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 2 :

Keynote Forum

Suresh S. Narine

Trent University, Canada

Keynote: Superior thermoplastics prepared entirely from lipids: synthesis, structure and properties

Time : 09:05-09:30

Conference Series Biopolymer Congress 2016 International Conference Keynote Speaker Suresh S. Narine photo
Biography:

Suresh Narine, named in 2011 as one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 Leaders, is Professor of Physics and Astronomy and Chemistry at Trent University; he also is the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Chair in Lipid Derived Biomaterials, the Ontario Research Chair in Green Chemistry and Engineering and the Director of the Trent Centre for Biomaterials Research. His work focuses on the creation of petrochemical replacements for pharmaceuticals, lubricants, polymers, adhesives, and high-value materials from vegetable oils. He is the author of nearly 200 peer reviewed publications and more than 60 patents.

Abstract:

Functional thermoplastics are much sought after because of their reprocessibility and wide applicability. They are used in a wide variety of applications ranging from automotive parts and building construction to footwear, wire and cable insulation jackets, biomedical devices, etc. Polyesters, polyesteramides and polyesterurethanes present a versatile combination of chemical and physical properties such as biodegradability, flexibility, resistance to dilute acids and alkalis, thermal stability and mechanical strength. There is a desire to utilize renewable feedstock such as vegetable oils to synthesize these materials and therefore reduce their carbon footprint. This talk will detail a careful structure-function approach to the optimization of monomeric structure, polymerization protocol and polymer structure so as to produce lipid-based thermoplastics which are equivalent to or even more functional than current thermoplastics used in the industry. The talk will focus on the synthesis of the monomers, the variation of polymerization protocol, and the relationship of structure to mechanical, thermal and degradation properties.

Keynote Forum

Yi Pang

The University of Akron, USA

Keynote: Developing environment-sensitive molecular probes for target binding-activated fluorescence imaging

Time : 09:30-09:55

Conference Series Biopolymer Congress 2016 International Conference Keynote Speaker Yi Pang photo
Biography:

Yi Pang received his PhD in 1990 from Iowa State University, USA. He was a Post-doctoral fellow at US DOE Ames Laboratory during 1991-1993. He is currently a Professor at The University of Akron. He has published more than 135 research papers in reputed journals. His current research interests include synthesis of luminescent polymers, and development of fluorescent molecular probes for recognition of biologically important species.

Abstract:

Recognition of specific biomolecules such as a unique proteins in biological cells is critical for basic biomedical research and the development of novel clinical diagnostics. Considerable interests exist in searching for the novel fluorescent probes that can target specific biological tissues/molecules to meet the need for advanced bioimaging. For in vivo tracking of a specific type of biomolecule or tissue, the probes are also required to be non-toxic, and their presence should not disturb the normal biological development process. In the presentation, we discuss a new class of fluorescent imaging dyes, which are typically non-fluorescent in an aqueous environment. The probes, however become highly fluorescent upon binding to biomolecules such as proteins. The binding-activated fluorescence on biomolecules can be further developed to give wash-free imaging reagents, as those free probes are nearly non-fluorescent in the surrounding aqueous environments. Further extending this concept has led to advanced imaging reagents, which selectively targets the biomolecules in the subunits of biological cells, e.g. organelles, to give fluorescence turn on.

  • Track 4: Biopolymers as Materials
    Track 5: Green Composites in Biopolymers
Speaker

Chair

Lovely Mathew

Mahatma Gandhi University, India

Session Introduction

Masatoshi Kubouchi

Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan

Title: Study on curing condition of furan resin for matrix of green composites

Time : 09:55-10:15

Speaker
Biography:

Masatoshi Kubouchi has completed his Dr. of Eng. at the age of 35 years from Tokyo Institute of Technology. He is the vice dean of School of Materials and Chemical Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology. He has published 30 academic books and more than 140 papers in reputed journals and has been succeedd in academic societies, ex. the president of the material sicence society of Japan, and the chair of the division of chemical plant material engineering, the Soc. Of Chem. Eng., Japan.

Abstract:

Green composites have recently attracted attention due to its derivation from renewable plant resources. The dwindling of the fossil resources has increased an interest in developing renewable materials such as PLA or other biodegradabule ones, however in general these materials shows low mechanical properties. From this point of view, natural fiber reinforced plastics (NFRPs) with green polymer matrix are recognized as an alternative for synthetic materials. Furan resin made from corn cob or other vegetable resources is one of the renewable biobased thermosets which shows no biodegradability but has a higher resistance to chemical and heat than the other plant-derived thermoplastics. Intoroduceing fran resin as a matrix, long-life durability and high mechanical performance can be expected. However because of this resin is very brittle and curing mechanism has not been cleared, it is difficult to cure as a composite matrix resin. Since in previous research it was suggested that this resin needed oxygen in cureing process, hydrogen peroxide was added to improve curing behavior, but the desirable mechanical performance was not accomplished. In additon, through curing reaction and interfacial chemical bonding analysis, an approach to increase the strength and toughness of furan resin was tried. From revision of temperature and time on curing process, average flexural strength was improved to 280 MPa and average elastic modulus was improved to 25 GPa. Furthermore, adding salicylaldehyde as a cupling agents allowed 310 MPa of flexural strength and 27.5 GPa of elastic modulus.

Elisa Mele

University Loughborough, United kingdom

Title: Bioactive nanofibrous systems based on natural materials

Time : 10:15-10:35

Speaker
Biography:

Mele is currently Senior Lecturer in Biomaterials at the Department of Materials of Loughborough University (UK). Her research interests include: Biocompatible and natural polymers for regenerative medicine; Nanofibrous wound dressings with antimicrobial activity and enhanced cell proliferation; Functional nanocomposites with controlled superficial and mechanical properties; Microfluidic devices for biological assays and food safety; Nanofabrication approaches for polymers.

Abstract:

Acute or chronic wounds affect millions of people annually and their incidence is expected to increase in the next years mainly due to the growth and aging of global population. The next generation of wound dressings should be able to promote the regeneration of the injured skin instead of just protecting it. In fact, one of the main limitations of the current devices is the lack of multi-functionality. This suggests that the dressings of the future might be constituted by advanced materials that actively interact with the wound site releasing the specific active agent according to the conditions of the wound. Here we present the development of bioactive dressings by combining biomaterials derived from natural resources and nanofabrication strategies. Composite scaffolds are produced by electrostatic spinning (namely the hydrodynamic extrusion of nanofibres by means of an electrical field) using biocompatible and biodegradable natural polymers, such as polysaccharides (alginate, cellulose). We demonstrated the effective encapsulation of active agents with antibacterial and healing activity (drugs and plant extracts) inside the electrospun nanofibers. We were able to regulate the degradation rate of the composite mats under physiological conditions, and the delivery over time of functional compounds. These templates mimic the organisation of the extracellular matrix and the structure of the human skin, fostering the proliferation and differentiation of cells. Furthermore, the ultrafine size of the fibres guarantees excellent conformability of the non-woven mat to the wound site, proving complete coverage of the injured tissue, and protection against infections and dehydration. The high porosity of the electrospun mesh facilitates the transport of nutrients and the absorption of exudates, together with the effective delivery of therapeutic substances.

Martin A. Masuelli

Stanford University, USA

Title: Alcayota films. effect of crosslinking

Time : 10:35-10:55

Speaker
Biography:

Martin Alberto Masuelli is Doctorate in Chemistry in 2007 and “Master in Surface Sciences and Porous Media” from National San Luis University (UNSL). 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 an 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.

Abstract:

Varieties of renewable biopolymers such as polysaccharides were obtained from plant have been investigated for the development of edible/biodegradable non petrochemical-based packaging materials and edible coatings. Alcayota (Curcubita ficifolia) is an interesting alternative to synthetic gas-barrier polymers in packaging applications. The films have low gas permeability under dry conditions due to their high contents of hydrogen bonds. The films were prepared from water solution of hydrolyzed alcayota gum (Alc-OH). The film of Galc-OH properties are mainly due to the strong hydrophilicity. In order to improve water resistance, the films were modified using glutaraldehyde (Glu). The films of Galc-OH were immersed in solutions Glu for a period of 12 and 24 hours (Alc-OH-12G and Alc-OH-24G). The crosslinked films providing a water vapor permeability (WVP) values in the range from 2.32 to 1.59x10-10 g m/m2 s Pa and mechanical properties expressed in elastic modulus from 336.86 to 465.41MPa. The X-ray diffraction showed amorphous and shift to lower d-spacing, i.e. at lower distances between the polysaccharide chains. These crosslinked membranes exhibit excellent water resistance, low O2 permeation, which make them very useful in selecting biodegradable films.

Break:
Networking and Refreshment Break 10:55-11:10 @ Outside Room

Lovely Mathew

Mahatma Gandhi University, India

Title: Development and characterization of bio nano cellulose reinforced polyamide nanocomposites prepared by electron spinning method

Time : 11:10-11:30

Speaker
Biography:

Lovely Mathew has completed her PhD 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 Dean of research in an Engineering College, Kerala. 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:

Nature inspires us to develop new high performance materials from its renewable resources and among these cellulose nano whiskers are most popular due to their unusual properties and resulting applications. For environmental awareness and due to the international demand for green technology, bio nano composites have the potential to replace present petrochemical based materials. Their flexibility during processing highly specified stiffness and low cost make them attractive to manufactures. This century has witnessed ever increasing demands for the utilization of biomaterials as fillers in polymer composites. Bio fiber reinforced plastic composites are gaining more and more acceptance in structural applications and has recently intensified in various industrial field especially the polyamide composites gained much attention because of their versatile properties. In this work, cellulose nano crystals (CNC’s) have been extracted from the bark of helicteres isora plant by acid hydrolysis method and they have been used to reinforce polyamide (PA) by electro spinning method for the preparation of nano composites. The morphological, mechanical, and wetting studies of resulting nano composites have been investigated. From the morphological studies using SEM and AFM, it is observed that with an increase in CNC content, diameter of the produced polyamide nano composite fibers are decreased to some extent and the surface is smooth and has no cracks which indicated that the CNCs are well dispersed in the PA matrix without significant aggregation. The static water-contact angle measurement studies showed that with the addition of CNC’s, contact angle values of the composites are found to be decreased, which pointed out the enhanced hydrophilic nature of the composite. With an increase in the filler loadings, the material resistance to nano indentation is also found to be increased. Some of the proposed applications for these products are as filters for the separation of sub-micron particles, as reinforcing fillers in composite materials, as wound-dressing and tissue scaffolding materials for medical uses and as controlled release materials for agricultural and pharmaceutical uses.

Philip Turner

Edinburgh Napier University,United Kingdom

Title: The physical principles underpinning the emergence of structure in plants, and their application in the development of new biopolymer based materials

Time : 11:30-11:50

Speaker
Biography:

Professor of Biophysics with a Natural Sciences research background and extensive experience in industrial research. Whilst I continue with some industrial projects, my research interests are now primarily focused on fundamental questions in quantum mechanics, quantum field theory, relativity, thermodynamics and condensed matter physics that can improve our understanding of self assembly in biological systems and new materials development.

Abstract:

Based on laboratory based growth of plant-like structures from inorganic materials, we present new theory for the emergence of plant structures at a range of scales dictated by levels of ionization (charge density), which can be traced directly back to proteins transcribed from genetic code and their interaction with external sources of charge (such as CO2) in real plants. Beyond a critical percolation threshold, individual charge induced quantum potentials (driven by dissipative systems) merge to form a complex, interconnected geometric web, creating macroscopic quantum potentials, which lead to the emergence of macroscopic quantum processes. The assembly of molecules into larger, ordered structures operates within these charge-induced coherent bosonic fields, acting as a structuring force in competition with exterior potentials. Within these processes many of the phenomena associated with standard quantum theory are recovered, including quantization, non-dissipation, self-organization, confinement, structuration conditioned by the environment, environmental fluctuations leading to macroscopic quantum decoherence and evolutionary time described by a time dependent Schrödinger-like equation, which describes models of bifurcation and duplication. Evidence for macroscopic quantum phenomena has previously been reported in photosynthetic systems [2,3] The theory and evidence presented in the current work suggests that macroscopic quantum systems are not an exception in plant systems, but actually play a key role in the emergence of structure. Based on these insights we consider how the fundamental principles

Shivani Bhardwaj Mishra

University of South Africa, South Africa

Title: Bionanocomposites derived from natural hydrogel matrices: an application for water purification

Time : 11:50-12:10

Speaker
Biography:

Shivani Bhardwaj Mishra is working as Professor at Nanotechnology and water sustainability unit, University of South Africa. She obtained her PhD from Jamia Millia Islamia, India. Prof. Bhardwaj (Mishra) is currently group leader of the research area for the sol gel science and technology, polymer ceramic composites/nanocomposites, organic-inorganic hybrid systems and its application for water research. She has an experience of more than 14 years of teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate level and supervised Doctoral and Master’s students. She has many local and international collaborations and has published over 75 research articles in peer reviewed scientifically accredited international journal. She has been recognized as Fellow of Royal Society of Chemistry [FRSC] and has been acknowledged as rated researcher with C-3 rating by National Research Foundation, South Africa. Recentle she has been awarded Unisa’s Chancellor’s award for her research excellence.

Abstract:

Bionanocomposites derived from natural hydrogels have shown an effective material for water purification. These natural hydrogels matrices falls under the category of superabsorbents that can absorb large volume of water. Bionanocomposites synthesized from these matrices reinforced with nanomaterials are designed to obtain a supramolecular interpenetrating network capacity that is expected to absorb water many-folds when compared to its pristine form. Hydrogels has an ability to change its chemical structure that induces the volume change as per the physical conditions such as pH, temperature, salt concentration, electric field, solvent quantity thus making these material as stimuli responsive smart polymers and can be modified to smart materials with tailor made properties. To suit to a type of an application, the bionanocomposites can be devised with unique properties that can be exploited for natural, applied and medical sciences. This talk deals with the recent research progress in the area of bionanocomposites and its application to waste water treatment. [1-3].

Luiz Henrique Capparelli Mattoso

National Nanotechnology Laboratory for Agribusiness , Brazil

Title: Maximum utilization of plant resources to produce edible nanocomposite bioplastics

Time : 12:10-12:30

Speaker
Biography:

Luiz H. C. Mattoso has completed his Ph.D. in Materials Engineering in 1993 from Federal University of São Carlos (Brazil). He was a visiting scientist at Université Montpellier (France), Domaine Universitaire de Grenoble (France), and USDA (CA, USA). He was the Center Director of Embrapa Instrumentation, a Brazilian federal research organization, where he acts as a Senior Researcher. He has published more than 275 papers in reputed journals and 30 book chapters, edited 10 books, won over 25 awards and distinctions, filed 14 patents, served as reviewer and as editorial board member of several scientific journals.

Abstract:

Environmentally friendly alternatives have been widely explored to replace petroleum-based, non-biodegradable materials for many applications, including food contact materials such as free-standing thin films for food packaging purposes. Edible films denote a major sustainable concept to produce food packaging with unique characteristics and functions. The research carried out at the LNNA of Embrapa in Brazil, together with national and international partners, has demonstrated the potential of plant materials as source of biopolymers, active ingredients, and reinforcement fillers for the production of multifunctional edible bioplastics. Numerous plant-derived polysaccharides (e.g., pectins, starches, and cellulose derivatives) and polypeptides (e.g., zein and soy protein) have been used as binding agents to improve the key properties of fruit and vegetable puree-based edible films featuring unique color and flavor, including but not being limited to those based on guava, papaya, banana, acerola, watermelon, and passion fruit. The mechanical, thermal and barrier performances – to mention a few – of the final materials can be further boosted by adding nanostructures extracted from plants too, such as cellulose nanofibers and nanowhiskers. We have also been incorporating essential oils isolated from plants to provide packaging with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. The aim of this lecture is to provide the audience with an overview of the advances of our research towards the use of fruits and vegetables in an “as natural as possible” manner to produce nanocomposite bioplastics with a novel possibility of being eaten without any health concerns besides being biodegradable and featuring mechanical properties comparable to synthetic plastics.

Lulu Wang

Institute of Materia Medica, China

Title: Thermo sensitive gelling film mediated drug rectal delivery in the treatment of colorectal cancer

Time : 12:30-12:50

Speaker
Biography:

Lulu Wang completed her graduate education of pharmaceutical Science and pharmacology from Peking union medical college. She is assigned as accociate professor by the Institute of Materia Medica, CAMS & PUMC, pharmacy department and dedicates to explore novel carriers for drug delivery. She has published more than 25 papers in reputed journals.

Abstract:

In our previous study, thermo sensitive gelling film contained functional biopolymers was proved to be an effective in situ delivery system in the treatment of colorectal cancer. The preparation was observed as free-flowing liquid before use, while a layer of gel film was quickly formed in the rectum when applied. It was well-distributed and had increased contact area with rectum. The gel film, which possessed good bio-compatibility, appropriate gel strength and bioadhesive force, was able to closely combine with rectal mucosa and prolonged action time. Based on that knowledge, a few pharmaceutical technologies were applied to modulate the characters of the encapsulated drugs, such as Cyclodextrin inclusion technology to improve the solubility of water insoluble drugs, micro emulsion technology to increase the infiltration of drugs with poor lipid-solubility, and liposome technology to facilitate the cellular uptake of biological therapeutic drugs. The physicochemical properties were evaluated. Transportation test, cellular uptake and in vivo experiments were conducted as well. In conclusion, the therapeutic requirement could be met by combining active materials with appropriate biopolymer ingredients and the in situ delivery could be an effective alternative for the treatment of colorectal cancer.

Aman Ullah

University of Alberta,Canada

Title: Conversion of lipids into biopolymers and conjugates

Time : 12:50-13:10

Speaker
Biography:

Dr. Aman Ullah received his PhD (with distinction) in Chemical Sciences and Technologies in 2010 at the University of Genova, Italy by working together at Southern Methodist University, USA. He is currently working as an Assistant Professor at the Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta. He has published more than 25 papers in reputed journals and 3 patents/patent applications. Aman was named a Canadian Rising Star in Global Health by Grand Challenges Canada.

Abstract:

Solvent free conversion of canola oil and fatty acid methyl esters (FAME's) derived from canola oil and waste cooking oil under microwave irradiation demonstrated dramatically enhanced rates. The microwave-assisted reactions lead to the most valuable terminal olefins with enhanced yields, purities and dramatic shortening of reaction times. Various monomers/chemicals were prepared in high yield in very short time. The complete conversions were observed at temperatures as low as 50 ºC within less than five minutes. The products were characterized by GC-MS, GC-FID and NMR. The prepared monomers were converted into biopolymers and characterized in detail using NMR, FTIR, DSC, TGA, DMA and mechanical testing techniques. In another approach, amphiphilic ABA type PEG-Lipid conjugated macromolecules have been synthesized using the copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition commonly termed as “click chemistry. Characterization of the conjugates has been carried out with the help of 1H-NMR, FTIR and GPC. The conjugates were evaluated for the encapsulation and release of an anticonvulsant drug (carbamazepine) as a hydrophobic drug model in the study. The micellization, drug encapsulation and release behavior of macromolecules was investigated by dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and fluorescence spectroscopy. From the results, it has been concluded that the nanoparticles had different average sizes due to different ratio of hydrophilic contents in the conjugate backbone. The Amphiphilic particle size and structure could be altered by changing the ratio of hydrophilic and hydrophobic contents. The in vitro drug encapsulations highlighted that all the drug-loaded micelles had spherical or near-spherical morphology. In vitro drug release study showed the controlled release of hydrophobic drug over a period of 50 hours. The results indicate that there is great potential of renewable lipid-based micelle nanoparticles to be used as hydrophobic drug carriers.

Break:
Lunch Break 13:10-14:10 @ Source Grill
Poster Presentations 14:10-15:00 @ Outside Room

Han-Yong Jeon

Inha University, Korea

Title: Review of eco-environmental properties and test concept suggestion of biodegradable geosynthetics
Speaker
Biography:

Han-Yong Jeon, geosynthetics/technical organic materials researcher, graduated from textile engineering department, Hanyang University in 1979. He worked as a professor from 1982 and now works in Inha University. Since 1998, From 2008-2012, he worked in International Geosynthetics Society as Council member (2006~2012) and he was the 6th president of Korean Geosynthetics Society (2011~2013). Now he is the current 32nd President of Korean Fiber Society (2014~2015). He has published more than 782 papers in domestic and international conferences. He wrote 17 texts including 'GEOSYNTHETICS’ and also published 117 papers in domestic & international journals. He has awards of Marquis Who'sWho - Science and Engineering in 2003~2014 and Top 100 Scientists in the World: 2005/2011 of IBC (International Biographical Centre, UK). Also, he got the 33rd Academy Award of Korean Fiber Society in 2006 and “Excellent Paper Award of 2012” by The Korean Federation of Science and Technology Societies.

Abstract:

For eco-environmental concept in geosynthetics application fields, “Green” revolution is rapidly increasing in every construction sites e.g., green structure, green installation, green industry etc. especially between construction and society’s needs. Furthermore, although durability of geosynthetics should be emphasized for long-term service period, durability controlled mechanism could be required to fulfil the short-term degradability purpose for green geosynthetics. “Green Geosynthetics” can be defined as following: green geosynthetics are made of eco-environmental biodegradable polymeric resins or natural materials and they must maintain their needed performance such as durability, design strength, hydraulic property etc. during service period in the application field. Then, after sevice period they should be degraded no harmful state in the soil structures. In this study, concept of green geosynthetics was introduced in terms of biodegradability. Development of green geosynthetics, its background and technical concerns were discussed through some research results of PLA (polylactic acid) specimens. Test method for biodegradability of PLA (polylactic acid) as a green geosynthetics were considered and suggested based on composting method. Finally, the rest result shows that the concept of biodegradability for green geosynthetics is available in the environmental application. Through the overall environmental performance analysis of biodegradability as green geosynthetics, it is seen that biodegradable mechanism of is possible to control theoretically and to control bio-degradability of PLA used green geosynthetics. However, more restricted design technology must be adopted for this and more specific composition and selection of optimum additives of PLA blending should be determined for the quality control of PLA related geosynthetics. To evaluate the biodegradability of green geosynthetics performance, new test methods should be introduced and the needed evaluation items should be selected by considering influence parameters on the long-term performance under real field installation conditions.

Mohammad Hassan Khanmirzaei

University of Malaya, Malaysia

Title: Cellulose derivative based nanocomposite gel biopolymer electrolytes for dye-sensitized solar cell application incorporated with carbon nanotube and 1-methyl-3-propylimidazolium iodide ionic liquid
Speaker
Biography:

Mohammad Hassan Khanmirzaei has completed his PhD at the age of 36 years from University of Malaya. He is currently a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Malaya. He has published some Q1 and Q2 papers as first author in reputed journals, has registered 2 patents and has been reviewed some manuscripts in reputed journals. His research interest is on biopolymer electrolytes, electrochemical devices especially dye-sensitized solar cells and perovskite solar cells.

Abstract:

Nanocomposite gel biopolymer electrolytes have been investigated for dye-sensitized solar cell applications by many researchers. In this work, hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), sodium iodide (NaI), 1-methyl-3-propylimidazolium iodide (MPII) as ionic liquid (IL), carbon nanotube (CNT), ethylene carbonate (EC) and propylene carbonate (PC) were used for preparation of non-volatile gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) system (HPC:EC:PC:NaI:MPII:CNT) for dye-sensitized solar cell application. Ethylene carbonate (EC) and propylene carbonate (PC) as plasticizer and iodine, I2 as redox mediator were used. The amounts of HPC, EC, PC, NaI and MPII were kept at 0.5, 5.0, 5.0, 0.5 and 0.5 g, respectively. The system were further incorporated with 1 wt.% of CNT with respect to the weight of HPC. GPEs were analyzed with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The ionic conductivity of 8.47×10−3 S cm−1 was achieved with introducing 1 wt.% of CNT. For DSSC fabrication, double-layer TiO2 paste was coated on FTO glass as photoactive electrode. Pt coated FTO glass was used as counter electrode. Photoactive electrode soaked in N719 dye for 24 hr. The gel polymer electrolytes were sandwiched between two anode and cathode electrodes for DSSC fabrication. The J-V characteristics of fabricated dye-sensitized solar cells were analyzed. The gel polymer electrolyte with 1 wt.% of CNT showed the energy conversion efficiency of 5.39 %, with short-circuit current density, open-circuit voltage and fill factor of 17.53 (mA cm−2), 440 (mV) and 69.9 %, respectively.

Kehat Abraham

Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Israel

Title: Renewable resources applications and its biopolymers
Speaker
Biography:

Kehat Abraham completed his PHD in 1996 and completed his Post doc in field of environmental pollution and chemical engineering. He published more than 50 papers in the field of organic chemistry and chemical engineering. He is presently working as Associate professor in Israel Institute of Technology

Abstract:

In the present world, plastic waste is great problem for the environment pollution. Conventional polymeric substances are not easily degraded because they are resistant against microbial attack; they accumulate in the environment and represent a significant source of environmental pollution. To over this problems, synthetic waste led to the development of new biopolymers that are biodegradable and biocompatible to the environment, to replace the conventional polymers. In last decade, many countries spend huge amounts on biopolymer research based on renewable resources because of wide range of applications in packaging, agriculture and medical feilds. Biodegradable natural polymers are mainly based on renewable resources (like starch, collagen, cellulose, etc.) and are produced naturally or synthesized from renewable resources. This paper is mainly, on the development of biopolymers and biocomposites based on renewable resources, their properties and the area of their application.

Xiao Lu

Southern university of sciences, Taiwan

Title: Chitosan-decorated calcium hydroxide microcapsules with ph-triggered release for endodontic applications
Speaker
Biography:

Xiao Lu completed his PHD in 2001 from Hong Kong University of technology and sciences in the field of inorganic chemistry. He is presently working as an assistant professor in Southern university of sciences. He had published more than 50 papers and guiding students in various projects.

Abstract:

The treatment of apical periodontitis (AP) remains challenging because traditional root canal therapy (RCT) outcomes are limited by the complexity of the root canal system, drug toxicity, and host immune factors. It is necessary to develop methods to prepare controlled drug release vehicles with improved biocompatibility for treatment of AP. Herein, calcium hydroxide microcapsules with chitosan and ethylcellulose coated (CS–EC@Ca(OH)2 microcapsules) were prepared and the presence of hydrogen bonding between shell materials was observed by FT-IR. Through release assessment and biological assays, we showed that the microcapsules had enhanced controlled-release performance and biocompatibility. In particular, drug release from the microcapsules was pH-triggered. The cumulative release of drugs in pH 5.0 buffer was 8-fold higher than that in pH 7.0 buffer. Furthermore, the microcapsules exhibited prolonged antibacterial activity against refractory strains of Enterococcus faecalis. Additionally, the CS–EC@Ca(OH)2 microcapsules reduced inflammation and promoted osteogenesis, which could be beneficial for the healing of AP with bone defects. Therefore, CS–EC@Ca(OH)2 microcapsules improve the innate properties of Ca(OH)2 and hold potential for AP treatment.

Asif Mahmood

King Saud University, Saudi Arabia

Title: Highly aligned narrow diameter chitosan electrospun nanofibers
Speaker
Biography:

Asif Mahmood has completed his PhD at the age of 33 years from University of Science and Technology, South Korea and postdoctoral studies from Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea. He is working as Assistant Professor in King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He has published more than 45 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an editorial board member of repute. Currently he has four research projects and has research team of 9 persons.

Abstract:

Random and highly aligned bead-free chitosan nanofibers (NFs)were successfully prepared via electrospinning by keeping the applied voltage (22 kV), flow rate (0.4 mL h-1), needle diameter (0.8 mm), and needle to collector distance (100 mm) constant while varying the solution concentration and collector rotation speed. No electrospinning was observed for lower solution concentrations, i.e., 1-3 wt% (w/v), whereas a decrease in the number and size of beads and microspheres, and bead-free NFs were obtained when the concentration of solution was increased from 4 to 6 wt%. Increase in the polymer concentration increased the solution viscosity (from 3.53 to 243 mPa s) and conductivity (from 29.80 to 192.00 μs cm-1) to critical values, which led to beadless NFs. The optimized conditions (i.e., concentration of solution 6 wt. %, applied electrical potential 22 kV, flow rate 0.4 mL h-1, needle diameter 0.8 mm, and needle to collector distance 100 mm) were further used for the alignment of chitosan NFs. The alignment of the NFs increased from 3 to 94.4 % and the diameter decreased from 163.9 to 137.4 nm as the rotation speed of the cylindrical collector drum was increased from 2.09 to 21.98 m s-1. The aligned and small diameter chitosan NFs might find potential applications in biomedical, environmental, solar fuel cell applications, etc. Several target devices and polymer systems in the literature have been used to obtain aligned NFs; however, almost no work has been reported on individual chitosan alignment.

Samuel Oluwatobi Oluwafemi

University of Johannesburg, South Africa

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

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.

Amani M. Samy

Ain Shams University, Egypt

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

Ehsan 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
Speaker
Biography:

Ehsan Abdel-Haleem Ahmad 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 are 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.

  • Track 7: Biopolymer Feed Stock Challenges & Opportunities
    Track 9: Biopolymers for Tissue Engineering
    Track 12: Future scope of Biopolymers
Speaker

Chair

Florent Allais

Chaire ABI – AgroParisTech, France

Session Introduction

Florent Allais

AgroParisTech, France

Title: Chemo-enzymatic synthesis and polymerizations of bio-based bisphenols derived from lignin: an access to novel 100% renewable alternating aromatic/aliphatic polymers

Time : 15:00-15:20

Speaker
Biography:

Florent Allais is currently a Full Professor in Chemistry at AgroParisTech and the Director of the Chair ABI (Industrial Agro-Biotechnologies) in Reims (France). He has completed his PhD from the University of Florida in 2004 and postdoctoral studies in the group of Prof. Janine Cossy (ESPCI, Paris, France) and Dr. Jean Boivin (ICSN-CNRS, Gif-sur-Yvette, France). Prof. Florent Allais has presented his research in numerous international conferences, published more than 30 papers in peer-reviewed journals, granted/filed 8 patents, served as reviewer of various journals and as Associate Editor of Frontiers in Chemistry (Chemical Engineering).

Abstract:

Novel renewable bisphenols were prepared through chemo-enzymatic processes under mild conditions. The enzyme-catalyzed condensation steps have been optimized and lead to high purity grade bisphenols in high to excellent yields.
The antiradical/antioxidant 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 alternating aliphatic/aromatic polymers such as copolyesters, polyurethanes, poly(ester-alkenamers). The newly obtained homo- and copolymers were then characterized by NMR, GPC, DSC and TGA. These analyses revealed not only good thermal stabilities but also a broad range of accessible Tg. Linear phenolic homo-oligomers were also prepared through oxidase-mediated oligomerization; their thermal properties and antiradical activities were evaluated.

Andreas Künkel

BASF SE, Germany

Title: Biodegradable and renewable polymers: How tocontribute to a sustanable future

Time : 15:20-15:40

Speaker
Biography:

Andreas Künkel is head of biopolymer research of BASF. After his Ph.D. in microbiology at the Max Planck Institute for terrestrial microbiology in Marburg, he started his BASF career within the Central R&D department, followed by marketing positions within the divisions Fine Chemicals and Performance Polymers. Since starting in BASF in 1999, his focus has been the strategic development and marketing of chemicals and polymers based on renewable resources using the synergies between classical chemistry and biotechnology.

Abstract:

INTRODUCTION
In 2050 very probably 9 billon people will live on earth, resulting in significant challenges. Major tasks will be supply of food, the more efficient use of resources (raw materials, energy), protecting the environment and prevention of further climate changes.

RENEWABLE RAW MATERIALS AND MONOMERS
Use of renewable raw materials for monomer production offers the opportunity to improve sustainability, esp. the carbon footprint. Important renewable monomers are lactic acid (for PLA), 1,4-butanediol, succinic acid, mid chain dicarboxylic acids (for biodegradable polyesters), 1,3-propanediol (for PTT) and furandicarboxylic acid (for PEF). Actually only 1st generation biorefineries (e.g. corn to glucose) are in place while 2nd generation biorefineries (cellulose to glucose, xylose) are still in infant status. Technological progress has been significant in the last years, but cost competitiveness to the fossil counterparts is difficult to achieve. 1,3-propanediol and succinic acid are examples where the biobased variants seem to be superior in costs and sustainability.

POLYMERS & COMPOUNDS
ecoflex® F, the aliphatic-aromatic BASF polyester, is made from terephthalic acid, butanediol and adipic acid. ecoflex® is the preferred blend partner for biobased and biodegradable polymers which typically do not exhibit good mechanics and processability for film applications by themselves (e.g. starch, PLA). The BASF brand name for compounds of ecoflex® with PLA is ecovio®.[1] The exchange of monomers (e.g. by succinic acid) gives access to polyesters and compounds with new properties.

ORGANIC WASTE MANAGEMENT AND AGRICULTURE AS APPLICATION EXAMPLES
Organic waste management and mulch film in agriculture are two application examples where biodegradable and renewable polymers add value. Approximately 40% of the household waste is organic waste, which can be converted to energy and to valuable compost. To enable this organic recycling, biodegradable organic waste bags and coffee capsules have been developed. Mulch film offers the opportunity to increase crop yield by reducing water consumption, improving microclimate and preventing growth of weeds. Biodegradable mulch film is plowed in the soil after harvest thus reducing the number of working steps.

END OF LIFE AND SUSTAINABILITY
The prerequisite for these applications is the biodegradability of the used polymer compounds. Polymer biodegradation commonly begins with the (hydrolytic) breakdown of the main chain – often enzymatically catalyzed – followed by mineralization of the resulting small molecules by microorganisms present in the respective habitat. Therefore elucidation of the interaction of microorganisms and their respective enzymes with polymer substrates in different environments and deducing relevant structure-property relationships is an important task of BASF biopolymer research.

CONCLUSION
Biodegradable and renewable polymers will not resolve the worlds sustainability challenges. But, smartly used, they will contribute to its solution.
 

Abbas Teimouri

Payame Noor University, Iran

Title: Preparation and characterization of silk/diopside composite nanofibers via electrospinning for tissue engineering applications

Time : 15:40-16:00

Speaker
Biography:

Abbas Teimouri has completed his PhD at the age of 34 years from Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran. He is the associate professor of organic chemistry in Payame Noor University (PNU), Isfahan, Iran. He has published more than 75 papers in reputed journals.

Abstract:

Silk fibroin (SF) is a kind of natural polymers with a great potential in biomedical application. [1] Due to its good biocompatibility, biodegradability, high tensile strength, hemostatic properties, non-cytotoxicity, low antigenicity and minimal inflammatory reaction, SF is an excellent candidate for generating tissue engineering scaffolds [2-4]. Based on previous findings, diopside (CaMgSi2O6) is advised as an excellent bioactive material for artificial bone and dental root, since it shows more potential of apatite formation ability and higher mechanical strength than hydroxyapatite. Moreover, it has been confirmed that the diopside has a fairly high mechanical strength, good bioactivity, excellent bending strength and a good biocompatibility [5-7]. Electrospinning is a new technique to fabricate nanofibrous scaffolds for tissue engineering due to the large surface area to volume ratio, that influences the adhesion, migration, and growth of cells [8]. In the past few years, there has been significant growth in research on exploring electrospun nanofibrous scaffold for tissue engineering applications [9–11]. In this report we extend our recent study on silk composites [12-14]. Silk fibroin/nanodiopside were fabricated via electrospinning. Herein, the effect of nanodiopside on the surface morphology of electrospun Silk fibroin/nanodiopside nanofibers were investigated. Finally, the cytocompatibility of the Silk fibroin/nanodiopside composite nanofibrous scaffold was studied by using MTT test.

Break:
Networking and Refreshment Break 16:00-16:15 @ Outside Room

Huaping Wang

Donghua University, China

Title: Preparation and characterization of bacterial cellulose-based biomaterial as scaffolds for articular cartilage tissue engineering

Time : 16:15-16:35

Speaker
Biography:

Huaping Wang serves as executive director of China Chemical Fiber Industry Association, deputy Director of the Standards Committee, deputy director of Fiber Committee of China & Shanghai Chemical Fiber Textile Engineering Society. He was in charge of more than 20 major projects, such as National Science and Technology Support Program. He was rewarded National Sci-Tech Advance Award 3 times and Provincial and ministerial Prize 8 times. He owns more than 60 authorized National Invention Patents, and has published more than 260 papers in domestic and oversea key academic journal.

Abstract:

Bacterial cellulose (BC) secreted by Acetobacter xylinum (A. xylinum) is a natural and promising biomaterial for application in tissue engineering. However, the low bioactivity and cell penetration capability due to the single cellulose component and the dense 3D microstructure have limited the application of BC for articular cartilage repairing. On the basis of the property requirements of ideal articular cartilage scaffolds, we have addressed the challenges and limitations on current technologies to improve surface bioactivity and enlarging porous structure of BC scaffolds. A biosynthetic approach was chosen to fabricate a series of BC/lotus root starch (BC/LRS) composites for simplifying preparation procedure, controlling microstructure, and improving biocompatibility as articular cartilage scaffolds. Following pretreatment with PVP and SA, BC mineralized in 1.5×SBF solution, had reduced HA precipitation time, and created an optimized crystal morphology along the fiber by increasing Ca2+ adhesion. Particularly, BC scaffolds coated with HA crystal showed increased bioactivity for simulating the calcified layer of articular cartilage. To reconstruct dense microstructure, we created porous structure within BC membrane by using surfactant assisted foaming method in azodicarbonamide aqueous solution (AC). The foaming method was more effective and gave higher-yield compared with previous reported methods. By introducing agarose microparticles into BC substrates as a poragen, we harvested porous BC scaffold with interconnected pores displaying dimensions of 300-500 m, which were identified to facilitate cartilage cells penetration into the internal BC structure and form a 3D distribution.

Francisco M. Goycoolea

University of Leeds, United Kingdom

Title: Biopolymers – Key actors in the medicine of the future

Time : 16:35-16:55

Speaker
Biography:

Prof. Goycoolea has twenty years of experience researching on biomass-sourced polymers as building blocks of novel bioinspired materials such as soft hydrogels and nanoparticles for biomedical and biotechnological applications. In 2016, he has been appointed as Chair in Biopolymers at University of Leeds. He has published more than 110 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an editorial board member of repute.

Abstract:

The main achievements of science and technology in the last century have brought substantial improvements in the quality of life of the human species (i.e., in food production, health, energy, transport and communications). However, new approaches and a change in paradigms are urgently needed to address remaining gaps in health worldwide. Some of these include: 1) Strategies to fight microbial drug resitance; 2) novel and more effective therapies against cancer; 3) effective therapies against neurological disorders related to aging. The modern understanding of health is based on the concept of regulation of metabolism by a complex network of communication mechanisms based on signaling molecules that regulate basic cellular activities and coordinates cell responses so they can act in concert. These respond to, are controlled by, and can be interrupted by processes occurring in at the molecular and supramolecular/macromolecular scales. The latter are the domain of bioinspired nanomaterials. These biomaterials are believed to be key in the development of new approaches to tackle the disease. A fundamental reason in this respect, is that these materials not only share similar building blocks, but also the hierarchical organization in the length scale of living systems, for example, bones, shells, hair, fibers, etc. This conference will address recent advances in our laboratory with the aim of contributing to some of the health challenges. To do this, we have to use platforms based on nanomaterials based on biopolymers. These include nanoparticles and nanocapsules capable of disrupting quorum sensing in Gram negative bacteria; nanocapsules capable of preventing the adhesion of Helicobacger pylori to stomach cells; electrostatically self-assembled nanocomplexes of chitosan and polynucleotides (pDNA, siRNA and microRNA) able to transfect cells of breast cancer and cystic fibrosis cells; and nanocapsules loaded with capsaicin that can reversibly disrupt the tight junctions and therefore permeabilize drugs across epithelial cell monolayers. In vitro proof-of-concept of the effectiveness of these systems will be discussed. The current obstacles and future perspectives will also be discussed in the context of the translation of these nanomedicine to the clinic.

Brigitte Deschrevel

University of Rouen, France

Title: A tunable and scalable biomaterial for 3D cell development: applications in cartilage engineering and tumor engineering

Time : 16:55-17:15

Speaker
Biography:

Brigitte Deschrevel got her PhD in biophysicochemistry in 1993. Since, she is a senior lecturer in chemistry and biophysics at the Rouen University (France) where she carries out her research in the “Polymers, Biopolymers, Surfaces” laboratory (UMR 6270 CNRS). She is co-author of 24 papers and a patent, author of 2 book chapters and she presented her work in 25 international conferences. Her work has also led to collaborations with several companies. Since 2008, she is Director of the Chemistry Department of the Rouen University and, since 2015, she is member of the Academic Council of Normandy University.

Abstract:

We designed an innovative biomaterial combining structural, mechanical and biological properties for tridimensional cell development. It consists of a tridimensional scaffold, made of biosourced and biocompatible polymers such as poly(lactic acid), whose surface is functionalized with a nanolayer of biomolecules naturally occurring in the extracellular matrix. Our biomaterial is highly tunable and scalable and thus, it may be used for a diversity of applications in vitro as well as in vivo. We focus here on cartilage engineering and tumor engineering. Surface scaffold was functionalized with hyaluronan (HA), an abundant glycosaminoglycan in both cartilage and tumors. We showed that mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) behaviors greatly depended on the composition of the polymeric scaffold and that their ability to differentiate into chondrocytes strongly varied according to the shape, the porosity, the pore diameter and the HA surface functionalization of the scaffold. Very interestingly, in porous asymmetric films which display an interconnected network of macro- and micropores and whose surface was functionalized with HA, MSC differentiate into mature chondrocytes with deposition of a hyaline cartilaginous matrix. Using porous asymmetric films, we also showed that interactions between MSC and HT-29 colorectal cancer cells strongly depended on the chain size of HA. While there was no physical interaction between the two cell types with high molecular weight HA (HMW-HA), MSC came to surround HT-29 spheroids in the presence of low molecular weight HA (LMW-HA). Moreover, with HMW-HA the microenvironment was found to be proinflammatory, while an increased secretion of proangiogenic cytokines were observed with LMW-HA.

Break:
Panel Discussion
Award & Closing ceremony

Francisco M. Goycoolea

University of Leeds, United Kingdom

Title: Biopolymers – Key actors in the medicine of the future
Speaker
Biography:

Prof. Goycoolea has twenty years of experience researching on biomass-sourced polymers as building blocks of novel bioinspired materials such as soft hydrogels and nanoparticles for biomedical and biotechnological applications. In 2016, he has been appointed as Chair in Biopolymers at University of Leeds. He has published more than 110 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an editorial board member of repute.

Abstract:

The main achievements of science and technology in the last century have brought substantial improvements in the quality of life of the human species (i.e., in food production, health, energy, transport and communications). However, new approaches and a change in paradigms are urgently needed to address remaining gaps in health worldwide. Some of these include: 1) Strategies to fight microbial drug resitance; 2) novel and more effective therapies against cancer; 3) effective therapies against neurological disorders related to aging. The modern understanding of health is based on the concept of regulation of metabolism by a complex network of communication mechanisms based on signaling molecules that regulate basic cellular activities and coordinates cell responses so they can act in concert. These respond to, are controlled by, and can be interrupted by processes occurring in at the molecular and supramolecular/macromolecular scales. The latter are the domain of bioinspired nanomaterials. These biomaterials are believed to be key in the development of new approaches to tackle the disease. A fundamental reason in this respect, is that these materials not only share similar building blocks, but also the hierarchical organization in the length scale of living systems, for example, bones, shells, hair, fibers, etc. This conference will address recent advances in our laboratory with the aim of contributing to some of the health challenges. To do this, we have to use platforms based on nanomaterials based on biopolymers. These include nanoparticles and nanocapsules capable of disrupting quorum sensing in Gram negative bacteria; nanocapsules capable of preventing the adhesion of Helicobacger pylori to stomach cells; electrostatically self-assembled nanocomplexes of chitosan and polynucleotides (pDNA, siRNA and microRNA) able to transfect cells of breast cancer and cystic fibrosis cells; and nanocapsules loaded with capsaicin that can reversibly disrupt the tight junctions and therefore permeabilize drugs across epithelial cell monolayers. In vitro proof-of-concept of the effectiveness of these systems will be discussed. The current obstacles and future perspectives will also be discussed in the context of the translation of these nanomedicine to the clinic.

Yi Pang

The University of Akron,USA

Title: Developing Environment-Sensitive Molecular Probes for Target Binding-Activated Fluorescence Imaging
Speaker
Biography:

Yi Pang received Ph.D. degree in 1990 from Iowa State University, USA. He was a postdoctoral fellow at US DOE Ames Laboratory during 1991-1993. He is currently a professor at The University of Akron. He has published more than 135 research papers in reputed journals. His current research interests include synthesis of luminescent polymers, and development of fluorescent molecular probes for recognition of biologically important species.

Abstract:

Recognition of specific biomolecules such as a unique protein in biological cells is critical for basic biomedical research and the development of novel clinical diagnostics. Considerable interests exist in searching for the novel fluorescent probes that can target specific biological tissues/molecules to meet the need for advanced bioimaging. For in vivo tracking of a specific type of biomolecules or tissues, the probes are also required to be non-toxic, and their prescence do not disturb the normal biological development process. In the presentation, we discuss a new class of fluorescent imaging dyes, which are typically non-fluorescent in an aqueous environment. The probes, however, become highly fluorescent upon binding to biomolecules such as proteins. The binding-activated fluorescence on biomolecules can be further developed to give wash-free imaging reagents, as those free probes are nearly non-fluorescent in the surrounding aqueous environments. Further extending this concept has led to advanced imaging reagents, which selectively target the biomolecules in the subunits of biological cells, e.g. organelles, to give fluorescence turn on.

Mubarak Ahmad Khan

Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission,Bangladesh

Title: Radiation Processed Textile Sludge for Preparing Eco-friendly Bricks
Speaker
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 (%), BS (MPa), BM (MPa), IS (kJ/m²), water uptake (%) and electrical resistivity (Ω-m) were investigated. Density, weight loss, firing shrinkage, electrical resistivity reduced as sludge content (%) in bricks increased whereas BS, BM, IS and water uptake (%) increased with the increase of sludge content. The optimum results were found for the 50-50% sludge/clay samples. Further increasing of the sludge percentages 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 of density of all bricks was experienced during the ageing tests in water, acid, alkali and salt. BS, BM, IS also tested for water and acid ageing. Morphological analysis of the brick samples were done by metallurgical inverted microscope.

Cristina Perez Rivero

University of Manchester, United Kingdom

Title: : Integrated computational and experimental studies on PHB production from biorefinery waste glycerol
Speaker
Biography:

Graduated with honours in Chemical Engineering from the University of Oviedo, Cristina Perez later completed a Master Degree in Biotechnology at The University of Manchester. The work conducted at that time in continuous fermentation of biodiesel waste glycerol led her to win the President's Doctoral Scholar Award. Currently working as PhD researcher within the Centre for Process Integration of the University of Manchester, her investigation continues the study of manufacturing added-value-products from biorefinery waste material, particularly the synthesis of bioplastics.

Abstract:

The global potential of bioplastics in numerous markets is surprisingly at odds with low development at industrial scale. High costs from processed feedstock and those associated with product recovery from inefficiently fermented broth delays its implementation. Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is the best studied biodegradable bioplastic and Cupriavidus necator one the most common wild bacterial strain that synthesizes it from substrates different from sugars. In this work, glycerol has been exploited as inexpensive biological feedstock and the understanding gained of PHB synthesis translated to a mathematical model that can be used for process evaluation. This low-structured model is a robust tool for forecasting the fermentation profiles and identifying the best operational conditions, which greatly reduces the number of experiments needed to optimize the process. Due to the nature of the PHB synthesis, accumulated intracellular whenever environmental conditions deprive cells of growing, fed-batch configuration is the most widespread practise. In silico studies of continuous and semi-continuous fermentations are being developed in order to maximize the fermentation outcomes through better designs. The integration of PHB production within the biodiesel plants where the glycerol comes from, together with an improved knowledge of the biological process, subject to design, control and optimization, will contribute in reducing the gap between petroleum-based plastics and the bio-base counterparts.

Jin-Ye Wang

Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China

Title: Natural polymer, zein, for tissue regeneration
Speaker
Biography:

Jin-Ye Wang, received Ph.D. from Tohoku University, Japan (1992), professor of Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences (2000-2009), adjunct professor of Shanghai Jiao Tong University (2003-2009), and now professor of Biomedical Engineering and team leader of Biomaterials Lab, Shanghai Jiao Tong University. She has published over 80 SCI papers, 4 books (chapters), and 13 Chinese patents and one US patent were authorized. She was the invited speaker of European Conference on Biomaterials, Pacifichem et al., awarded by the Hundred Talent Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (1999), Life Sciences Prize from Meiji Dairies Corporation (2008) et al. Her research interests include Tissue Engineering, Controlled Release and Fluorescent Probe, Biomimetic Materials and Biointerfaces.

Abstract:

Zein is the major storage protein of corn and comprises 40-50% of total endosperm proteins. Zein has been used as microspheres to delay the release of drugs and to protect the drugs from degradation by pepsin, thus can release the drugs for a long time. Our laboratory has developed zein as a novel and potential biomaterial for tissue engineering. Firstly, a three-dimensional zein porous scaffold was prepared and showed to be suitable for culture of various cell lines and primary cells such as human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and mesebchymal stem cells (MSCs) in vitro. The scaffolds are characterized with interconnected pore, controllable pore sizes, especially excellent mechanical properties, which are controllable and suitable to act as bone substitutes (Biomaterials 2004, 2005, 2006, J. Control Rel., 2005). Next, we examined its tissue compatibility in a rabbit subcutaneous implanting model, the histological analysis revealed a good tissue response and degradability. The third, zein porous scaffolds modified with fatty acids have shown great improvement in mechanical properties and also good cell compatibility in vitro (Biomaterials 2007). Besides, the complex of zein porous scaffold and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) could effectively promote the ectopic bone formation in nude mice and the repair of critical-sized bone defects in the rabbit model (Biomaterials 2009).

Joseph Jean Assaad

Notre Dame University, Lebanon

Title: Benefits of recycled polymers obtained from the paint industry on mechanical properties and durability of concrete structures
Speaker
Biography:

Joseph Assaad received his Ph.D in 2004 from Sherbrooke University, Quebec, Canada. He is Manager of R&D in Holderchem Building Chemicals, and Adjunct Professor in Civil Engineering in Notre Dame University, Lebanon. He received several awards and recognitions in Concrete Technology, and published a book about high-performance concrete and over 60 articles in international refereed journals. His research interests include grinding aids for clinker, reduction of CO2 emissions during cement production, use of waste materials such as Used Engine Oil and Latex Paints in concrete, composite cementitious systems containing polymers and specialty chemicals, and polymerisation of polyvinyl alcohols and styrene butadiene polymers.

Abstract:

Polymeric virgin latexes such as styrene-butadiene rubber and vinyl acrylic homo- or copolymers are widely used in repair and patching works to increase adhesion and bond strengths of cementitious-based materials to various substrates. These have found particular acceptance in reinforced concrete applications due to their superior resistance to corrosion, chloride ion penetration, as well as oxygen diffusion. Because of economical and environmental considerations, the recycling of waste polymers resulting from the paint industry during concrete production has considerably increased over the last years. In fact, virgin polymers are key ingredients in latex-based paints; these are mixed with the pigment/extender powders and stabilized in water with the addition of thickening and dispersing agents. The paints shelf lives are relatively short (up to one year), generating large amounts of waste materials; in the United States, this is estimated around 16 to 35 million gallons per year, about which 5% to 10% ends up in landfills. Existing literature shows that recycled polymers resulting from waste latex paints enhanced plain (i.e., unreinforced) concrete properties, mainly flexural strength given the high tensile strength of latex films associated with bond improvement at the hydrated paste-aggregate interfacial transition zone. Limited studies investigated the effect of recycled polymers on reinforced concrete properties including the bond stress-slip with embedded steel bars and whether such behavior would be similar to that imparted by virgin polymeric latexes. Around fifty concrete mixtures containing different vinyl acrylic-based polymer concentrations are tested by direct bond and beam-end methods. Test results have shown that the concrete-bar interfacial bond stresses occurring during the elastic region substantially improved with recycled and virgin polymers. At similar polymer-to-cement ratio, concrete incorporating recycled polymers exhibited improved bond properties than mixtures prepared with virgin ones. This was indirectly related to the pigment and extender powders in the waste latex paints, thus reducing porosity and improving denseness of cement paste that strengthen the transition zone adjacent to reinforcing bars. The effect of reducing water-to-cement ratio while adding superplasticizer to compensate the loss in workability and compressive strength was found efficient to increase the ultimate bond strength.

Gabriel Goetten de Lima

Athlone Institute of Technology, Ireland

Title: Novel double-layered cryogels for biomedical applications
Speaker
Biography:

Gabriel Goetten de Lima is currently doing his PhD in Polymers, and has a master degree in mechanical engineering in Federal University of Parana. He has published more than 7 papers in reputed journals.

Abstract:

The main aim of this research study was to create a double-layered cryogel with enhanced mechanical properties and biocompatibility for biomedical applications. To this end, this work focussed on the creation of polyvinyl acohol(PVA) based polymer composites with two known biocompatible ceramics, namely, α-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP) and titanium dioxide (TiO2). In brief, using the freeze/thaw methods a layered composite structure was built with a PVA boundary as a layer. Subsequently, the swelling characteristics, together with the chemical,physical and rheological properties of the composites were examined. Upon optimisation of the structure and composition, cell metabolic activity, ell attachment and controlled release of theophylline were investigated. Using scanning electron microscopy, a well integrated multi-layered structure was observed. Moreover, FTIR spectroscopy revealed that the chemical composition was homogenous throughout the layers. Swelling studies in buffered solution at pH 7.4 revealed that the control PVA multilayered gels had a 200 % higher degree of swelling and 9 % lower mechanical properties compared to the double-layered systems containing bioceramics. These results indicate an increase in intramolecular bonding based on the amount of the ceramics added on cryogels. Furthermore, there was no evidence of an adverse affect on cell metabolica activity, when MC3T3 cells were grown in the presence of the composites for 72 hours. In addition, controlled release of theophylline was observed over a x hour period. Taken together, these results indicate that the novel multilayered composite fabricated in this work have potential for bone repair applications.

Jaywant N. Pawar

Institute of Chemical Technology, India

Title: Exploring the potential of porous starch as a biodegradable polymer in pharmaceutical formulations.
Speaker
Biography:

Jaywant N. Pawar studied for his M. Pharm at Pune University and graduated with first class in year 2012. Currently he is in final year of his Ph.D at Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, India. His research interests includes crystal engineering of pharmaceutical API’s, Fabrication and modification of pharmaceutical excipients. He has 6 international publications and more than 8 international conference presentations. He is nominated as the Youth professonals Chair person of India for ISPE (Interantional society of Pharamceutical Enginners) organization. He is the active member of AAPS society. He is receipient of Travel grant 2015 award by ISAR Italy organization.

Abstract:

Starch; a green plants-based reserve polysaccharide has been commonly explored as an excipient for versatile applications in the food and pharmaceutical industry. In pharmaceutical industry, it serves as a binder, diluent and disintegrant for a wide range of conventional solid dosage forms like tablets, capsules, pellets etc. Over the past decades, a new generation of modifed starches have been introduced as functional excipients for drug delivery systems. Grafting, cross-linking, complexation etc comprise of some of the reported techniques utilised for manufacturing porous starch. Porous starch has been widely used in supension cell culture system for growth of cells and recombinant proteins for therapeutic use. It facilitates adhesion and proliferation of cells during tissue regeneration thus making it an excipient of choice for scaffold engineering. Pulmonary delivery of biomacromolecules like proteins, peptides and genes is fortified by starch owing to its excellent carrier properties. Porous starch has been explored as an analytical adjuvant for high performance protein chromatography. Porous starch imparts oxidation stability to high-oleic sunflower oil by its robust carrier properties. In this context, the development of porous starch (PS) has been explained, made by hydrogel to alcogel conversion; a industrially scalable technology. We have explored PS as a carrier for the dissolution rate enhancement of poorly water soluble drugs. PS has a specific surface area of 109.73 m2/g, high pore volume and improved wettability giving improved dissolution rate upto 9.65% compared to neat API and 1.99% higher bioavilbility of developed formulation compared to pure drug.