molecular composition and material performance of PHA are pre-defined in statu nascendi during biosynthesis. Chemically, PHAs encompass thermoplastic short chain length PHA (scl-PHA) and elastomeric medium chain length PHA (mcl-PHA). Possible fields of implementation encompass compostable packaging, medical and pharmaceutical formulations and items, biodegradable latexes, or nano-particles. Low-quality PHAs can be converted to chiral compounds, novel biofuels or other green energy carriers [2]. PHAs must compete with their petro-chemical opponents both in terms of material performance AND economically. Up to now, PHA production resorts to expensive feedstocks of nutritional value, thus contributing to the current “plate-vs.-plastic” controversy. Switching to carbon-rich waste-streams of diverse industrial processes upgrades industrial waste streams, preserves food resources, and enhances the economics of PHA production [2].
Our case studies: Availability of suitable carbon-rich feedstocks defines the location of an envisaged PHA production facility. Processes developed in our recently performed R&D projects (acronyms ANIMPOL and WHEYPOL), financed by the EC, resort to abundantly available waste streams of the European food industry:
- ANIMPOL project: Surplus lipids from slaughterhouses (annual quantities in Europe: 500,000 t) can be transesterificated to crude glycerol (CG) and fatty acid esters (FAEs, biodiesel). Saturated FAEs (SFAE) counteract the application of biodiesel as engine fuel, but can be converted to PHA. Integrating PHA production into existing biodiesel facilities, SFAE-based PHA can be produced at less than 2 €/kg. Both SFAE and CG constitute precious carbon sources for production of either thermoplastic scl-PHA or highly elastic, amorphous mcl-PHA. [3-5]
- WHEYPOL project: In Europe, more than 14 Mt of surplus whey accrue at dairies every year, which causes growing environmental concern. Especially in Northern Italian regions, numerous huge dairy companies are located, which dispose of around 1 million litres of whey daily, often by simply pouring it into the sea. We profited from the fact that lactose, whey´s main carbohydrate, acts as substrate in various bioprocesses like PHA production, and used it to produce thermoplastic scl-PHA. Here, cost estimations suggest an already competitive production price below 3 €/kg [6].
- In addition to the choice of the appropriate raw materials, it is pivotal to close the material cycles of the PHA production process itself and of the subsequent PHA-recovery process, especially when using extremely halophilic microbial production strains, which require environmentally hazardous cultivation media [7]. Recycling experiments revealed that highly saline spent fermentation broth and cell debris can successfully be returned to subsequent fermentation batches as microbial salt- and nutrient source; this approach lowers the overall PHA production costs, and reduces environmental risks, as was demonstrated by LCA studies. Such LCA studies clearly demonstrated the environmental superiority of our novel processes compared to the life cycle of petrol-based plastics [8-10].
Lela Amiranashvili
Tbilisi State Medical University, Georgia
Title: Identification of biologically active compounds from Symphytum (Boraginaceae)
Biography:
L. Amiranashvili has completed his PhD at the age of 27 from I. Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University. She is a research scientist at Tbilisi State Medical University I.Kutateteladze Institute of Pharmacochemistry, department of plant biopolymers. She has published more than 40 papers in reputed journals. Her field of professional interests is Bioorganic and Medicinal chemistry.
Abstract:
Recently high-molecular fractions were isolated from species of Boragenaceae family Symphytum asperum and S.caucasicum. Based on the IR and NMR spectroscopy data, poly[3-(3,4 dihydroxyphenyl)glyceric acid] (PDPGA) was confirmed to be the major component of these fractions. This compound represents a new class of natural polyethers with a residue of 3-(3,4 dihydroxyphenyl)glyceric acid as the repeating unit. Polymer possesses immunomodulatory (anticomplementary), antioxidant, antiinflammatory and wound-healing properties. Phytochemical investigation of roots and stems of Symphytum asperum L. was carried out in order to define starting substances for biosynthesis of PDPGA. The solid-liquid extraction technique was chosen as the first step for isolation the compounds probably containing the fragments of PDPGA, followed by the investigation using UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS technique. The UHPLC-Q- TOF/MS analysis of extracts of S. asperum roots/stems revealed the presence of low molecular weight compounds such as caffeic, rosmarinic, chlorogenic and salvianolic acids as well several oligomers. The obtained results show that the comfrey roots/stems can be used as a source for the isolation of low molecular weight biologically active compounds
Amandine flourat
Agro paris tech, France
Title: Synthesis and characterisation of new biodegradable polymers with antiradical and antimicrobial activities
Biography:
Amandine Flourat is researcher and head of chemistry department at Chaire ABI from 2012. The aim of Chaire ABI is the valorization of agricultural coproducts through microbiology, process engineering and green chemistry. Amandine Flourat develops new synthetic pathways using biocatalyst and biobased products to access high value molecules and new polymers.
Abstract:
Climate change and the depletion of fossil resources lead to a transformation of polymer industry. Now, demands are for sustainable polymers offering a wide range of applications. In this mood, we dedicated our self to the synthesis and the characterization of a new class of biobased aromatic polymers able to be degraded in aqueous media presenting a wide range of properties. To know about the potential field of application, we studied thermal stabilities, determined by ATG, which are higher than 270 °C, and glass transition temperatures. These ones are tunable depending of monomers’ flexibility and hydrogen bonding but always superior at 100°C. Then antiradical activities are determined by DPPH scavenging test. Whereas antimicrobial properties are tested on Gram + and Gram - bacteria.
Martin Masuelli
Instituto de FÃsica Aplicada-CONICET y FQByF-UNSL
Title: Rheology of alcayota gum
Time : 14.10-14:35
Biography:
Martin Alberto MASUELLI is Master of Surfaces Science and Porous Media (2003), and Doctor in Chemistry (2007), title obtained in National University of San Luis, Argentina. Member of the Institute of Applied Physics (INFAP) belonging to National Council for Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET), as Research Assistant, 2011. He won three scholarships. He is UNSL Adj. Professor. He is the director of Director of the Laboratory of Physical Chemistry Services, UNSL. He has published more than 19 papers in journals and has been serving as a reviewer and editorial board member of repute, 5 book chapters and 52 congress presentation. Guest Editor of the Books: "Fiber Reinforced Polymers-The Applied Technology for Concrete Repair," INTECH, Croatia, 2013; "Advances in Physicochemical Properties of Biopolymers”, Bentham Publishing, USA, April 2016; "Biopackaging", CRC Press, April 2017. Editor in Chief and founder of the Journal of Polymer Physics and Chemistry Biopolymers, July 2013. He is also a member of the Argentina Association of Physicochemical and Inorganic Chemistry (AAFQI), and Argentina Society of Environmental Science and Technology (SACyTA). Recognition of Excellence in the review of papers in 2012, Desalination, Elsevier. Director of Project PRO 2-2414, UNSL: "Regional polysaccharides: Purification and Physical Chemistry Characterization. Applications: Analytics, a Separative Processes and Food Industry”, 2014.
Abstract:
Cucurbita ficifolia is a creeping plant with a fleshy fruit, round and elongated, with a thick, smooth shell, resistant to low temperatures but not to severe frost (Figure 1). The mesocarp (pulp) is white with a granular and fibrous texture. The fruit was separated into three parts: peel, pulp and seeds. The pulp was dried and then ground to obtain the flour from which the hydrolysis was carried out.
Figure 1: Some cucurbits. to. Cucurbita maximum (pumpkin). B. Cucumis melo (yellow melon). C. Citrullus lanatus (watermelon). D. Cucumis sativus (cucumber). and. Cucurbita ficifolia (alcayota). F. Cucurbita moschata (zapallo anco).
Hot aqueous extracts were made to the moist pulp and a Cy (d) dispersed (used for rheology) solution Cy (d) solution (used for capillary viscosimetry) was obtained.
From Cy concentrations of 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.4% and 0.6% wt. in an aqueous solution of 0.1M NaCl, which acts as a stabilizer, the intrinsic viscosity was measured with an Ubbelodhe 1B viscometer and density with Anton Paar DM35N densimeter in the thermostatic bath at 25°C.
The hydrolysis procedure was performed on the Cy (d) dispersion, with 0.1M NaOH at 65°C for two hours and then precipitated with ethanol. The precipitate is washed with ethanol several times, obtaining a polysaccharide of average molecular weight having free oxydril groups called CyOH (d). To the above dispersion (CyOH (d)) was added 5 ml of glycerol and stirred cold for a few minutes to homogenize, these solutions were used to measure the flow ability curve. Also, dispersions of Cy (d) of different concentrations: 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6% in distilled water were prepared. Some of them were hydrolyzed, being named as CyOH (d) and measured with a Brookfield DVIII rheometer at a temperature of 25°C. The assay was repeated by adding 2, 4 and 5% glycerol to some of the hydrolyzed dispersions at temperatures of 35 and 40°C in a thermostatic bath.
The intrinsic viscosity was 149.83 cm3/g and the molecular weight was 1867000 g/mol (Marck-Houwink parameters of k = 0.00263 and a= 0.7583), with a hydrodynamic radius of 53nm, a shape factor of 3.12 and a hydration value of 47.63 g/g. Studies for CyOH (d) showed a thixotropic behavior for dispersed solutions which increased with increasing hydrolysis and glycerin and decreased with increasing temperature. The degree of thixotropy is higher for CyOH (d) compared to Cy (d).
Norma Mallegni
University of Pisa, Italy
Title: Green Composites based on PHA and natural fibres for applications in marine and land environments
Time : 14:35-14:55
Biography:
Norma Mallegni PhD student in University of Pisa, Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, Master Degree in Chemistry, is working on copolymerization, blending and processing of biobased polymers for tuning properties and sustainability of biobased materials.
Abstract:
Green composites based on polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) with 10 to 20 wt% natural fibres were manufactured by extrusion and characterized. Two different types of fibres were used: fibrous wastes of the seagrass Posidonia Oceanica (PO) and sawdust (SD). PHA was successfully compounded with both fibres using 10 wt % acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC) as plasticizer. Thermal, rheological, mechanical (tensile and Charpy’s impact tests) and morphological characterizations of the developed composites were conducted. The composites showed good thermal and mechanical properties, the impact energy-absorbing capability was markedly increased with increasing the fibre loading of PO or SD compared with that of the unfilled material.
The biodegradability of the composites based on PHA and PO fibres was assessed in sea water using standardized procedures based on the carbon dioxide evolution. Whereas, the biodegradability of the composites based on PHA and SD was assessed by measuring the amount of carbon mineralized during incubation under composting conditions. Both tests showed that the presence of the fibres facilitated the disintegration of the composite films increasing their biodegradation rate in the two different investigated environments.
Yuejiao Yang
University of Trento, Italy
Title: Keratin from camel and cashmere hairs: processing evaluation
Biography:
Yuejiao Yang is the third year PhD student of School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, China. In 2006, she received the scholarship from Erasmus program and now she is the visiting PhD student in Department of Industrial Engineering and Biotech Research Centre, University of Trento, Italy. She started to work with biopolymer during her mater degree and now she is focusing on extraction keratin from animal hairs by using Ionic Liquids.
Abstract:
Keratin, a fibrous protein, is abundantly available from a variety of sources including human hairs, wool and feathers. Keratin exhibits a stable three dimensional polypeptide structure consisting of a triple-helix of protein chains held together by a range of covalent (disulfide bonds) and noncovalent interactions. Like many nature biopolymers, keratin has shown promise for applications as biomaterial due to its intrinsic biocompatibility, biodegradability, mechanical durability, and natural abundance. However, the dissolution and processing of keratin in common solvents is difficult. Many reagents have the capability to reduce the disulfide bonds, preserve and maintain the protein structure; however these materials are often toxic.
In this work, we have investigated the dissolution and regeneration of keratin from camel hair and cashmere by using two ionic liquids (ILs), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([BMIM]cl) and N,N-dimethylammonium formate([DMEA][HCOO]). Dissolution was conducted at 130°C for 10 hours and the water insoluble fraction was recovered by addition of water to the solution and then lyophilization. The remaining fraction, consisting of water soluble fragments, was dialyzed against water and then lyophilized to recover the fragments. The mechanism of dissolution by ILs was observed by microscope with single fibre. The structure and properties of the regenerated, water insoluble and soluble fractions were investigated by Amino acid analysis, SEM, FTIR, DSC and TGA with the comparison of raw materials, and the soluble fraction was characterized by protein quantification and gel electrophoresis.
Yunlong Jia
Hamburg University of Technology, Germany
Title: Multiple scale study of hydrothermal degradation in the interfacial regions of flax fiber/bio-based polyurethane composites
Time : 15:15-15:35
Biography:
Yunlong Jia is a doctoral candidate in Hamburg University of Technology with his research topic ‘durability of flax fiber reinforced bio-composites for structural applications’. He graduated with M.Sc. in mechanical engineering in 2012 and published four articles during his graduate program. After graduation, he was finically supported by the China Scholarship Council to conduct his research in the Institute of Polymer Composites.
Abstract:
The recent years has witnessed a rising development of bio-composites in a wide range of applications. Much effort has been devoted to improve the performance of bio-composites. One of the most important aspect lies in the optimization of the interfacial properties. The intrinsic hydrophilic properties of natural fibers not only cause incompatibility with matrix but also make the interfacial regions very sensitive to weathering effects. The changing ambient temperature, humidity might cause degradation in the interfacial regions in the long term, which is among the least understood components of bio-composites. This study aim at a better understanding of hydrothermal degradation and its effects on the interfacial properties of flax fiber/bio-based polyurethane composites.
Experiments were elaborated at two scales. Single yarn fragmentation tests were performed as a reliable way to focus on the fiber/matrix interfaces. Corresponding unidirectional tensile tests were performed to investigate the influences of degradation at the scale of composites. It is found that interfacial bonding between flax fibers and matrix were weakened by the degradation caused by the hydrothermal effects. Results obtained at two scales correlate with each other well. Degradation in the interfacial regions can be well reflected by indicators from single yarn fragmentation tests like fragmentation development, fragmentation length distributions, and crack shapes etc. Interestingly, not only water absorption, but also water desorption cause degradation of fiber/matrix interfaces
Biography:
Abstract:
- Biopolymer Applications | Advanced Biopolymers | Biopolymers For Tissue Engineering And Regenerative Medicine
Session Introduction
Anand Gadre
University of California, Merced, USA
Title: Advanced bioplymeric electrospun nanoscale fibers for controlled drug delivery
Time : 11:50-12:15
Biography:
Anand Gadre graduated with his BS in Applied Physics from the University of Mumbai, MS Degree at the Institute of Science, Mumbai and his doctorate (Ph.D.) from the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai, (India). Anand joined University of Maryland (USA) as a Postdoctoral Research Associate and further continued working in Georgetown University at Washington DC. Anand was then appointed as an Assistant Professor of Nanobioscience at the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering in the State University of New York at Albany and later was promoted as an Associate Professor of Nanobioscience with tenure. While working at CNSE, Anand also achieved his Master in Business Management (MBA) degree from the State University of New York at Albany. Since 2011, Anand has been working as Director of the Stem Cell Instrumentation Foundry (SCIF) at the University of California, Merced where he is currently administering core research facilities and pursuing his research in the areas of Nanobiotechnology.
Abstract:
Advanced biocompatible polymers and co-polymers have been successfully implemented to generate electrospun nanofibers for variety of biological and biomedical applications. This work focused on generating a biopolymeric drug delivery system using (Poly-Lactic- co-Glycolic Acid (PLGA). Controlled drug elution targets a specific location to avoid overdosing and thereby reducing the side effects of the drug. In this study, we prepared a local anesthetic (Lidocaine) as well as an antibiotic (Chloramphenicol) loaded PLGA nanofibers using electrospinning technique and evaluated the drug release activity at a stable rate. Electrospinning is performed by applying a large positive voltage (several kV) to a metal syringe tip, which dispenses a polymer solution. The potential field draws a fiber from the end of the tip and deposits a randomly oriented and non- woven mat of polymeric fiber on a grounded metal collector plate. Depending on spinning parameters, fibers ranging from as small as 100 nm to as large as several micrometers can be achieved. We can alter the fiber diameter to control the rate of delivery. Fibers of lager diameter will have smaller surface area to volume ratios and should therefore release drug molecules compounds at a slower rate, but for a longer period of time. Conversely, smaller diameter fibers could release drug molecules at a faster rate, which could be beneficial for initial treatment.
Structural and optical properties of such drug loaded fibers confirmed the presence of drug molecules. Systematic drug elution experiments using UV- spectrophotometry were performed to observe possible indication in the absorbance change as the drug elutes from the nanofibers over the period of time. Drug loaded biopolymeric nanofibers also showed limited cytotoxicity on fibroblasts with viability greater than 96%. Such drug-loaded biopolymeric nanofibers can be applied via different routes, such as implantation, injection, and/or oral administration for a wide range of medical treatments.
Patrizia Cinelli
University of Pisa, Italy
Title: Sustainable Composites based on biopolymers and natural fibres
Time : 12:15-12:40
Biography:
Dr. Patrizia Cinelli PhD in Chemistry at Pisa University partly performed at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Peoria, IL, USA. Over 20 years of experience in materials science, polymer processing and characterization, biodegradation and life cycle assessment. She is co-author of over 50 papers in peer-reviewed journal, 9 book chapters, and 8 patents on innovative materials. She is assistant professor of applied chemistry and Materials Technology at Master Degree student of Construction Engineering and Architecture at Pisa University. She has worked in over 15 EC project from FP5, FP6, FP7 and Horizon 2020, directly following technical management, proposal writing, scientific activity, and reporting
Abstract:
The utilization of “bio-polymers” for production of bio-based composites has attracted interest of various application sectors ranging from packaging to automotive components and other high value applications.
Advantages of natural fibres are their lightweight, relative cheapness, being bio-based, and the fact that they can compete well with conventional reinforcements such as glass and aramid fibres for terms of strength per weight of material. The strength of the bond between fibres and matrix is substantial for the best mechanical performances of a composite. Many factors interacting with each other affect the complex process of the fibre/matrix adhesion, which be influenced by the chemical nature of the polymeric matrix, manufacturing methods, processing parameters, surface modification of the fibres or by additives like adhesion modifier agents. For production of composites with bio based biodegradable polymers, it is important to address fibres pre-treatment and/or to use compatibilizing agents. These approaches are reviewed in the present contribute with reference on specific researches carried on in our laboratories.
Bernaerts Katrien
Maastricht University, Netherlands
Title: Increasing the solubility range of polyesters by tuning their microstructure with comonomers.
Time : 12:40-13:05
Biography:
Katrien Bernaerts, born in 1978 in Neerpelt (Belgium) graduated as a licentiate (master) in chemistry from Ghent University (Belgium) in 2000. From 2000 – 2005 she performed in PhD in polymer chemistry in the group of Prof. Du Prez at Ghent University (Belgium) on the synthesis and evaluation of stimuli (pH and temperature) responsive copolymer architectures by combination of different polymerization techniques. After PhD, Katrien spent 7 years in industry, doing research in the field of coatings and fibers. Since 2012, she started as assistant professor polymer chemistry at Maastricht University. Her main research interest is the synthesis of renewable, functional (co)polymers with a variety of architectures via different chemistries and the study of their structure-property relationships in several fields of application e.g. stimuli-responsive polymers, organic coatings, fibers, organic membranes, engineering plastics and biomedical applications.
Abstract:
ω-Pentadecalactone (PDL) is a biobased 16-membered macrolactone that can be derived from renewable resources. Its regular structure makes it highly crystalline and thus interesting as a biobased replacement for linear low density polyethylene. However, its solubility is very limited (chloroform) which hinders the use of PDL polymers in other applications requiring large solubility range. Copolymerization with a branched lactone is one way to reduce crystallinity because it is expected to disrupt the co-polyesters’ microstructure. Nevertheless, it has been shown that the microstructure of PDL-based co-polyesters varies depending on the comonomer structure. A block copolyester is obtained with branched lactones while a random structure is obtained with unsubstituted lactones of various size.
It was attempted to break the crystallinity of PDL-based copolyesters with a view of increasing their solubility range. Therefore, PDL was copolymerized with the branched and biobased δ-undecalactone (UDL), whose homopolymer is amorphous. In order to assess the microstructure (random or block-like), monomer distribution within the PDL-co-UDL polyesters was assessed by 13C NMR. It was observed that crystallinity of the copolyesters was decreased but not suppressed as measured by DSC, partially because they did not display a fully random monomer order. Hansen solubility parameter determination however showed that the solubility range of the copolyesters was improved compared to PDL homopolymers.
Egle Conforto
Université de La Rochelle, France
Title: An optimized methodology to analyze biopolymer capsules by environmental scanning electron microscopy
Biography:
Egle Conforto, an Italian and Brazilian materials and biomaterials scientist, is specialized in Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopy, which is the red wire of her career. She obtained her BSc degree in Physics and her MSc in Materials Science at Sao Paulo University in Brazil, and worked for 8 years in R&D using electron microscopy. Her PhD degree in materials for nanoelectronics applications was obtained at Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland, where she worked for 10 more years as head of new projects in biomaterials analyzed by Electron Microscopy. Since 2004 she is the Head of the Electron Microscopy Laboratory at University La Rochelle, being the responsible for its management and for research projects in corrosion and in hydrogen precipitation in Ti and Zr. She is also responsible for the supervisor of master and PhD research works, as well as for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education in electron microscopy
Abstract:
We propose an optimized methodology using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) in environmental mode to study the surface characteristics and the internal structure of biopolymer capsules. Water vapor pressure in the 1.3 – 2.0 mbar range is introduced in the SEM specimen chamber during analyses to improve the electrical and thermal conductivity of the capsule surface, and to preserve it from damage. The main advantage of this methodology is that no preparation is required and, significantly, no metallic coverage is deposited on the surface of the specimen, thus preserving its original morphology. In particular, it avoids introducing preparation artefacts which could modify the capsule surface and shape, and mask information concerning important feature like porosities, roughness, coating continuity and cracks. Furthermore, chemical contrast is preserved in Backscattered Electron (BSE) images of unprepared samples, allowing visualizing the internal organization of the capsule, the quality of the envelope etc… Figures 1a and b show the surface morphology of uncovered capsules constituted of an inorganic salt by secondary electrons (SE) images. In Figure 1c and d, BSE images of the same salt coated by 10% of type A gelatin allows evaluating the coating permeability and the coating-core interactions. This information is also obtained from Figs. 1e and f where capsules of the same salt were covered by hydrogenated vegetable oil. We can observe fine details of gelatin and mainly fatty coatings, which are difficult to be analyzed by standard SEM techniques. For some simple fatty molecules like stearic acids for instance, environmental Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) analyses have been successfully performed to obtain the relative concentration C/O. Finally, this methodology provides a reliable evaluation of the parameters used in capsule elaboration for research and industrial applications, as well as that of capsule functionality which is essential for the technological progress in this domain.
Christine Jerome
University of Liège, Belgium
Title: Chitosan, a promising biomaterial for tissue engineering
Biography:
Christine Jérôme, full Professor at the University of Liege, has expertise in polymer chemistry and passion in developing biomaterials to improve health and well-being. She developed green strategies for the synthesis, functionalization and processing of polymer materials, degradable or not, to precisely tailor their properties and design supramolecular structures customised to the targeted biomedical application and needs.
Abstract:
Statement of the problem: Polymer hydrogels resemble the natural living tissue due to their high water content and soft consistency. They find many applications in the design and production of contact and intraocular lenses, biosensors membranes, matrices for repairing and regenerating a wide diversity of tissues and organs. Derived from chitin, chitosan [1] is a unique biopolymer that exhibits outstanding properties, beside biocompatibility and biodegradability. Most of these peculiar properties arise from the presence of primary amines along the chitosan backbone. As a consequence, chitosan based hydrogels have shown a great potential for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. Being degraded in a physiological environment into non-toxic products, chitosan is an outstanding candidate for short- to medium-term applications, such as tissue engineering. In this respect, the preparation of chitosan nanometric fibers mats is highly interesting as such structure mimics the one of skin extracellular matrix. Chitosan nanofibers can be prepared by electrospinning but suffer from weak mechanical resistance if they are used as such. Therefore, strategies allowing to generate chitosan based nanofiber mats exhibiting a mechanical resistance strong enough to be easily handled while keeping the peculiar features of chitosan hydrogels favoring the interaction with cells and soft tissues to provide efficient tissue reconstruction are needed. Findings: (i) combination of electrospinning with the layer-by-layer deposition [2-4] of chitosan, (ii) chemical cross-linking [5-6] of chitosan electropsun nanofibers and (iii) combination of chitosan/poly-caprolactone electrospun multilayers are three strategies that revealed to be efficient to improve the mechanical properties of chitosan nanofiber mats while preserving their biological properties. Conclusion and significance: the control of the nanofiber structure offered by the electrospinning technology makes the developed processes very promising to precisely design biomaterials for tissue engineering as demonstrated by preliminary cell culture tests corroborating the potential use of such systems in wound healing applications.
Maia Merlani
Tbilisi State Medical University, Georgia
Title: New biopolymer from Comfrey: Chemistry and biological activity
Biography:
Maia Merlani has completed her PhD from Tbilisi State University. She is a Senior Research Scientist at Tbilisi State Medical University, department of plant biopolymers.. Her field of interest is a chemistry and synthesis of natural compounds. She is the author of more than 55 papers in reputed journals and presentations at 60 international scientific conferences. She was granted Georgian Presidential scholarship for young scientists (1997), NATO scholarship (2002, 2003-2006) and Matsumae International foundation scholarship (2013). She is a member of organizing committee of several international conferences in the field of organic and pharmaceutical Chemistry.
Abstract:
Comfrey root has been used as a traditional medicinal plant for the treatment of painful muscle and joint complaints for centuries. Recently biologically active polymer has been isolated from Caucasian species of comfrey Symphytum asperum Lepech. and S.caucasicum Bieb. This polymer - poly[3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)glyceric acid] (p-DGA) is a representative of a new class of natural polyethers with a residue of 3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-glyceric acid (DGA) as the repeating unit. P-DGA exhibits high antioxidant, antiimfllamatory, wound healing and anticancer activities. In order to compare biological properties of natural polymer with its synthetic analogues, racemic and pure enantiomeric forms of DGA as well as a methylated analogue of p-DGA - poly(MCDMPO) as a precursor of p-DGA were synthesized. The racemic monomer and its virtually pure enantiomers were synthesized via Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation of trans-caffeic acid derivatives using an potassium osmiate catalyst, a stoichiometric oxidant N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide and enantiocomplementary catalysts cinchona alkaloid derivatives (DHQ)2-PHAL and (DHQD)2-PHA as chiral auxiliaries. Poly(MCDMPO) was obtained via ring opening polymerization of 2-methoxycarbonyl-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-oxirane (MCDMPO) using a cationic initiator.
Comparative investigation of antioxidant properties of natural polymer and its monomer revealed that the latter appeared 40 fold active than polymer, however anticancer efficacy of p-DGA against human prostate cancer (PCA) cells is more compared to its synthetic monomer. Poly(MCDMPO) did not show any activity against PCA.
Isabel Orlando
University of Westminster, UK
Title: Drug-free hydrogel based antibacterial hybrid polymers for wound healing applications
Biography:
Abstract:
The unique mechanical and structural features of microbial cellulose (MC) make this polymer a promising starting material for applications in wound dressing and skin regeneration.1,2 MC presents a higher degree of crystallinity compared to plant cellulose, which results in better mechanical properties such as higher tensile strength and Young’s modulus. Moreover, the hydrogel-like structure enables MC to incorporate up to more than 90% its weight of water, ensuring an optimal level of moisture where applied.3 However, limitations to its use are related to the lack of antibacterial properties. Bacterial infections represent one of the major issues of concern for modern medicine because of the increasing resistance of bacteria against the traditional treatments.4,5 In this context, the need of novel strategies has become critical. HyMedPoly is a European project involving academic, industrial and clinical partners with an intent to generate a novel class of drug-free antibacterial materials based on natural and synthetic polymers as well as inorganic substrates. The focus of the research carried out at University of Westminster is to develop bacterial polymers with antibacterial properties for biomedical applications. In particular, this study aims to produce and chemically modify bacterial cellulose to obtain intrinsically active materials for wound dressing applications. A simple one-step reaction was performed to achieve the functionalization of the cellulose. The modified material was characterized using solid-state techniques such as Energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) and Fourier-Transformed Infra-Red (FT-IR). The activity of the antibacterial groups was evaluated by studying the inhibitory effect against Gram positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) performed on modified MC samples after incubation with the bacteria showed a cell lysis based antibacterial activity (Fig. 1). Biocompatibility was assessed by testing the indirect cytotoxicity and the direct biocompatibility of the functionalised material using the HaCat cell line, a human keratinocyte cell line
Hao Bai
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Germany
Title: UV-curable printed phosphorus-polymer thin film
Biography:
Hao Bai is a fresh PhD student who has his expertise in optical spectroscopy and developing optical sensor systems for online quality control of printed polymers. He works currently at Light Technology Institute in Karlsruhe, Germany. His main research topics relate to optical characterization of polymer thin films, imaging and laser spectroscopy based monitoring system development for the UV curing process. The current research project is financed by German Federal Ministry of Education and Research.
Abstract:
UV-radiation curing with photoinitiator and resins is used in variable industrial coating application. We develop a low-cost coating system through acylate polymer doped with luminescent pigment and UV curing process for white LED manufacturing. We printed the curable phosphor thin film doped with specialized acrylate coating formulation on fused silica glass substrate using spray coating and UV curing process. A homemade UV LED curing system with a wavelength of 365 nm is developed for coating process. This UV LED curing system has less energy consumption and environmentally friendly comparing with conventional gas-discharged lamp based curing system. Aluminium reflectors are integrated with the curing setup, which increased the total radiant energy flux. The glass substrate covered with unpolymerized resin layer is fixed on the top of the planer reflector during the curing process. Even low level of UV exposure (irradiance<0.5 W/cm²) is sufficient for complete polymerization. The surface profile of cured thin film shows ultra-high homogeneity and low root mean square value. The transmittance of the cured thin film adapts to the luminescence properties of white LED.
Oliver Meldrum
University of Queensland, Australia
Title: Hierarchical structure of mucin within the gastrointestinal tract and its interaction with dietary components
Biography:
Mr. Oliver Meldrum obtained a Bachelor of Science (Hons.) at the Australian National University and is currently undertaking a PhD at the University of Queensland. Oliver’s major research interest concern understanding the structure and rheology of mucus that lines the internal surfaces of the body and a focus on what food structure and food components are able to modify the physical and selective barrier properties of intestinal mucus.
Abstract:
The adherent mucus layer is a vital component of the body’s epithelial surfaces. Mucus assembly is characterised by the presence of multiple levels of mucin structure at different length scales. This gives mucus its unique set of rheological and barrier properties that enable it to establish an effective physical and selective diffusion barrier as well as to hydrate the underlying epithelium. The rheological and structural characteristics of intestinal mucin, the functional component of the mucus layer and their interaction with cell wall components, that are liked with a number of health benefits are investigated. Biochemically well characterised porcine intestinal mucin has been utilised as a model for human mucins to characterise their viscoelasticity, structure and dynamics as a function of concentration, pH and Ca2+. The mesoscopic forces that mediate mucin were investigated using reducing, chaotropic and chelating agent agents. The rheological and structural characteristics of mucin were investigated using a combination of particle tracking microrheology, narrow gap oscillatory shear and high shear rheometry, and confocal microscopy. In this work, the complex rheological properties of the gelling mucus preparation are in a striking contrast with that of extensively purified mucin. The role and importance of non-mucin components have been elaborated, and the contribution to such interactions as hydrogen bonding, Ca2+-mediated links, and disulfide bonds has been evaluated. These bulk viscoelastic values are dominated by the elastic moduli, while the microrheological response is less dominant. We compare the ability of soluble dietary fibers and plant cell walls to alter the rheological and diffusion properties of purified intestinal mucin. Altering the organisation of mucus as a result of interactions with food components such as plant cell walls and soluble dietary fiber will provide new insights into the ways in which these nutritional components affect the barrier properties of mucus, and provide a possible underpinning mechanism contributing to their health promoting properties.
- Bioplastics
Session Introduction
Ivana Marova
Faculty of Chemistry, Brno University of Technology Czech Republic
Title: Application of PHA-based bioplastics in nanomaterials
Time : 16:25-16:50
Biography:
Ivana Marova work as Professor of Biochemistry at Faculty of Chemistry, Brno University of Technology in Brno (Czech Republic). Her scientific research is focused on microbial biotechnology, biochemistry, food chemistry and nanotechnology. After years of experience in research and teaching both in university and hospital institutions she with her collaborators has patented the biotechnological production PHA-based bioplastics on waste frying oil (PS3835CZ). This patent was licensed and, as HYDAL technology, circular and fully ecological biotechnology was awarded as the only Czech technology by “Frost and Sulliwan 2014 Technology Innovation Award”. At this time, the HYDAL technology is further developed by I. Marova team. Low-end applications (folia; food package) as well as high-end applications (fibers, particles and 3D printed materials for biomedicine, pharmacy and cosmetics) are developed.
Abstract:
Natural polyesters, in particular, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), can be regarded as some of the most promising polymers obtained from renewable sources suitable as drug carriers. They degrade completely without releasing toxic side products. The purpose of this work was to investigate the possibility for the preparation of functionalized PHA-based nanoparticles and PHA-fibrous materials containing natural extracts with antimicrobial effect. Biotechnologically produced PHA on waste frying oil (900 kDa) was used. Liposomes/PHB particles were used for encapsulation of water and oil plant extracts. Size and stability was determined using DLS. PHB nanofibers were prepared via three different techniques: electro-spinning, force-spinning and wet spinning. Using wet spinning patented technology unique microfibers with sub-micron structure containing nanopores and micropores structure in the whole cross section being of diameter 200 nm – 1 mm were obtained (Fig. 1). Particles and fibers (individually and in combined form) were functionalized with selected natural extracts and examined via SEM, FLIM and FTIR-ATR methods. For antioxidant activity and releasing of active substances spectrophotometric determination was used. Antimicrobial properties of prepared particles, extracts and fibers were examined using the bacterial and fungal test systems. Cytotoxicity of selected samples was tested with MTT assay. The performed microbiological screening and MTT cell viability studies revealed that predominantly cinnamon- and clove-containing nanofibrous materials were effective in suppressing the growth of the G+ bacteria Serratia marcescens and the G- bacteria Escherichia coli as well as yeast strain Candida glabrata. All PHA materials displayed good short- and long-term stability. No cytotoxicity against human keratinocytes was observed up to 8% of oil extracts. The obtained materials are promising for antibacterial and antifungal wound dressing applications as well as for local treatment in cosmetics.
Paolo Benincasa
University of Perugia, Italy
Title: Developing thermoplastic films from wheat flours with different proportions of finely grinded bran
Biography:
Paolo Benincasa is Associate Professor at the Dept. of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences of the University of Perugia, Italy. He has 25-year expertise in Crop Science and Technology. His research activity focused on the evaluation of agronomic aspects affecting crop yield and quality and on the management of crop residues and soil fertility in conventional and organic farming systems. Recent research developed together with his colleagues of the Materials Engineering group focused on biobased materials, looking at the factors (cultivar, environment, cultivation practices, post-harvest manipulation) that may affect the mechanical properties of derived manufactures. Novel findings are reported in articles published in high ranked journals.
Abstract:
The use of wheat flour to obtain bioplastics has been proposed about one decade ago (1). Recent works from our group demonstrated that tensile properties of thermoplastic films depend on wheat grain hardness and baking properties of refined flours (2-3), expressed as Chopin’s alveograph parameters (P, L, P/L, W) (4). Moreover, we used wholegrain flours for producing bulk samples and found that the bran worked as a reinforcement, affecting tensile properties in function of the bran grinding level (5). This is of relevance being the bran a mill by-product to dispose of. This study was aimed at developing thermoplastic films from flours with different bran proportions.
One refined wheat flour blend (F0, having P=64, L=99, P/L=0.65, W=182) from an industrial mill was mixed with three increasing proportions of finely grinded bran (treatments F1, F2 and F3, respectively). Roughly, F1 represented a wholegrain flour, F3 a grinding tail and F2 a mix 1:1 wt of F1 and F3. We tested several recipes and procedures, with progressive adjustments from that reported in Puglia et al. (2), and measured film tensile properties (strength, s; elongation at break, e) (2) (Figure 1).
By extruding the selected recipe (well defined proportions of wheat flour, glycerol, sorbitol, magnesium stearate, PVA/water solution) with a specific temperature profile (130-135-140°C), all flours gave films with s>2.0 MPa, while only F1 gave an acceptable e value. To further modulate e of films from F1, we investigated the blending with low melting biopolymers (PCL, PBAT) and plasticizer agents (citric acid). Results indicate that a 20-30% of PCL, plus citric acid, may give, even in presence of bran, a suitable deformation for crop mulching applications. All films were compostable and non-phytotoxic.
Results open perspectives for using wholegrain flours to obtain rigid and semi-rigid films, or deformable films suitable for mulching.
Huda S. Al-Battashi
Sultan Qaboos University, Oman
Title: Waste papers as a sustainable resource for the production of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) using Ralstonia eutropha ATCC 17699
Biography:
Huda Al-Battashi is a PhD student at Biology department, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman. She is working in biomass utilization for production of value added products. She did her BSc and MSc in College of Science, Sultan Qaboos University and graduated with Biotechnology major. She also has expertise in biopolymer production and chromium bioremediation
Abstract:
Polyhydroxybutyrae (PHB) is a biodegradable and biocompatible bioplastic that can replace conventional petroleum-derived plastics. The cost of PHB production is the major obstacle that hinders the production process and limiting their availability in the market compared with their petrochemical counterparts. In this work, PHB production was successfully implemented using waste papers, a cheap sustainable and renewable feedstock, as a raw material. The presence of 83% of carbohydrate in alkaline pretreated waste paper makes it a prospective source for bioplastic production. Alkaline-pretreatment (0.5% H2O2, 121°C, 30 min) of waste paper results in 91.93% glucose yield after enzymatic hydrolysis (37 FPU/g of cellulase and 50 CBU/g of β – glucosidase). Ralstonia eutropha ATCC 17699 was tested for its capability to produce poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) using waste paper hydrolysates as its sole carbon source in the deficiency of nitrogen source (20:1 C/N). Cells utilized the hydrolysate and accumulated 57 ± 1.83 % PHB of dry cell weight and produced 4.439 g PHB/l. The product yield coefficient was 0.3699 while 0.06 g/l/h volumetric productivity was achieved within 72 h of fermentation. Thus, waste paper hydrolysate is recommended as an excellent, cheap carbon substrate for PHB production.
Aleksandra A. Wroblewska
Maastricht University, New Zealand
Title: Beets to Biopolymers - Characterization of partially bio-based polyamides with elevated glass transition temperatures from rigid galactaric acid derivatives
Time : 17:35-17:55
Biography:
A main area of interest is the synthesis and characterization of biobased polyamides. In the past Aleksandra was working on the synthesis and modification of functionalized polyolefins at Sabic. Currently, Aleksandra became a PhD candidate in the newly formed group supervised by prof. Stefaan De Wildeman and dr. Katrien Bernaerts. Under their leadership she is synthesizing engineering plastics from biobased monomers. In this project, Maastricht University is part of the larger consortium “Beets to Biopolymers” with representatives of Cosun (NL), Philips (NL), Astron (NL) and Groningen University (NL). Together they aim at broadening the usage of biobased polymers in specialty applications. The effort made by the group from Maastricht University resulted in a couple of manuscripts which soon will be submitted to scientific journals
Abstract:
The focus of this research is the synthesis of amorphous polyamides from bio-based, cyclic monomers. Bio-based monomers are obtained from sugar beet pulp, as a side product in food industry. They are widely available and are gaining interest of researchers and industry through the last couple of decades. Their major disadvantage, which limits their wide spread utility, is the presence of different functional groups, which cause that those molecules are very often prone to degradation at elevated temperatures. On the other hand, their unique, rigid, cyclic structure contributes to better thermal properties of the product leading to more specialized applications for those polymers. Nonetheless, their incorporation into polyamides structure is challenging, mostly because of the elevated temperatures during the synthesis.
A comparative study was prepared investigating the synthesis of polyamides using bio-based building blocks, namely 2,3;4,5-(di-O-methylene)galactarate (GalXH) and 2,3;4,5-(di-O-isopropylidene)galactarate (GalXMe). Two different approaches towards the synthesis of biobased polyamides were tested: polycondensation in melt and polycondensation in solution via phosphorylation technique. The GalX monomers were combined with aliphatic, cycloaliphatic and aromatic diamines, resulting in amorphous polyamides with glass transition temperatures ranging from 50 °C – 220 °C. The obtained polyamides are stable at elevated temperatures above 300 °C. The polymerization of the GalXMe derivative results in polymer with narrow dispersities whereas GalXH gives polyamides with broad dispersities.
Joseph K. Muiruri
National University of Singapore, Singapore
Title: Biodegradable and tough pla-cellulose based composites via stereo-complexation
Biography:
Joseph Kinyanjui Muiruri is currently a Ph.D student in Material Science and Engineering (MSE) at National University of Singapore (NUS) and Institute of Material Science and Engineering (IMRE). Joseph graduated with a Master’s degree from University of Nairobi, Kenya in 2011. He is a recipient of A*Star Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA). He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Textile engineering from Moi University, Kenya. His research interests focuses on biopolymers and their nanocomposites for industrial applications
Abstract:
In recent years, sustainability and industrial ecology concerns have driven the search for alternatives to petrochemical based products to a whole new level [1]. As such biobased polymers have a competitive advantage, due to their eco-friendly properties. Among biobased polymers, poly (lactide) ( PLA) has been a frontrunner based on its good mechanical properties, coupled with its ‘green’ attributes. However, PLA is inherently brittle, slow in crystallization and low thermal stability. PLA, therefore, does not meet some market requirements for high end applications. Research has shown that these limitations are ‘improvable’ and PLA applications landscape widened by careful design of rigid-rubber matrix PLA modifiers [2-4]. In order to obtain a good matrix-filler interface adhesion, phase morphology at the interface can be tailored with the aid of stereocomplex crystallites [5].
In this work, Poly(L-lactide) cellulose nanocrystals-filled nanocomposites were fabricated by blending of cellulose nanocrystals-g-rubber-g-poly(D-lactide) (CNC-rD-PDLA) and commercial PLLA, in which CNC-g-rubber was synthesized by ring opening polymerization (ROP) of D-lactide and ε-caprolactone mixture to obtain CNC-P(CL-DLA), followed by further polymerization of D-lactide to obtain CNC-rD-PDLA. X-ray diffraction (XRD), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and solubility tests confirmed successful grafting of the rubber segment and the PDLA segment onto CNC. Stereocomplexation between CNC-rD-PDLA nanofillers and PLLA matrix was confirmed by FT-IR, XRD and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) characterization. The PLLA/CNC-rD-PDLA nanocomposites exhibited greatly improved tensile toughness. With 2.5% CNC-rD-PDLA loading, strain at break of PLLA/CNC-rD-PDLA was increased 20-fold, and the composite shows potential to replace poly (ethylene terephthalate). SEM and small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) investigations revealed that fibrillation and crazing during deformation of PLLA/CNC-rD-PDLA nanocomposites were the major toughening mechanisms in this system. The highly biodegradable and tough cellulose nanocrystals-filled PLLA nanocomposites could tremendously widen the range of industrial applications of PLA
Yakubu Muntaka Musah
University of Professional Studies, Ghana
Title: How can Ghana attain petroleum based plastic to achieve a clean environment?
Biography:
Yakubu Musah Muntaka finished his school at St. Peters International School early 1999s and later finished junior high school at kings International School in 2004. He completed high school from Adventist High School. He then moved further to the University of Professional Studies, Accra where he pursued his degree in Business Administration and held various leadership position as the local NUGS President. A year after he worked at National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) as an Assistant Administrator and moved to Milito Enterprise Dworwulu as an administrator in May 2015. Two years after he established his own enterprise, YM Ventures which deals with import and export of general goods. Currently he is pursuing Masters Programme in Oil and Gas at the University of Professional Studies, Accra.Company.
Abstract:
Bio plastics are plastics in which all carbon is derived from renewable feedstock. The application of biomass such as starch, cellulose, wood and sugar used to substitute fossil resources for the production of plastics which is widely accepted strategy towards sustainable development. In this way, a significant reduction of carbon dioxide emission. It also helps in the reduction of global warming. Ghana is a country located in the west of Africa, relatively richer in oil and gas resources, and produces about 50,000 tons of plastic waste daily from industries, factories, and households. As a result, the house of parliament has conferred an institution to collect plastic waste for recycling and disposal, but the company do not have the technical capacity and machinery to convert the tonnes of plastic waste into bio plastics. Due to this development, Ghana was recently ranked as one of the dirtiest country in Africa because the mandated company fail to collect the tonnes of plastic waste due to lack of capacity. As an agricultural country, that has been the second largest producer of cocoa in the world, most of the produce are agriculture in nature and for that matter can easily be degraded within shortest possible time. From Ghana statistical service, the country loses about $1.25 million through indiscriminate disposal of plastic waste and this could prevent Ghana from meeting the sustainable development goals. In addition, Ghana uses about 5 million litres of petrol and diesel daily that has a significant effect on the environment and the health of the citizens. With the introduction of the bio plastics it would help Ghana to reduce the excessive emission of the carbon dioxide and reduce global warming as well. Since Ghana was ranked 5th in Africa that produces and uses polythene in Africa, and experts are of the view that Ghana would be able to easily convert its organic substances into bio plastics.