Scientific Program

Conference Series Ltd invites all the participants across the globe to attend 2nd World Congress on Biopolymers Manchester, UK.

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Scientific Program Day 1
Scientific Program Day 2

Day 1 :

Keynote Forum

Xiang Zhang

University of Cambridge, United Kingdom

Keynote: New concept of resorbable biopolymer hybrids for implant applications

Time : 10:00-10:25

Conference Series Biopolymer Congress 2016 International Conference Keynote Speaker Xiang Zhang photo
Biography:

Xiang Zhang, Royal Society Industry Fellow of University of Cambridge, has over 33 years combined academia (17 years) and industrial (17 years) experience, an expert in polymer and polymeric hybrid materials science and technology, Head of Head of Medical Materials and Devices. He is the author of three books “Inorganic Biomaterials”, “Inorganic Controlled Release Technology” and “Science and Principles of Biodegradable and Bioresorbable Medical Polymers - Materials and Properties”. As a materials scientist, he is passionate on “Science for Industry “. Dr. Zhang undertook his PhD and postdoctoral research at Cranfield University where he studied materials physics and micro-mechanics and micro-fracture mechanics of polymeric hybrid (organic and inorganic) materials. After spending a further four years on research for industrial applications, he was awarded an industrial fellowship at the University of Cambridge in 1995. Dr. Zhang’s industry experience was gained in leading an international healthcare company, where, as Principal Scientist and Principal Technologist, his work covered almost all aspects of medical materials and devices from R&D and manufacturing support to failure analysis and QC. Prior to joining Lucideon, he worked as Director of a technology company, in the field of nano-conductive materials and diagnostic medical devices.

Abstract:

This presentation will introduce new concepts on design and development of resorbable biopolymer hybrids for implant applications. It will report the principles of design and formulations of resorbable biopolymer hybrids, industrial practice of implant development and clinical considerations of medical devices.

The main topics covered in the presentation include:
1. New concepts of resorbable polymer hybrids for medical applications;
2. Synthesis of resorbable bio-copolymers with tailored mechanical properties and degradation rate, copolymers of which include polylactide, polycaprolactone and poly(ethylene glycol);
3. Synthesis of resorbable phosphorus/silicon-based bioglasses;
4. Design and development resorbable polymer hybrids consisting of organic and inorganic nano-composites;
5. Therapeutic polymer hybrids: drug-loaded resorbable polymer hybrids;
6. Clinical and bio-evaluations of drug-loaded resorbable polymer hybrids
7. Case studies: new medical implants and future development

Keynote Forum

Rachel Auzely-Velty

University Grenoble Alpes, France

Keynote: Novel approaches in hydrogel design from chemically-modified polysaccharides

Time : 10:25-10:50

Conference Series Biopolymer Congress 2016 International Conference Keynote Speaker Rachel Auzely-Velty photo
Biography:

Rachel Auzély-Velty has completed her PhD from the University of Rennes (Rennes, France) in 1997 and post-doctoral studies at the Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique (CEA, Saclay) in 1998-1999. After being a CNRS researcher in the CNRS research laboratory, CERMAV (Grenoble) from 1999 to 2005, she became full professor at the University Grenoble Alpes (Grenoble). Se has published more than 80 papers related to polysaccharide chemistry in reputed journals. She was a Junior member of the Institut Universitaire de France (IUF) (2009-14) and named "Knight of the National Order of Merit" by the French minister for Research (2014).

Abstract:

Polysaccharides constitute an important class of biopolymers. They usually display biocompatibility and biodegradability, which are the basic characteristics for polymers used as biomaterials, and some of them exhibit unique physical and/or biological properties. We would like to report here new strategies for the chemical modification of water-soluble polysaccharides, such as hyaluronic acid (HA) and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), providing access to smart hydrogels and nanogels (hydrogels confined to submicrometric dimensions) for drug/cell delivery. Using thiol-ene reactions, we successfully grafted thermosensitive ethylene-glycol based copolymers on HA, allowing temperature-triggered assembly of the polysaccharide into nanogels with diameters < 200 nm. These gel particles possess many interesting features for drug delivery, like: facile formation, tunable size and stability, easy loading of hydrophobic molecules, high selectivity and binding affinity for cancer cells expressing the CD44 receptor of HA, degradation behavior due to the inherent biodegradability of HA. In addition, after intraveneous injection in mice, they were shown to enter the blood circulation. Thiol-ene reactions were also applied to engineer macrogels of HA and CMC. We showed the ability to obtain self-healing hydrogels in physiological conditions by the careful design of HA modified with phenylboronic acid and sugar derivatives. Moreover, by combining lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) hydrogels, we developed original hybrid biomaterials that are able to provide local delivery of hydrophobic therapeutic agents in a predictable and sustained manner. These new delivery systems offer promising platforms for the controlled release of various drugs under certain external stimuli (mechanical stress, light irradiation, etc.).

Keynote Forum

Mubarak Ahmad Khan

Atomic Energy Research Establishment, Bangladesh

Keynote: Radiation Processed Textile Sludge for Preparing Eco-friendly Bricks

Time : 10:50-11:15

Conference Series Biopolymer Congress 2016 International Conference Keynote Speaker Mubarak Ahmad Khan photo
Biography:

Dr. Mubarak Ahmad Khan is Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) and Director General, Atomic Energy Research Establishment, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission. He did his Ph.D. in Radiation and Polymer Chemistry. He is working in several promising areas of Radiation Chemistry and Processing Technology, natural fiber reinforced polymer composites, nanotechnology, material science, biomedical science, applied science etc. Also experience in fiber reinforced polymer composite materials for various applications such as parts and body of auto car, panelized constriction materials, and bodies of electric appliances. Totally biodegradable composite materials based on natural fibers and degradable (both and synthetic) thermoplastic and resin for biomedical purposes. His focus is to use radiation-processing technology for biomedical purposes, renewable energy, Dye sensitized solar cell, modification of natural fibers; stimuli-responsive materials, hydrogel, scaffold form natural polymers. He has conducted research works in many countries including America, Germany, Japan and etc. He has worked in Germany (Technical University of Berlin, Fraunhofer Institute of Applied Polymer Research) as DAAD and Alexander von Humboldt (AvH) fellow, in Japan as MIF Fellow, as visiting scientist, in Australia (University of New South Wells) as IAEA fellow. Trained in Nuclear and Radiation Chemistry through various training course organized by IAEA. He is a part time Professor of Dhaka University, and visiting professor and examiner of various universities of Bangladesh. He is author/co-author of about 600 publications including 16 book chapters and a patent. He has served as project director/co-project director of different national and international scientific project on polymer science. Reviewers of different International Journals on Polymer and Composite Science as well Radiation supervised more than 300 M.Sc. 8 M. Phil and 13 PhD. Students. He is part time/visiting Professor of different universities of home and abroad. He has invented advanced wound dressing material from cow bone, liquid bio-fertilizer from textile effluent, natural plant growth promoter from prawn shell etc. He is also the inventor of Jutin (Jute Reinforced Polymer Corrugated Sheet) the outstanding housing material from jute plastic composite and food preservative using oligo chitosan (alternative to the formalin), He is awarded several national and international awards including Bangladesh Academy of Science Gold Medal awards 2010 for his remarkable contribution to scientific community. He is also awarded and honored by various social and academic institutes in home and abroad, He is also selected as Fellow of International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC). His name was published in How’s Who in World in 1998. He visited more than 22 countries for participating different seminars, workshops, symposiums, conferences as invited speaker or speaker.

Abstract:

Textile mill, the largest revenue earning industry in Bangladesh is facing problem with the disposal of its solid waste (sludge). In this study, textile sludge is detoxified with gamma irradiation (15 kGy) and then used to make environmental friendly bricks for construction purposes. Bricks were graded based on the sludge and clay content ratio. Sludge was mixed with clay and bricks were made in wooden frame. Dried brick samples were then kept at 450°C for 24 hours in furnace. Controlling the temperature allowed us to produce the brick without producing any NOx. Parameters such as density (g/cm³), weight loss (%), firing shrinkage (%),bending strength (MPa), , Bending modules (MPa), Impact strength (kJ/m²), water uptake (%) and electrical resistivity (Ω-m) were investigated. Density, weight loss, firing shrinkage and electrical resistivity reduced as sludge content (%) in bricks increased whereas bending strength, Bending modules, Impact strength and water uptake (%) increased with the increase of sludge content. The optimum results were found for the 50-50% sludge/clay samples. Further increase in the sludge percentage led to loss of strength and compactness of the brick sample. According to the results, the optimum sample showed higher strength than the sample made by pure clay; but showed slightly lower strength than the commercial brick. The change in density of all bricks was experienced during the aging tests in water, acid, alkali and salt. bending strength, Bending modules, Impact strength were also tested for water and acid aging. Morphological analysis of the brick samples were done by metallurgical inverted microscope.

Break:
Networking and Refreshment Break 11:15-11:30 @ Outside Room
  • Track 1: Advanced Biopolymers
    Track 2: Natural Polymers
    Track 8:Biopolymers in Biofibers & Microbial Cellulose
Speaker

Chair

Maria Cristina Righetti

National Research Council, Italy

Session Introduction

Takahiko Nakaoki

Ryukoku University, Japan

Title: Biosynthesis of block copolymer for poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate)

Time : 11:30-11:50

Speaker
Biography:

Takahiko Nakaoki has completed his PhD from Osaka University (Japan) in 1992. He is Professror at Ryukoku University, Japan. He had been the director of The Society of Polymer Science, Kansai branch. He has published more than 60 papers in international journals.

Abstract:

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate)-block-poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) copolymer (P3HBV-b-P3HB) was biosynthesized by addition of pentanoic acid and glucose as carbon sources by Ralstonia eutropha. First, pentanoic acid was metabolized for 72 h to provide P3HBV, and, after changing to a new medium, glucose was used as a second carbon source to give P3HB. In order to regulate the chain length of P3HB, the cultivation time of glucose was varied from 24 h to 96 h. The index of randomness of the butyrate and valerate units (D) was estimated based on the resonance line of the carbonyl carbon in the 13C NMR spectrum. The D value was between 3.7 and 9.2 depending on the glucose cultivation time, corresponding to the formation of a block copolymer. The chain lengths of the P3HBV and P3HB blocks were estimated from these values. It was found that as the cultivation time of glucose increased, the chain length of the P3HBV block accumulated at the initial stage decreased, whereas that of the P3HB block increased. This indicates that the P3HBV block was consumed as an energy source for the activity of the microorganism while more of the P3HB block was accumulated, because the end group was active for polymerization.

Armen Kocharian

California State University, USA

Title: Magnetism in metal-free phthalocyanine and graphite-like nanostructures

Time : 11:50-12:10

Speaker
Biography:

Dr. Armen N. Kocharian has an expertise in the field of magnetism and electron instabilities in low dimensional systems. He has completed his PhD at the Moscow State University in Moscow, 1977 and DSc in Yerevan Physics Institute, 1991. He has published more than 125 papers in reputed journals, http://web.calstatela.edu/faculty/akochar/publications.php. Member of editorial board of the International J. on ISRN Condensed Matter (2011). Peer reviewer in Materials Letters (2015), J. Magn. & Magn. Materials (2015), Phys. Chemistry Chemical Physics (2014), RSC Advances (2014), J. of Nanoparticle Research (2012).

Abstract:

From the point of view of both fundamental science and practical applications, of great interest is high-temperature ferromagnetism, observed in various carbon-based materials [1]. Carbon microspheres with interesting magnetic properties have been fabricated by the solid-phase pyrolysis of a metal-free phthalocyanine H2Pc=H2(C32N8H16) used as a precursor. By changing the conditions of pyrolysis we prepared carbon microspheres with a mean diameter 2-3.8 μm consisting of (layered graphite) graphitized nanocrystallites and amorphous carbon with a thickness of 5-15 graphene layers and width of 5-20 nm and sufficiently narrow size distribution. In particular, at Tpyr = 700°C and tpyr = 30 min we obtained carbon microspheres with a mean diameter d = 3.4±0.15 μm [2]. The comparison of magnetic properties in metal-free phthalocyanine and graphite-like nanostructures is provided in the broad range of temperatures and magnetic fields. Magnetic characteristics of these samples were investigated with a vibrational magnetometer in the temperature range 5-300К, as well as with electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy [2]. Analysis of curves Ðœ-Т and Ðœ-Н shows the presence of paramagnetic centers with the concentration n = 3∙1019 spin/g and temperature-independent diamagnetism with susceptibility of χDia=1.2∙10-6 emu/g∙Oe. The parameters of ESR spectrum were measured at 300K: the g-factor 2.0031 and intensity ~5∙1019 spin/g. The ESR line width is only 0.8 Oe which indicates a strong exchange narrowing. Along with the paramagnetic centers and diamagnetism, we have revealed ferromagnetic hysteresis loops from T = 5 K to room temperature. The dependences of magnetizations of diamagnetic and ferromagnetic signal on H at T = 300K are presented in figures below. The maximum value of coercive force is 150 Oe at T = 300K. We also analyze the nature of the reported evidence on superparamagnetism, diamagnetism and ferromagnetic ordering in the metal-free phthalocyanine and metal-free pyrolytic carbon structures containing only p- and s-electrons.

Maria Cristina Righetti

National Research Council, Italy

Title: Constrained amorphous interphase and mechanical properties of bio-based polyesters

Time : 12:10-12:30

Speaker
Biography:

Maria Cristina Righetti, who received her PhD from the University of Bologna (Italy), has many years of experience on materials characterization. She has devoted her research activity mainly to the study of the correlations between molecular structure and physical properties of polymers, biopolymers, blends and composites, through thermal, morphological, mechanical and viscoelastic characterization. She is author of 70 publications in international ISI journals (50% as corresponding author) and 6 book chapters.

Abstract:

Bio-based polymers belonging to the polyesters group, as poly(L-lactic acid) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate), are semi-crystalline materials, whose properties must be explained by taking into account the contribution of both the crystalline and the amorphous phases. The classical description of semi-crystalline polymers, which considers only two distinct phases, has been replaced in recent years by a more complete one, which takes into account also the constrained amorphous nano-phase present at the amorphous/crystal interface. A detailed description of the micro- and nano-phase structure is decisive for a full understanding of the physical properties of semi-crystalline polymers. Indeed, it has been recently proved that many macroscopic properties, as for example mechanical and gas permeability properties, are defined not only by the degree of crystallinity, but also by the percentage of constrained amorphous interphase. The quantification of this nano-phase is therefore a crucial step in the characterization of a polymeric material, since different processing conditions affect in different ways the evolution of the crystalline and amorphous fractions. The subject of the presentation will be the evolution, during solidification, of the constrained amorphous interphase in poly(L-lactic acid) and in poly(3-hydroxybutyrate). Also the effect of the physical ageing on the mechanical properties of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) will be interpreted in the light of the rigid amorphous nano-phase content. (Financial support by the European Community’s Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013) under Grant Agreement n. 315241 is greatly acknowledged.)

Patrizia Cinelli

National research Council, Italy

Title: Effect of additives on properties of bio-based polymers and their blends

Time : 12:30-12:50

Speaker
Biography:

Patrizia Cinelli, PhD in Chemistry at Pisa University, partly performed at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Peoria, IL, USA. She is researcher at the National Research Council, and Contractr Professor of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science at the Master Degree Laurea in Construction Engineering and Architecture at Pisa University. She regularly acts as reviewer for several internation journals on materials science. She has over 20 years of experience in materials science, polymer processing and characterization, biodegradation and life cycle assessment. She is co-author of over 40 papers in peer reviewed journal, 9 book chapters, and 8 patents on innovative materials.

Abstract:

The production of materials based on biodegradable polymers by industrial processings requires specific investigations in order to control and tune the final properties of the materials produced in particular addressing thermal stability, mechanical propeeties, compostability and sustainability. In particular biodegradable polyerster such as polylactic acid (PLA), and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are brittle materials with relatively low glass transition temperature and slow crystallization. These polyesters require an accurate control of processing parameters in order to predict and achieve the targeted final properties. Systematic studies on different amount and types of plasticizers, nucleatings and strengthening agents, addressing chemical, rheological, morphological, thermal and mechanical properties of these materials are necessary in order to predict their behaviour and be able to exploit their potentialities. Moreover a depper study addressing the morphology and cinetic of crystallinity is also very important to understand and control the behavious of this material during and after processing. The present contribute reviews the study of the effect of plasticizers, and nucleating agents on crystallinity and properties of PLA and PHA as addressed also in the research activity of the EC projects DIBBIOPACK GA 280676 and LEGUVAL GA 314251.

Yumei Zhang

Donghua University, China

Title: Understanding the microphase morphology of concentrated cellulose solutions from their rheological behavior

Time : 12:50-13:10

Speaker
Biography:

Yumei Zhang has completed her PhD in 1999 from China Textile University and worked as a visiting scholar at Sheffield University in 2005. She is the professor of polymer science and engineering in Donghua University. She has published more than 30 papers in reputed journals and has got many patents and achievments on fiber processing in China.

Abstract:

The rheological behaviors of concentrated cellulose solutions including cellulose/ionic liquid solutions varied with the dissolving process, cellulose/ionic liquid/DMSO solutions, cellulose/protein/ionic liquid solutions have been studied to predict the microphase morphology of different systems. The viscosity, relaxation time and sol-gel temperature of cellulose/ionic liquid solution shift to low value with the effective shearing action of kneading. This indicates significant differences occurring in the structuralization of solutions prepared by different dissolving process. The SEM images of films regenerated from kneading solution exhibited a dense and homogeneous morphology while films prepared by static-state dissolving process were loose with coarse aggregation, which is consist with the deduce from the rheological results. From the viscoelastic properties of cellulose solutions with 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([BMIM]Cl) and dimthylsulfoxide (DMSO) as solvents, the non-monotonous decrease of viscosity with DMSO content was observed. When the content of DMSO in [BMIM]Cl/DMSO is lower than 5 wt% in [BMIM]Cl/DMSO, the viscosity and gelation temperature (Tgel) decreased with the increase of DMSO. However, the values of viscosity and Tgel showed nonlinear change with the further increase of DMSO. It could be understood that DMSO acted as the diluent when the content of DMSO is below 5 wt%. The local micro-aggregation or micro-phase separation of cellulose could be happened when the content of DMSO further increased due to the weak action between cellulose and DMSO. The viscosity of cellulose/protein/ionic liquid solution shows different correlations with blend ratio and shear rate, which is related to multiphase structure of cellulose blend systems.

Break:
Group Photo @ Rosewood Room
Lunch Break 13:10-14:10 @ Source Grill

Samuel Oluwatobi Oluwafemi

University of Johannesburg,South Africa

Title: Controlled simple green synthesis of smaller sized aqueous quasi-spherical polymer-capped silver nanoparticles

Time : 14:10-14:30

Speaker
Biography:

Prof SO Oluwafemi is a National Research Foundation (NRF), South Africa rated researcher at the department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg. His research is in the broad area of nanotechnology and include green synthesis of semiconductor and metal nanomaterials for different applications which include but not limited to biological (Imaging, labeling, therapeutic), optical, environmental and water treatment. He has author and co-author many journal publications, book chapter and books. He is a reviewer for many international journals in the field of nanotechnology and has won many accolades both local and international.

Abstract:

We herein report the controlled synthesis of highly monodispersed water soluble, stable, smaller sized starch and gelatin capped-silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs), via an eco-friendly, completely green method in a natural polymeric media. The method involves the use of silver nitrate, polymer (starch and gelatin) and maltose as the silver precursor, stabilising agent and reducing agent respectively in aqueous solution without the use of any accelerator. By varying the reaction time, we monitored the optical and structural properties of the colloidal Ag-NPs. The nanoparticles were characterised using UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron spectroscopy (TEM), high resolution electron transmission microscopy (HRTEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The absorption maxima of the as-synthesised materials at different reaction time showed characteristic silver surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak. The TEM image at 1 h reaction time showed well-defined monodispersed, spherical particle in a self assembly neck-lace arrangement. The particles were in the range 1.8-6.3 nm with an average particle diameter of 3.70  0.99 nm. As the reaction time increased the particle size increased and started to decrease after 24 h. The average particle diameter of 3.24  0.99 nm was obtained at the end of the reaction. The mechanism for the controlled synthesis in this smaller sized range is discussed. The high resolution image confirmed the high crystallinity of all the materials while the X-ray diffractogram confirmed that, the obtained Ag-NPs are of face-centered cubic (fcc) crystalline structure. The as-synthesised were found to be very useful for colorimetric detection of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) at lower concentration up to 10−10 M and for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol. This synthesis offers a cleaner and greener method for the controlled synthesis of Ag-NPs without the use of any hazardous complexant or accelerator.

E A H A Gomaa

Ain Shams University, Egypt

Title: Preparation and characterization of organic montmorillonite-polyvinyl alcohol-co Polyacrylic nanocomposite hydrogel for heavy metal uptake in water

Time : 14:30-14:50

Biography:

E A H A Gomaa is a Professor in the Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt. Her research interest is in the field of application of nuclear non-destructive techniques in materials.

Abstract:

In the present work, preparation of organic montmorillonite-polyvinyl alcohol-co-Polyacrylic (OMMT-PVA/AAc) nanocomposite hydrogel is performed with different OMMT (clay) amounts ranging from 1.3 to 15% using γ irradiation as initiator to induce crosslink network structure. The effect of clay amount and absorbed dose on gel fraction and swelling percent has been investigated. It is found that the gel fraction increases up to 92% with increasing the loaded clay to 15% OMMT, whereas the swelling percentage (%) reaches its maximum value at an amount of nanoscale clay of 4 ml and at an absorbed dose of 4 kGy. The thermal stability of PVA/AAc hydrogel and OMMT-PVA/AAc nanocomposite hydrogel has been determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), which indicated a higher thermal stability of the nanocomposite. The FTIR spectral analysis has identified the bond structure of the PVA/AAc hydrogel and the OMMT-PVA/AAc nanocomposite hydrogel. The nanostructure of the composite as well as the degree of exfoliation of clay is studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Its free volume parameters (size and fraction) are investigated by means of positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS). The results have shown that these parameters are correlated positively with swelling %. After loading the hydrogels and hydrogel nanocomposites with different heavy metals (Ni, Co), UV spectroscopy is applied to determine the metal ion concentration before and after treatment. SEM has characterized their surface morphology. The distribution of heavy metals on the hydrogels is determined by EDX. The factors affecting the heavy metal uptake, such as contact time, pH and metal ion concentration of solutions are studied.

Elena Benedetti

AEP Polymers Srl,Italy

Title: Organic modification and functionalization of biobased aromatics and their use in industrial polymer formulations

Time : 14:50-15:10

Speaker
Biography:

Elena graduated in 1999 from the University of Trieste and worked in the molecular pathology field at the International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology in Trieste. She then moved to the materials science focusing on polymer formulations for coatings and composite materials, managing specific product lines, publicly funded R&D projects and consultancy activities. Elena was appointed Technical Director and Business Unit Manager for the biobased materials business in companies in Europe and US. Since September 2013, Elena is Director of Product Application at AEP Polymers.

Abstract:

Aromatic organic materials are often recovered as byproduct or waste stream of agricultural and industrial processes. Some of the collected materials are not edible and may not be reused in agricultural processes and are used as an energy source or disposed of. The present contribution shows the potential for chemical purification and functionalization or aromatic molecules and their use in the polymer industry. Biobased resins are in fact an emerging alternative for performance materials and the new generation biopolymers are required to improve both sustainability and technical aspects. AEP has been working with RTOs and industrial partners to create brand new substances and materials starting from renewable resources and combining different chemical structures, from fatty acids to bio aromatics. In particular, Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) is a naturally occurring source of phenols. AEP developed a portfolio of industrial polymers from CNSl with hydroxyl, aminoalcohol, epoxy and amino functionalities to deliver performing materials for demanding industrial applications in composites, polyurethanes and adhesives.

Ye Chen

Donghua University, China

Title: Dissolution of cellulose in ionic liquids via polyelectrolyte interaction

Time : 15:10-15:30

Speaker
Biography:

Ye Chen has completed his PhD from Donghua University in China at 2011 and postdoctoral studies from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia. Now he joined into College of Material Science and Engineering in Donghua University as an associate professor. His research is about the solution property of biopolymers, and the preparation of advanced nanocomposites and its application.

Abstract:

Cellulose is the most abundant natural resource on earth, and has many advantages, such as good biocompatibility, biodegradability and regenerative properties, for which reason cellulose has been widely used in all cultures for centuries as valuable materials, mainly for textiles industries, paints industries and biomedical material fields.Cellulose is insoluble in water and in most common organic liquids because of its stiff molecules and the supramolecular structures formed by the interactions of numerous inter- and intra-molecular hydrogen bonds. Ionic liquids (ILs) is considered as the potential “green” and “designable” solvents for cellulose. But the dissolution mechanism of cellulose in ILs has not been clearly revealed. A practical approach to reveal the dissolution mechanism is to study the chain conformation of cellulose in ILs. In this work, we studied the behavior of cellulose and its derivative in ionic liquid by using laser light scattering (LLS). Our work is to determine whether cellulose is in the state of aggregation or single chain in ILs, and explain the dissolution process. Single chain conformation was observed in cellulose/IL solution, while aggregation was observed in its derivative solution. LLS and zeta potential analysis indicated that cellulose exhibited the feature of polyelectrolyte after dissolution in IL.

Neslihan Alemdar

Marmara University,TURKEY

Title: Fabrication of reduced graphene oxide/chitosan-based conductive hydrogel for biomedical applications

Time : 15:30-15:50

Speaker
Biography:

Neslihan Alemdar is currently Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey. Alemdar received her Ph.D. degree from Istanbul Technical University in Chemical Engineering in 2009. During 2011–2013, She worked as a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology Institute & Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Harvard-MIT) at Tissue Engineering Field (USA). Her research interests are focused on the synthesis of smart polymers and characterization and its application for different areas especially the fabrication of hydrogel for tissue engineering application and drug delivery systems.

Abstract:

Fabrication of reduced graphene oxide/chitosan-based conductive hydrogel for biomedical applications: Recently, novel composite hydrogels composed of biopolymers and conductive inorganic additives such as graphene (G) or graphene oxide (GO) have been attracted great interests owing to excellent properties of conducting polymers and graphene or graphene oxide including high electric conductivity at room temperature, long term environmental stability, good electrochemical activity and biocompatibility of biopolymers, as well as unique electrical and chemical properties of G or GO. Hydrogels obtained by using biopolymers and graphene/graphene oxide can be applied in many fields such as tissue engineering, electrochemical sensors and biosensors for the detection of certain special substances. In this study, reduced graphene oxide (RGO)-based conductive hydrogel was produced by photopolymerization technique. For this, glycidyl methacrylate was grafted on the chitosan backbone and following this grafted product was exposed to UV light with poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylate to form polymeric network. Reduced graphene oxide at varying ratios was encapsulated into the polymeric network during the photopolymerization process to obtain conductive composite hydrogel. The fabricated conductive hydrogel with this way was characterized by FT-IR, SEM, and XRD analyses. Swelling capacity of hydrogel was determined by gravimetrically. Thermal behavior of conductive hydrogel was observed by TGA analyses. Conductivity measurements were carried out by 4-probe method. As a result, it can be stated that RGO-based conductive hydrogels with an enhanced thermal performance could be produced and it is visualized a utilization of this conductive hydrogel for biomedical applications for future works.

Break:
Networking and Refreshment Break 15:50-16:05 @ Outside Room

Amani Samy Hegazy

Ain Shams University,Egypt

Title: The effect of magnetic field on biophysical properties of different water samples

Time : 16:05-16:25

Biography:

Amani Samy Hegazy is a Professor in the Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt. Her research interest is in the field of materiasl science and its applications.

Abstract:

The physical properties of different water samples (tab, zamzam, bottled, and distilled water) were investigated under the effect of magnetic field. The pH, boiling point, conductivity, viscosity values were increased with increasing the time of magnetic field due to the increase of hydrogen bonding and water clusters. But, the rate of flow value was decreased. The magnetization effects kept after withdrawal of the water samples from the magnetic field and gradually return to their original values with time. Zamzam water had the highest value of pH, boiling point, conductivity and viscosity comparing with other samples, while the distilled water had the lowest one. The observations are of great interest and importance, in a way that they help in applying magnetic treatment devices technology in various fields such as industry, medicine and agriculture to improve water properties.

Mohd Ikmar Nizam Bin Haji Mohamad Isa

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu,Malaysia

Title: Immittance Responses Study of Dodecyltrimethyl Ammonium Bromide Effect on 2-Hydroxyethyl Cellulose Solid Biopolymer Electrolytes

Time : 16:25-16:45

Speaker
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:

In this work, the development of solid biopolymer electrolytes (SBEs) system was done via solution casting technique comprising 2-hydroxyethyl cellulose (2-HEC) doped with 3 to 15 wt. % dodecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (DTAB). The electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis showed the room temperature ionic conductivity for un-dope 2-HEC SBE is 6.42 x 10-7 S/cm and enhanced with the addition of DTAB in the biopolymer system. Sample with 9 wt. % of DTAB records the highest ionic conductivity at room temperature of 2.80 x 10-5 S/cm. The 2-HEC–DTAB SBEs conforms Arrhenius behavior where the ionic conductivity increases linearly to temperature with regression value of ~1. The system was observed to satisfy non-Debye type through the frequency dependence of dielectric and tangent study at various temperature and frequencies. Consequently, the activation energy of relaxation is lower than the activation energy conduction implies that the charge carrier has to overcome higher energy barrier during conducting.

Masoumeh Ghorbani

University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Austria

Title: Lignin phenol formaldehyde resole resin: synthesis and characteristics

Time : 16:45-17:00

Speaker
Biography:

Masoumeh Ghorbani is a PhD student in University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Department of Material Sciences and Process Engineering, Vienna, Austria.

Abstract:

Lignin has become well-known as a potential substitute for phenol in phenol formaldehyde (PF) adhesives because of their structural similarity. This work reports about a systematic screening of different types of lignin (plant origin and pulping process) for their suitability to replace phenol in phenolic resins. Lignin from different plant sources (softwood, hardwood and grass) were used, as these should differ significantly in their reactivity towards formaldehyde of their reactive phenolic core units. Additionally a possible influence of the pulping process was addressed by using the different types of lignin from soda, kraft, and organosolv process and various lignosulfonates. To determine the influence of lignin on the adhesive performance beside others the rate of viscosity development, bond strength development of varying hot pressing time and other thermal properties were investigated. To evaluate the performance of the cured end product, a few selected properties were studied at the example of solid wood-adhesive bond joints, compact panels and plywood. As main results it was found that lignin significantly accelerates the viscosity development in adhesive synthesis. Bonding strength development during curing of adhesives decelerated for all lignin types, while this trend was least for pine kraft lignin and spruce sodium lignosulfonate. However, the overall performance of the products prepared with the latter adhesives was able to fulfill main standard requirements, even after exposing the products to harsh environmental conditions. Thus, a potential application can be considered for processes where reactivity is less critical but adhesive cost and product performance is essential.

Seyedmohammadkazem FEHRI

University of Pisa, Italy

Title: Composition dependence of the synergistic effect of nucleating agent and plasticizer in poly(lactic acid)

Time : 17:00-17:15

Speaker
Biography:

SMK Fehri is PhD student in University of Pisa, Italy and as a member of the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme “DIBBIOPACK”. He has published 3 papers in reputed journals and working in Multifunctional, Bio-Ecocompatible Materials Lab, Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering Pisa University.

Abstract:

Blends consisting of commercial poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(lactic acid) oligomer (OLA8) as plasticizer and a sulfonic salt of a phthalic ester and poly(D-lactic acid) as nucleating agents were prepared by melt extrusion, following a Mixture Design approach, in order to systematically study mechanical and thermal properties as a function of composition. The full investigation was carried out by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) and tensile tests. The crystallization half-time was also studied at 105 °C as a function of the blends composition. A range of compositions in which the plasticizer and the nucleation agent minimized the crystallization half-time in a synergistic way was clearly identified thanks to the application of the Mixture Design approach. The results allowed also the identification of a composition range to maximize the crystallinity developed during the rapid cooling below glass transition temperature in injection moulding, thus allowing an easier processing of PLA based materials. Moreover the mechanical properties were discussed by correlating them to the chemical structural features and thermal behaviour of blends.

Xiang Zhang

University of Cambridge, United Kingdom

Title: New concept of resorbable biopolymer hybrids for implant applications
Speaker
Biography:

Xiang Zhang, Royal Society Industry Fellow of University of Cambridge, has over 33 years combined academia (17 years) and industrial (17 years) experience, an expert in polymer and polymeric hybrid materials science and technology, Head of Head of Medical Materials and Devices. He is the author of three books “Inorganic Biomaterials”, “Inorganic Controlled Release Technology” and “Science and Principles of Biodegradable and Bioresorbable Medical Polymers - Materials and Properties”. As a materials scientist, he is passionate on “Science for Industry “. Dr. Zhang undertook his PhD and postdoctoral research at Cranfield University where he studied materials physics and micro-mechanics and micro-fracture mechanics of polymeric hybrid (organic and inorganic) materials. After spending a further four years on research for industrial applications, he was awarded an industrial fellowship at the University of Cambridge in 1995. Dr. Zhang’s industry experience was gained in leading an international healthcare company, where, as Principal Scientist and Principal Technologist, his work covered almost all aspects of medical materials and devices from R&D and manufacturing support to failure analysis and QC. Prior to joining Lucideon, he worked as Director of a technology company, in the field of nano-conductive materials and diagnostic medical devices.

Abstract:

This presentation will introduce new concepts on design and development of resorbable biopolymer hybrids for implant applications. It will report the principles of design and formulations of resorbable biopolymer hybrids, industrial practice of implant development and clinical considerations of medical devices. The main topics covered in the presentation include:
• New concepts of resorbable polymer hybrids for medical applications;
• Synthesis of resorbable bio-copolymers with tailored mechanical properties and degradation rate, copolymers of which include polylactide, polycaprolactone and poly(ethylene glycol);
• Synthesis of resorbable phosphorus/silicon-based bioglasses;
• Design and development resorbable polymer hybrids consisting of organic and inorganic nano-composites;
• Therapeutic polymer hybrids: drug-loaded resorbable polymer hybrids;
• Clinical and bio-evaluations of drug-loaded resorbable polymer hybrids
• Case studies: new medical implants and future development

Elena Benedetti

AEP Polymers Srl, Italy

Title: Organic modification and functionalization of biobased aromatics and their use in industrial polymer formulations
Speaker
Biography:

Elena graduated in 1999 from the University of Trieste and worked in the molecular pathology field at the International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology in Trieste. She then moved to the materials science focusing on polymer formulations for coatings and composite materials, managing specific product lines, publicly funded R&D projects and consultancy activities. Elena was appointed Technical Director and Business Unit Manager for the biobased materials business in companies in Europe and US. Since September 2013, Elena is Director of Product Application at AEP Polymers

Abstract:

Aromatic organic materials are often recovered as byproduct or waste stream of agricultural and industrial processes. Some of the collected materials are not edible and may not be reused in agricultural processes and are used as an energy source or disposed of. The present contribution shows the potential for chemical purification and functionalization or aromatic molecules and their use in the polymer industry. Biobased resins are in fact an emerging alternative for performance materials and the new generation biopolymers are required to improve both sustainability and technical aspects. AEP has been working with RTOs and industrial partners to create brand new substances and materials starting from renewable resources and combining different chemical structures, from fatty acids to bio aromatics. In particular, Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) is a naturally occurring source of phenols. AEP developed a portfolio of industrial polymers from CNSl with hydroxyl, aminoalcohol, epoxy and amino functionalities to deliver performing materials for demanding industrial applications in composites, polyurethanes and adhesives.

Lin Ye

Beijing Institute of Technology, China

Title: Heparin-based self-assembly for controllable drug delivery application
Speaker
Biography:

Lin Ye has completed his PhD at the age of 29 years from Beijing Institute of Technology and postdoctoral studies from Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology. He is the Assistant Professor of Beijing Institute of Technology now, and his research interests focus on the synthesis of polymer-based biomaterials and their applications. He has published more than 25 papers in reputed journals.

Abstract:

Heparin has promising potential in drug delivery due to its excellent biocompatibility and abundant modification sites. It can not only incorporate polymer chains via its functional groups such as hydroxyl, amine and carboxyl, but load cationic moieties via static interaction. Thus, heparin was considered as a versatile platform to design and prepare various self-assembly for drug delivery applications. For example, polycaprolactone(PCL) and paclitaxel(PTX) were covalently incorporated into heparin to form two conjugates respectively in our previous work. Both can self-assemble into micelle in water and be used as multifunctional drug carrier with tumor targeting ability and pH sensitive drug release behavior. However, the complicated and tedious synthetic route suffered the preparation and restricted further application. Thus, a simple and feasible strategy(Fig.1) was carried out in this study to prepare heparin based self-assembly via non-covalent interaction. This strategy is able to well control the morphology and the size of heparin based self-assembly so that the self-assembly can be applied as smart multifunctional drug carrier.

Javad Foroughi

University of Wollongong, Australia

Title: A novel wet-spinning approach for fabricating coaxial biopolymer fibres
Speaker
Biography:

Javad Foroughi received the B.S. and MS degree in textile engineering from Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran, in 1997 and the PhD degree in material engineering from University of Wollongong, Australia in 2009. He is currently working as ARC research fellow at Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Australia. His research interests include Nanomaterials, Electromechanical actuators (“artificial muscles”) using inherently conducting polymers and / or carbon Nanotube, bionics and novel fibres spinning and the use of these in the development of smart materials and electronic-textile. He published more than 51 refereed publications in top ranked journals including three papers in the prestigious journal of Science.

Abstract:

Biopolymeric continuous core-sheath fibres, with an inner core of chitosan and alginate as the sheath, were fabricated for the first time without using a template via a novel wet-spinning process. We hereby present the necessary conditions to achieve optimal properties of the chitosan-alginate core-sheath fibre in a one-step spinning process. Stereomicroscope image in Fig. 1 demonstrate the monofilament bicomponent fibre of chitosan/alginate. SEM images in Fig. 2 also clearly show the cylinder shaped porous structure of the chitosan fibre covered with alginate. Coaxial fibres of chitosan/alginate exhibit a 260% increase in ultimate stress and more than 300% enhancement in the Young’s modulus compared to its alginate counterpart. The swelling ratio of as-prepared fibres has been investigated in Simulated Biological Fluid (SBF). The release behaviour from as-spun fibres in SBF been has also determined. The release profile indicated that the coaxial fibres have the ability to release the drug in a much slower rate than the alginate fibres. The core-sheath biofibres have shown to be cytocompatible to living cells in cell culture studies. They also demonstrated the ability to be woven into 3D structures. These results confirm that they are likely to find applications such as tissue scaffolds and drug delivery.

Vakhtang Barbakadze

Tbilisi State Medical University Institute of Pharmacochemistry, Georgia

Title: Novel phenolic biopolyether with anticancer efficacy
Speaker
Biography:

From 2006 up to date he is the head of laboratory of plant biopolymers at the Tbilisi State Medical University Institute of Pharmacochemistry. 1978 and 1999 has completed his Ph.D and D.Sci. from Zelinsky Instiute of Organic Chemistry, Moscow, Russia and Durmishidze Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Tbilisi, Georgia, respectively. 1996 and 2002 he has been a visiting scientist at Utrecht University, the Netherlands, by University Scholarship and The Netherlands organization for scientific research (NWO) Scholarship Scientific Program, respectively. He is the author of more than 76 papers in peer-reviewed.

Abstract:

The water-soluble high-molecular (>1000 kDa) fractions were isolated by ultrafiltration and gel chromatography on a Sepharose 2B column. According to IR, 13C, 1H NMR, 1D NOE, 2D heteronuclear 1H/13C HSQC spectral data and 2D DOSY experiment the main structural element of these preparations was found to be a regularly substituted polyoxyethelene, namely poly[oxy-1-carboxy-2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)ethylene] (POCDPE). Its synthetic monomer 3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)glyceric acid (DPGA) was synthesized via Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation (AD) of trans-caffeic acid derivatives. POCDPE is the first representative of a new class of natural regular polyethers with a 3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)glyceric acid residue as the repeating unit. We found that both POCDPE and DPGA suppressed the growth and induced death in PCA cells, with comparatively lesser cytotoxicity towards non-neoplastic human prostate epithelial cells. We also found that both POCDPE and DPGA caused G1 arrest in PCA cells. In addition, POCDPE and DPGA induced apoptotic death by activating caspases, and also strongly decreased androgen receptor (AR) and prostate specific antigen (PSA) expression. However, our results clearly showed that anticancer efficacy of POCDPE is more effective compared to its synthetic monomer. In summary, our studies for the first time revealed that novel phytochemical POCDPE inhibits the growth of PCA cells both in vitro and in vivo. Results also revealed the broad spectrum effects of POCDPE on AR and PSA levels, cell cycle, and apoptosis revealing some of the plausible underlying mechanisms. In conclusion, present study is significant as we identified a natural nontoxic compound with efficacy against PCA that supports its further pre-clinical and clinical testing.

Subita Bhagat

Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering & Technology, India

Title: Mechanical analysis of chemically treated coir fiber- polyester composites
Speaker
Biography:

Subita Bhagat is working as assistant professor in SAnt Longowal Institute of Engineering. She Pursuing PhD, completed M. Tech (Polymer) from Punjab University, Chandigarh, MBA in Production from Punjab University, Chandigarh and B.Tech in Chemical Engineering from B.C.E.T, Gurdaspur

Abstract:

In this research work the mechanical and morphological behaviour of untreated and chemically treated coir fibre- polyester composites was investigated. The coir fibre content was varied from 0% to 60% by weight of the total resin. The chemical treatment of coir fibre was carried out by using chemicals; NaOH, Maleic anhydride (MA) and silane. The study revealed that untreated coir fibre- polyester composites exhibit good mechanical properties at 30% fibre loading whereas MA treated coir fibre- polyester composites exhibit better mechanical properties as compare to other two chemically treated coir fibre- polyester composites. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses revealed that good adhesion between coir fibre and polyester resin was developed in chemically treated coir fibre- polyester composites as compared to untreated coir fibre- polyester composites.

Prasun Kumar

CSIR -Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), India

Title: Valorization of waste glycerol to polyhydroxyalkanoate by bacillus thuringiensis under non-nitrogen limiting conditions
Speaker
Biography:

Prasun Kumar, received the Ph.D. degree in Biotechnology from Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, INDIA. He is currently working as a Research Fellow, at CSIR- IGIB, Delhi, INDIA. His current interests are Biopolymers, Biofuels, and Quorum sensing. His main theme of research is “Production of polyhydroxyalkanoates and hydrogen from biowastes”. He is a life member of Association of Microbiologists of India and a member of American Society for Microbiology (ASM). He is also serving as an Editor/reviewer to various peer reviewed journals.

Abstract:

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) have drawn attention due to its similarity to plastics. Its global demand is 34,000 MT, although their large scale production is limited by costly feed and recovery process. Crude glycerol (CG), generated at the rate of 10% of the total biodiesel produced may serve as a cheap raw material for PHAs production. Here, we report the potential of Bacillus thuringiensis to utilize high CG as feed, for PHA co-polymers production at high N containing medium. PHA production by B. thuringiensis EGU45 was studied on three different media: NB, GM2, and M-9 supplemented with various inorganic nitrogen (N) sources. CG (1 -10%) was supplemented with different components of NB as N sources. The PHA was later analyzed by TEM, GC, GPC, NMR and FTIR. B. thuringiensis EGU45 was found to produce 1.5-3.5 g PHA/L from feed containing 1-10% CG and NB without any acclimatization. Here, the PHA yields were 56-72% of the total biomass. B. thuringiensis EGU45 could produce PHA at the rate of 1.5-1.8 g/L, from 1% CG on media having high N contents. B. thuringiensis EGU45 was able to produce co-polymer of P(87% 3HB-co-13% 3HV) on high N containing feed supplemented with propionic acid. B. thuringiensis EGU45 grown on peptone+YE supplemented with 1% CG showed large PHA inclusions (0.75-1.25 μm) within the cells. The PHA produced on CG was found to have a Mw of 3.85 × 105 Da with a polydispersity index of 2.1. The use of B. thuringiensis EGU45 towards efficient conversion of CG to PHA without the necessity of limited amount of N and pH controls could improve its feasibility at large scale with a flexible harvesting time. Further, integration of H2 and PHA production processes by exploiting functional consortium of Bacillus can increase the process efficiency.