6^th World Congress on Biopolymers September 7-9, 2017 Paris, France

Biography:

Anand Gadre graduated with his BS in Applied Physics from the University of Mumbai, MS Degree at the Institute of Science, Mumbai and his doctorate (Ph.D.) from the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai, (India). Anand joined University of Maryland (USA) as a Postdoctoral Research Associate and further continued working in Georgetown University at Washington DC. Anand was then appointed as an Assistant Professor of Nanobioscience at the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering in the State University of New York at Albany and later was promoted as an Associate Professor of Nanobioscience with tenure. While working at CNSE, Anand also achieved his Master in Business Management (MBA) degree from the State University of New York at Albany. Since 2011, Anand has been working as Director of the Stem Cell Instrumentation Foundry (SCIF) at the University of California, Merced where he is currently administering core research facilities and pursuing his research in the areas of Nanobiotechnology.

Abstract:

Advanced biocompatible polymers  and co-polymers have been successfully implemented to generate electrospun nanofibers for variety of biological and biomedical applications. This work focused on generating a biopolymeric drug delivery system using (Poly-Lactic- co-Glycolic Acid (PLGA). Controlled drug elution targets a specific location to avoid overdosing and thereby reducing the side effects of the drug. In this study, we prepared a local anesthetic (Lidocaine) as  well as  an  antibiotic (Chloramphenicol) loaded PLGA nanofibers using electrospinning technique   and   evaluated   the   drug release activity at a stable rate. Electrospinning is performed by applying a large positive voltage (several kV) to a metal syringe tip, which dispenses a polymer solution. The potential field draws a fiber from the end of the tip and deposits a randomly oriented and non- woven mat of polymeric fiber on a grounded metal collector plate. Depending on spinning parameters, fibers ranging from as small as 100 nm to as large as several micrometers can be achieved. We can alter the fiber diameter to control the rate of delivery. Fibers of lager diameter will have smaller surface area to volume ratios and should therefore release drug molecules compounds at a slower rate, but for a longer   period   of   time.  Conversely, smaller diameter fibers could release drug molecules at a faster rate, which could be beneficial for initial treatment.
Structural and optical properties of such drug loaded fibers confirmed the presence of drug molecules. Systematic drug elution experiments using UV- spectrophotometry were performed to observe possible indication in the absorbance change as the drug elutes from the nanofibers over the period of time. Drug loaded biopolymeric nanofibers also showed limited cytotoxicity on fibroblasts with viability greater than 96%. Such drug-loaded biopolymeric nanofibers can be applied via different routes, such as implantation, injection, and/or oral administration for a wide range of medical treatments.

Biography:

Dr. Patrizia Cinelli PhD in Chemistry at Pisa University partly performed at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Peoria, IL, USA. Over 20 years of experience in materials science, polymer processing and characterization, biodegradation and life cycle assessment. She is co-author of over 50 papers in peer-reviewed journal, 9 book chapters, and 8 patents on innovative materials. She is assistant professor of applied chemistry and Materials Technology at Master Degree student of Construction Engineering and Architecture at Pisa University. She has worked in over 15 EC project from FP5, FP6, FP7 and Horizon 2020, directly following technical management, proposal writing, scientific activity, and reporting

Abstract:

The utilization of “Bio-polymers” for production of bio-based composites has attracted interest of various application sectors ranging from packaging to automotive components and other high value applications.

Advantages of natural fibres are their lightweight, relative cheapness, being bio-based, and the fact that they can compete well with conventional reinforcements such as glass and aramid fibres for terms of strength per weight of material. The strength of the bond between fibres and matrix is substantial for the best mechanical performances of a composite. Many factors interacting with each other affect the complex process of the fibre/matrix adhesion, which be influenced by the chemical nature of the polymeric matrix, manufacturing methods, processing parameters, surface modification of the fibres or by additives like adhesion modifier agents. For production of composites with bio based biodegradable polymers, it is important to address fibres pre-treatment and/or to use compatibilizing agents. These approaches are reviewed in the present contribute with reference on specific researches carried on in our laboratories.

Recent Publications

1. E. Bugnicourt, P. Cinelli, A. Lazzeri, V. Alvarez; (2014) Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA): Review of synthesis, characteristics, processing and potential applications in packaging, Express Polymer Letters 8(11), 791-808.
2. V.T. Phuong, V. Gigante, L. Aliotta, M. B. Coltelli, P. Cinelli, A. Lazzeri. (2017) in press, Reactively extruded ecocomposites based on poly(lactic acid)/bisphenol A polycarbonate blends reinforced with regenerated cellulose microfibers, Composite Science and Technology, CSTE 6603. 139, 127–137
3. F. Cicogna, S Coiai, C. De Monte, R. Spiniello, S. Fiori, Francesca Braca, M. Franceschi, P. Cinelli, A. Lazzeri, S.M.K. fehri, W. Oberhauser, E. Passaglia, (2017, ) PLA plasticized with low molecular weight polyesters: structural, thermal and biodegradability features, Polymer International, DOI:10.1002/pi.5356
4. M. Seggiani, P. Cinelli, N. Mallegni, E. Balestri, M. Puccini, S. Vitolo, C. Lardicci, A. Lazzeri. (2017), New bio-composites based on Polyhydroxyalkanoates and Posidonia oceanica fibres for application in marine environment, Materials. 10, 326; doi:10.3390/ma10040326
5. L. Aliotta, P. Cinelli, M. B. Coltelli, M.C. Righetti, M. Gazzano, A. Lazzeri. (2017) in press, Effect of nucleating agents on crystallinity, and properties of Poly (lactic acid) (PLA), European Polymer Journal. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2017.04.041

Biography:

Katrien Bernaerts, born in 1978 in Neerpelt (Belgium) graduated as a licentiate (master) in chemistry from Ghent University (Belgium) in 2000. From 2000 – 2005 she performed in PhD in polymer chemistry in the group of Prof. Du Prez at Ghent University (Belgium) on the synthesis and evaluation of stimuli (pH and temperature) responsive copolymer architectures by combination of different polymerization techniques. After PhD, Katrien spent 7 years in industry, doing research in the field of coatings and fibers. Since 2012, she started as assistant professor polymer chemistry at Maastricht University. Her main research interest is the synthesis of renewable, functional (co)polymers with a variety of architectures via different chemistries and the study of their structure-property relationships in several fields of application e.g. stimuli-responsive polymers, organic coatings, fibers, organic membranes, engineering plastics and biomedical applications.

Abstract:

ω-Pentadecalactone (PDL) is a biobased 16-membered macrolactone that can be derived from renewable resources. Its regular structure makes it highly crystalline and thus interesting as a biobased replacement for linear low density polyethylene. However, its solubility is very limited (chloroform) which hinders the use of PDL polymers in other applications requiring large solubility range. Copolymerization with a branched lactone is one way to reduce crystallinity because it is expected to disrupt the co-polyesters’ microstructure. Nevertheless, it has been shown that the microstructure of PDL-based co-polyesters varies depending on the comonomer structure. A block copolyester is obtained with branched lactones while a random structure is obtained with unsubstituted lactones of various size.

It was attempted to break the crystallinity of PDL-based copolyesters with a view of increasing their solubility range. Therefore, PDL was copolymerized with the branched and biobased δ-undecalactone (UDL), whose homopolymer is amorphous. In order to assess the microstructure (random or block-like), monomer distribution within the PDL-co-UDL polyesters was assessed by ¹³C NMR. It was observed that crystallinity of the copolyesters was decreased but not suppressed as measured by DSC, partially because they did not display a fully random monomer order. Hansen solubility parameter determination however showed that the solubility range of the copolyesters was improved compared to PDL homopolymers.

Recent Publications

1. Bernaerts,  K.;  Mestrom,  L.;  De  Wildeman,  S.,  Biocatalysis  toward  New  Biobased  Building  Blocks  for Polymeric  Materials.  In  Applied  Biocatalysis:  From  Fundamental  Science  to  Industrial  Applications, Liese A, Hilterhaus L, Kettling U, Antranikian G, Eds.; Wiley-VCH, 2016; pp 464
2. Delgove, M.A.F.; Luchies, J.; Wauters, I.; Deroover, G.G.P., De Wildeman, S.M.A., Increasing the solubility range of polyesters by tuning their microstructure with comonomers, Polymer Chemistry, DOI: 10.1039/c7py00976c
3. Wróblewska, A.A.; Bernaerts, K.V.; De Wildeman S.M.A., Rigid, bio-based polyamides from galactaric acid derivatives with elevated glass transition temperatures and their characterization, Polymer 124 (2017) 252-262
4. Wróblewska, A.A.; Lingier, S.; Noordijk, J.; Du Prez, F.E.; De Wildeman, S.M.A.; Bernaerts, K.V., Polyamides based on a partially bio-based spirodiamine, submitted

Biography:

Egle Conforto, an Italian and Brazilian materials and biomaterials scientist, is specialized in Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopy, which is the red wire of her career. She obtained her BSc degree in Physics and her MSc in Materials Science at Sao Paulo University in Brazil, and worked for 8 years in R&D using electron microscopy. Her PhD degree in materials for nanoelectronics applications was obtained at Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland, where she worked for 10 more years as head of new projects in biomaterials analyzed by Electron Microscopy. Since 2004 she is the Head of the Electron Microscopy Laboratory at University La Rochelle, being the responsible for its management and for research projects in corrosion and in hydrogen precipitation in Ti and Zr. She is also responsible for the supervisor of master and PhD research works, as well as for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education in electron microscopy

Abstract:

We propose an optimized methodology using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) in environmental mode to study the surface characteristics and the internal structure of biopolymer capsules. Water vapor pressure in the 1.3 – 2.0 mbar range is introduced in the SEM specimen chamber during analyses to improve the electrical and thermal conductivity of the capsule surface, and to preserve it from damage. The main advantage of this methodology is that no preparation is required and, significantly, no metallic coverage is deposited on the surface of the specimen, thus preserving its original morphology. In particular, it avoids introducing preparation artefacts which could modify the capsule surface and shape, and mask information concerning important feature like porosities, roughness, coating continuity and cracks. Furthermore, chemical contrast is preserved in Backscattered Electron (BSE) images of unprepared samples, allowing visualizing the internal organization of the capsule, the quality of the envelope etc… Figures 1a and b show the surface morphology of uncovered capsules constituted of an inorganic salt by secondary electrons (SE) images. In Figure 1c and d, BSE images of the same salt coated by 10% of type A gelatin allows evaluating the coating permeability and the coating-core interactions. This information is also obtained from Figs. 1e and f where capsules of the same salt were covered by hydrogenated vegetable oil. We can observe fine details of gelatin and mainly fatty coatings, which are difficult to be analyzed by standard SEM techniques. For some simple fatty molecules like stearic acids for instance, environmental Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) analyses have been successfully performed to obtain the relative concentration C/O.  Finally, this methodology provides a reliable evaluation of the parameters used in capsule elaboration for research and industrial applications, as well as that of capsule functionality which is essential for the technological progress in this domain.

1. Bugra O (2012) Complex coarcervation of collagen hydrolysates extracted from leather solid wastes and chitosan for controlled release of lavender oil, J. Environ. Manag. 100: 22–28.

2. Paques JP, van der Linden E, van Rijn CJM, Sagis LMC (2013) Alginate submicron beads prepared through w/o emulsification and gelation with CaCl2 nanoparticles, Food Hydrocoll. 31:428–434.

3. Rangrong Y, Suwabun C (2010) Encapsulation of ascobrylpalmitate in chitosan nanoparticles by oil-in-water emulsion and ionic gelation processes, Colloids Surf. B Biointerfaces 76:292–297.

4. James B (2009) Advances in “wet” electronmicroscopy techniques and their application to the study of food structure, Trend Food Sci. Technol. 20:114–124.

5. Muscariello L, Rosso F, Marino G, Giordano A, Barbarisi M, Cafiero G, Barbarisi A (2005) A critical overview of ESEM applications in the biological field, J. Cell. Physiol. 205:328–334.

Biography:

Christine Jérôme, full Professor at the University of Liege, has expertise in polymer chemistry and passion in developing biomaterials to improve health and well-being. She developed green strategies for the synthesis, functionalization and processing of polymer materials, degradable or not, to precisely tailor their properties and design supramolecular structures customised to the targeted biomedical application and needs.

Abstract:

Polymer hydrogels resemble the natural living tissue due to their high water content and soft consistency. They find many applications in the design and production of contact and intraocular lenses, biosensors membranes, matrices for repairing and regenerating a wide diversity of tissues and organs. Derived from chitin, chitosan is a unique biopolymer that exhibits outstanding properties, beside biocompatibility and biodegradability. Most of these peculiar properties arise from the presence of primary amines along the chitosan backbone. As a consequence, chitosan based hydrogels have shown a great potential for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. Being degraded in a physiological environment into non-toxic products, chitosan is an outstanding candidate for short- to medium-term applications, such as tissue engineering. In this respect, the preparation of chitosan nanometric fibers mats is highly interesting as such structure mimics the one of skin extracellular matrix. Chitosan nanofibers can be prepared by electrospinning but suffer from weak mechanical resistance if they are used as such. Therefore, strategies allowing to generate chitosan based nanofiber mats exhibiting a mechanical resistance strong enough to be easily handled while keeping the peculiar features of chitosan hydrogels favoring the interaction with cells and soft tissues to provide efficient tissue reconstruction are needed. Findings: (i) combination of electrospinning with the layer-by-layer deposition ^[2-4] of chitosan, (ii) chemical cross-linking ^[5-6] of chitosan electropsun nanofibers and (iii) combination of chitosan/poly-caprolactone electrospun multilayers are three strategies that revealed to be efficient to improve the mechanical properties of chitosan nanofiber mats while preserving their biological properties. Conclusion and significance: the control of the nanofiber structure offered by the electrospinning technology makes the developed processes very promising to precisely design biomaterials for tissue engineering as demonstrated by preliminary cell culture tests corroborating the potential use of such systems in wound healing applications.

Recent Publications:

1. Bugra O (2012) Complex coarcervation of collagen hydrolysates extracted from leather solid wastes and chitosan for controlled release of lavender oil, J. Environ. Manag. 100: 22–28.

2. Paques JP, van der Linden E, van Rijn CJM, Sagis LMC (2013) Alginate submicron beads prepared through w/o emulsification and gelation with CaCl2 nanoparticles, Food Hydrocoll. 31:428–434.

3. Rangrong Y, Suwabun C (2010) Encapsulation of ascobrylpalmitate in chitosan nanoparticles by oil-in-water emulsion and ionic gelation processes, Colloids Surf. B Biointerfaces 76:292–297.

4. James B (2009) Advances in “wet” electronmicroscopy techniques and their application to the study of food structure, Trend Food Sci. Technol. 20:114–124.

5. Muscariello L, Rosso F, Marino G, Giordano A, Barbarisi M, Cafiero G, Barbarisi A (2005) A critical overview of ESEM applications in the biological field, J. Cell. Physiol. 205:328–334.

Biography:

Maia Merlani has completed her PhD from Tbilisi State University. She is a Senior Research Scientist at Tbilisi State Medical University, department of plant biopolymers.. Her field of interest is a chemistry and synthesis of natural compounds. She is the author of more than 55 papers in reputed journals and presentations at 60 international scientific conferences. She was granted Georgian Presidential scholarship for young scientists (1997), NATO scholarship (2002, 2003-2006) and Matsumae International foundation scholarship (2013). She is a member of organizing committee of several international conferences in the field of organic and pharmaceutical Chemistry.

Abstract:

Comfrey root has been used as a traditional medicinal plant for the treatment of painful muscle and joint complaints for centuries. Recently biologically active polymer has been isolated from Caucasian species of comfrey Symphytum asperum Lepech. and S.caucasicum Bieb. This polymer - poly[3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)glyceric acid] (p-DGA)  is a representative of a new class of natural polyethers with a residue of 3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-glyceric acid (DGA) as the repeating unit. P-DGA exhibits high antioxidant, antiimfllamatory, wound healing and anticancer activities. In order to compare biological properties of natural polymer with its synthetic analogues, racemic and pure enantiomeric forms of DGA as well as a methylated analogue of p-DGA - poly(MCDMPO) as a precursor of p-DGA were synthesized. The racemic monomer and its virtually pure enantiomers were synthesized via Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation of trans-caffeic acid derivatives using an potassium osmiate catalyst, a stoichiometric oxidant N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide and enantiocomplementary catalysts cinchona alkaloid derivatives (DHQ)2-PHAL and (DHQD)2-PHA as chiral auxiliaries. Poly(MCDMPO) was obtained via ring opening polymerization of 2-methoxycarbonyl-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-oxirane (MCDMPO) using a cationic initiator.

 Comparative investigation of antioxidant properties of natural polymer and its monomer revealed that the latter appeared 40 fold active than polymer, however anticancer efficacy of p-DGA against human prostate cancer (PCA) cells is more compared to its synthetic monomer. Poly(MCDMPO) did  not show any activity against PCA.

Recent Publications

1. M. Merlani, Y. Koyama, H. Sato, L. Geng, V. Barbakadze, B. Chankvetadze, T. Nakano  (2015) Ring-opening polymerization of a 2,3-disubstituted oxirane leading to a polyether having a carbonyl–aromatic π-stacked structure. Polym. Chem. 6:1932-1936.
2. D.Tedesco, E.Fabini, V.Barbakadze, M.Merlani, R.Zanasi, B.Chankvetadze, C.Bertucci (2015) Stopped-Flow Enantioselective HPLC-CD Analysis and TD-DFT Stereochemical Characterization of Methyl Trans-3-(3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)Glycidate. Chirality 27:12:914-918
3. K.Lomsadze, M.Merlani, V.Barbakadze, T. Farkas, B. Chankvetadze (2012) Enantioseparation of Chiral Epoxides with Polysaccharide-Based Chiral Columns in HPLC. Chromatographia 75:.839–845.
4. S.Shrotriya, G.Deep, K.Ramasamy, K.Raina, V. Barbakadze, M. Merlani, L. Gogilashvili, L. Amiranashvili,K. Mulkijanyan, K. Papadopoulos, Ch. Agarwal, R. Agarwal (2012) Poly[3-(3, 4-dihydroxyphenyl) glyceric acid] from Comfrey exerts anti-cancer efficacy against human prostate cancer via targeting androgen receptor, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Carcinogenesis 33:8:1572–1580
5. M.Merlani, V.Barbakadze, L.Amiranashvili, L.Gogilashvili, E.Yannakopoulou, K.Papadopoulos, B.Chankvetadze (2010) Enantioselective synthesis and antioxidant activity of 3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-glyceric acid - Basic monomeric moiety of a biologically active polyether from Symphytum asperum and S. caucasicum Chirality 22: 8: 717-725.

Biography:

Abstract:

The unique mechanical and structural features of microbial cellulose (MC) make this polymer a promising starting material for applications in wound dressing and skin regeneration.^1,2 MC presents a higher degree of crystallinity compared to plant cellulose, which results in better mechanical properties such as higher tensile strength and Young’s modulus. Moreover, the hydrogel-like structure enables MC to incorporate up to more than 90% its weight of water, ensuring an optimal level of moisture where applied.³ However, limitations to its use are related to the lack of antibacterial properties. Bacterial infections represent one of the major issues of concern for modern medicine because of the increasing resistance of bacteria against the traditional treatments.^4,5 In this context, the need of novel strategies has become critical. HyMedPoly is a European project involving academic, industrial and clinical partners with an intent to generate a novel class of drug-free antibacterial materials based on natural and synthetic polymers as well as inorganic substrates. The focus of the research carried out at University of Westminster is to develop bacterial polymers with antibacterial properties for biomedical applications. In particular, this study aims to produce and chemically modify bacterial cellulose to obtain intrinsically active materials for wound dressing applications. A simple one-step reaction was performed to achieve the functionalization of the cellulose. The modified material was characterized using solid-state techniques such as Energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) and Fourier-Transformed Infra-Red (FT-IR). The activity of the antibacterial groups was evaluated by studying the inhibitory effect against Gram positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) performed on modified MC samples after incubation with the bacteria showed a cell lysis based antibacterial activity (Fig. 1). Biocompatibility was assessed by testing the indirect cytotoxicity and the direct biocompatibility of the functionalised material using the HaCat cell line, a human keratinocyte cell line

Recent Publications

1. Kucińska-Lipka, J., Gubanska, I. and Janik, H., 2015. Bacterial cellulose in the field of wound healing and regenerative medicine of skin: recent trends and future prospectives. Polymer Bulletin, 72(9), pp.2399-2419.

2. Fu, L., Zhang, J. and Yang, G., 2013. Present status and applications of bacterial cellulose-based materials for skin tissue repair. Carbohydrate polymers, 92(2), pp.1432-1442.

3.  Huang, Y., Zhu, C., Yang, J., Nie, Y., Chen, C. and Sun, D., 2014. Recent advances in bacterial cellulose. Cellulose, 21(1), pp.1-30.

4. Walsh, C., 2000. Molecular mechanisms that confer antibacterial drug resistance. Nature, 406(6797), pp.775-781.

5. Stewart, P.S. and Costerton, J.W., 2001. Antibiotic resistance of bacteria in biofilms. The Lancet, 358(9276), pp.135-138.

Biography:

Hao Bai is a fresh PhD student who has his expertise in optical spectroscopy and developing optical sensor systems for online quality control of printed polymers. He works currently at Light Technology Institute in Karlsruhe, Germany. His main research topics relate to optical characterization of polymer thin films, imaging and laser spectroscopy based monitoring system development for the UV curing process. The current research project is financed by German Federal Ministry of Education and Research.

Abstract:

UV-radiation curing with photoinitiator and resins is used in variable industrial coating application. We develop a low-cost coating system through acylate polymer doped with luminescent pigment and UV curing process for white LED manufacturing. We printed the curable phosphor thin film doped with specialized acrylate coating formulation on fused silica glass substrate using spray coating and UV curing process. A homemade UV LED curing system with a wavelength of 365 nm is developed for coating process. This UV LED curing system has less energy consumption and environmentally friendly comparing with conventional gas-discharged lamp based curing system. Aluminium reflectors are integrated with the curing setup, which increased the total radiant energy flux. The glass substrate covered with unpolymerized resin layer is fixed on the top of the planer reflector during the curing process. Even low level of UV exposure (irradiance<0.5 W/cm²) is sufficient for complete polymerization. The surface profile of cured thin film shows ultra-high homogeneity and low root mean square value. The transmittance of the cured thin film adapts to the luminescence properties of white LED.

Biography:

Mr. Oliver Meldrum obtained a Bachelor of Science (Hons.) at the Australian National University and is currently undertaking a PhD at the University of Queensland. Oliver’s major research interest concern understanding the structure and rheology of mucus that lines the internal surfaces of the body and a focus on what food structure and food components are able to modify the physical and selective barrier properties of intestinal mucus.

Abstract:

The adherent mucus layer is a vital component of the body’s epithelial surfaces. Mucus assembly is characterised by the presence of multiple levels of mucin structure at different length scales. This gives mucus its unique set of rheological and barrier properties that enable it to establish an effective physical and selective diffusion barrier as well as to hydrate the underlying epithelium. The rheological and structural characteristics of intestinal mucin, the functional component of the mucus layer and their interaction with cell wall components, that are liked with a number of health benefits are investigated. Biochemical well characterised porcine intestinal mucin has been utilised as a model for human mucins to characterise their viscoelasticity, structure and dynamics as a function of concentration, pH and Ca²⁺. The mesoscopic forces that mediate mucin were investigated using reducing, chaotropic and chelating agent agents. The rheological and structural characteristics of mucin were investigated using a combination of particle tracking microrheology, narrow gap oscillatory shear and high shear rheometry, and confocal microscopy. In this work, the complex rheological properties of the gelling mucus preparation are in a striking contrast with that of extensively purified mucin. The role and importance of non-mucin components have been elaborated, and the contribution to such interactions as hydrogen bonding, Ca²⁺-mediated links, and disulfide bonds has been evaluated. These bulk viscoelastic values are dominated by the elastic moduli, while the microrheological response is less dominant. We compare the ability of soluble dietary fibers and plant cell walls to alter the rheological and diffusion properties of purified intestinal mucin. Altering the organisation of mucus as a result of interactions with food components such as plant cell walls and soluble dietary fiber will provide new insights into the ways in which these nutritional components affect the barrier properties of mucus, and provide a possible underpinning mechanism contributing to their health promoting properties.

Recent publications

1. Lai SK, Wang Y-Y, Wirtz D, Hanes J. Micro- and macrorheology of mucus. Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews. 2009;61(2):86-100.

2.  Linden SK, Sutton P, Karlsson NG, Korolik V, McGuckin MA. Mucins in the mucosal barrier to infection. Mucosal Immunol. 2008;1(3):183-97.

3.  Georgiades P, Pudney PDA, Thornton DJ, Waigh TA. Particle Tracking Microrheology of Purified Gastrointestinal Mucins. Biopolymers. 2014;101(4):366-77.

4. Bansil R, Celli JP, Hardcastle JM, Turner BS. The Influence of Mucus Microstructure and Rheology in Helicobacter pylori Infection. Frontiers in immunology. 2013;4:310.

5.  Bansil R, Turner BS. Mucin structure, aggregation, physiological functions and biomedical applications. Current Opinion in Colloid & Interface Science. 2006;11(2–3):164-70.

Biography:

Vakhtang Barbakadze has his expertise in isolation and structure elucidation of a new series of plant polyethers, which are endowed with pharmacological properties as anti- cancer agents. Besides, he interested in enantioselective synthesis and biological activities of basic monomeric moiety of these biopolyethers, synthesis of enantiomerically pure epoxides as chiral building blocks for the production of synthetic analogues of natural polyethers. In 1978 and 1999 he has completed his Ph.D and D.Sci. from Institute of Organic Chemistry, Moscow, Russia and Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Tbilisi, Georgia, respectively. 2006 up to date he is the head of laboratory of plant biopolymers at the Tbilisi State Medical University Institute of Pharmacochemistry. 1996 and 2002 he has been a visiting scientist at Utrecht University (faculty of pharmacy), The Netherlands, by University Scholarship and The Netherlands organization for scientific research  Scholarship Scientific Program, respectively. He has published more than 81 papers in reputed journals.

Abstract:

Within the field of pharmacologically active biopolymers the area  of stable polyethers seems rather  new and  attractive. Caffeic acid-derived  polyethers are  a class of natural products isolated from the  root  extracts   of  comfrey  (Symphytum   asperum)   and   bugloss (Anchusa italica). According  to 13C, 1H NMR, 2D  heteronuclear 1H/13C HSQC and  2D  DOSY experiments  the polyoxyethylene   chain  is  the backbone    of   the   polymer   molecule.    3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl   and carboxyl   groups are   regular   substituents  at  two  carbon  atoms  in the  chain.  The repeating  unit  of  this regular  polymer    is     3-(3,4- dihydroxyphenyl)-glyceric  acid residue. Thus,  the structure of natural polymer under study was found   to be  poly[oxy-1-carboxy-2-(3,4- dihydroxyphenyl)ethylene] or poly[3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)glyceric acid] (PDPGA). PDPGA is endowed with intriguing pharmacological properties as anticomplementary, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, burn and wound healing and anticancer properties

We examined the efficacy of PDPGA of  S.asperum (PDGPA- SA) and S.caucasicum  (PDGPA-SC)  in androgen-dependent  (LNCaP) and independent (22Rv1  and  PC3) human prostate  cancer  (PCA)  cells. PDPGA-SA  treatment  (100  mcg/ml  for  48h)  decreases  the  live  cell number by 65, 64 and 35% and increases the cell death by 16, 8 and 12  folds    in  LNCaP,  22Rv1  and  PC3  cells,  respectively.  Similarly, PDPGA-SC  treatment  (100  mcg/ml  for  48h)  decreased   the  live  cell number by 87, 25 and 33% and increased the cell death by 19, 10 and 9 folds in LNCaP, 22Rv1 and PC3 cells, respectively

PDPGA   and   its   synthetic    monomer  exerted    anti-cancer efficacy  in vitro and  in vivo  against     human prostate cancer (PCA) cells  via    targeting   androgen    receptor,    cell    cycle    arrest    and apoptosis   without   any  toxicity, together   with   a strong  decrease   in prostate   specific antigen   level in plasma. However, our results showed that anticancer  efficacy  of   PDPGA    is more effective  compared to its synthetic  monomer. Overall, this study identifies  PDPGA as a potent agent against PCA  without any toxicity, and  supports its clinical application

Biography:

Henri Cramail completed his PhD from the LCPO at the University of Bordeaux 1, in 1990 and a post-doctoral stay at the University of Durham, U.K. Since 1999, he is full Professor of Polymer Chemistry at the University of Bordeaux. In 2004, he was awarded the position of Junior Member of the ‘Institut Universitaire de France’. He was the Director of the Laboratoire de Chimie des Polymères Organiques (LCPO) from 2007 to 2016 and he is today heading the ‘Biopolymers and bio-based polymers’ Team within LCPO. He has published more than 172 papers in reputed journals and, since 2016, is co-editor of the European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology

Abstract:

The aim of this work was to study glycolipids and particularly trehalose esters for the synthesis of new bio-sourced polymers. Trehalose monoesters and diesters were synthesized by two esterification pathways of the primary alcohol of trehalose with different fatty acids. The first synthetic route is a protective group-free esterification using a peptide coupling agent and the second one is a lipase-catalyzed esterification. The self-assembly properties of the trehalose esters were first investigated. While trehalose monoesters showed surfactant properties in water, trehalose diesters appeared to be good gelators for organic solvents and vegetable oils. In a second stage, trehalose diesters were functionalized and polymerized with different strategies. Thus, polyurethanes and poly(hydroxyurethane)s were obtained by polycondensation whereas glyco-polyesters were synthesized by acyclic diene metathesis (ADMET) and thiol-ene polymerizations. The self-assembly properties of these polymers were investigated; in some cases, the latter were able to form some nanoparticles by solvent displacement method.

Biography:

Mr Muhammad Mujtaba is working on biopolymers in terms of its production, characterization and possible applications. On chitosan biofilm I am working since last year and I am trying to develop chitosan film with enhanced physicochemical properties such as high thermal stability, good mechanical properties etc. our group is dealing with cellulose, chitin and chitosan for its modification and applications

Abstract:

Nowadays researchers are showing great attention towards the natural polymer or biopolymer based materials such as chitin, chitosan and cellulose. Major reason after this growing interest are the desired properties possessed by such biopolymers including biodegradability, biocompatibility, nontoxicity, antimicrobial features. Production of chitosan based biofilms have been reported in many articles along with their possible applications in several fields such biomedical, food preservation etc. The modification of chitosan film depend upon the nature of application where they are supposed to be applied. Nowadays researcher are focusing more on the production chitosan active food packaging with good barrier, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. These modification can be achieved by introducing certain active compounds such as plant extracts, essential oils and fruit extracts. Beside its application in food industry, chitosan films can be used    as anti-biofilm drug carrier for wound healing where a prolonged release can be achieved. Keeping all these present applications in mind it can be concluded that still these chitosan films can be modified and enriched further for expanding its application areas. In the field of biomedical these films can be used as coating materials for all the appliances which are using in high temperature areas. This chitosan coating will help in protection of such valuable appliances due to its high thermal stability. But for such applications boosting of physicochemical properties is still needed. In future this can be achieved by incorporating several different compounds.

Biography:

Akbar Esmaeili has completed his Ph.D at the age of 47 years from Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. He is the Prof. Department Chemical Engineering North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University. He has published more than 100 papers in reputed journals, more 13 books, referee for more 100 paper’s and serving as three editorial board member of repute

Abstract:

The films based on methylcellulose with biodegradable and antioxidant activity incorporated with nano capsule suspension containing F. angulata essential oil were developed. Oil extraction and identification of F. angulata essential oil compounds was done. Nano capsule suspension containing F. angulata essential oil was prepared by ultrasonic bath. The films were prepared by a casting method in three different ratios. The mechanical properties, colour, light transmission, antioxidant activity and release rate characteristics of the films were studied. The addition of nano capsule suspension to methylcellulose films decreased the thickness, tensile strength but increased the percentage elongation at break (%E) and lightness. High antioxidant activity and a prolonged release of F. angulata essential oil were also reported. Five factors design of Response Surface Methodology were used to optimize the thickness, holding time and anti-oxidant effect of edible film based on methylcellulose incorporated with nano capsule suspension containing F. angulata essential oil. Design of experiments was carried out by the software: Minitab 17 (Sigma package). Optimization of thickness, 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging and holding time would yield the best mixture proportions of methylcellulose and nano capsule suspension 30%, 30% and 70%; oil.

Biography:

Ivana Marova works as Professor of Biochemistry at Faculty of Chemistry, Brno University of Technology in Brno (Czech Republic). Her scientific research is focused on microbial biotechnology, biochemistry, food chemistry and nanotechnology. After years of experience in research and teaching both in university and hospital institutions she with her collaborators has patented the biotechnological production PHA-based bioplastics on waste frying oil (PS3835CZ). This patent was licensed and, as HYDAL technology, circular and fully ecological biotechnology was awarded as the only Czech technology by “Frost and Sulliwan 2014 Technology Innovation Award”. At this time, the HYDAL technology is further developed by I Marova team. Low-end applications (folia; food package) as well as high-end applications (fibers, particles and 3D printed materials for biomedicine, pharmacy and cosmetics) are developed.

Abstract:

Natural polyesters, in particular, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), can be regarded as some of the most promising polymers obtained from renewable sources suitable as drug carriers. They degrade completely without releasing toxic side products. The purpose of this work was to investigate the possibility for the preparation of functionalized PHA-based nanoparticles and PHA-fibrous materials containing natural extracts with antimicrobial effect. Biotechnologically produced PHA on waste frying oil (900 kDa) was used. Liposomes/PHB particles were used for encapsulation of water and oil plant extracts. Size and stability was determined using DLS. PHB nanofibers were prepared via three different techniques: electro-spinning, force-spinning and wet spinning. Using wet spinning patented technology unique microfibers with sub-micron structure containing nanopores and micropores structure in the whole cross section being of diameter 200 nm – 1 mm were obtained (Fig. 1). Particles and fibers (individually and in combined form) were functionalized with selected natural extracts and examined via SEM, FLIM and FTIR-ATR methods. For antioxidant activity and releasing of active substances spectrophotometric determination was used. Antimicrobial properties of prepared particles, extracts and fibers were examined using the bacterial and fungal test systems. Cytotoxicity of selected samples was tested with MTT assay. The performed microbiological screening and MTT cell viability studies revealed that predominantly cinnamon- and clove-containing nanofibrous materials were effective in suppressing the growth of the G+ bacteria Serratia marcescens and the G- bacteria Escherichia coli as well as yeast strain Candida glabrata. All PHA materials displayed good short- and long-term stability. No cytotoxicity against human keratinocytes was observed up to 8% of oil extracts. The obtained materials are promising for antibacterial and antifungal wound dressing applications as well as for local treatment in cosmetics.

Recent Publications

1.            Rodriguez-Tobias H, Morales G, Ledezma A, Romero J, Saldívar J, Langlois V, Renard E, Grande D (2016) Electrospinning and electrospraying techniques for designing novel antibacterial poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)/zinc oxide nanofibrous composites Journal of Material Sciences 51:8593-8609.

2.            Marova I, Kundrat V., Pospisil L (2016) Polymer fibre and its preparation. Czech Patent CZ306448.

3.            Ignatova MG; Malonova NE; RAshkov IB; Markova ND; Toshkova RA; Georgieva AK; Nikolova EB (2016) Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)/ caffeic acid electrospun fibrous materials coated with polyelectrolyte complex and their antibacterial activity and in vitro antitumor effect against HeLa cells. Materials Science and Engineering C 65: 379-392

4.            Obruca S., Benesova P., Kucera D., Petrik S., Marova I. (2015): Biotechnological conversion of spent coffee grounds into polyhydroxyalkanoates and carotenoids. New Biotechnology 32 (6), Review. 569-574.

5.            Matouskova P., Marova I., Bokrova J., Benesova P. (2016): Effect of Encapsulation on Antimicrobial Activity of Herbal Extracts with Lysozyme. Food Technology and Biotechnology 54(3), 304-316.

6.            Obruca S, Sedlacek P, Krzyzanek V, Mravec F, Hrubanova K,  Samek O, Kucera D, Benesova P, Marova, I (2016) Accumulation of Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) Helps Bacterial Cells to Survive Freezing.  PLOS ONE 11(6), 2016, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0157778.

7.            Obruca S., Sedlacek P, Mravec F, Samek O, Marova, I (2016) Evaluation of 3-hydroxybutyrate as an enzyme-protective agent against heating and oxidative damage and its potential role in stress response of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) accumulating cells. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology 100: 1365-1376.

Biography:

Paolo Benincasa is Associate Professor at the Dept. of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences of the University of Perugia, Italy. He has 25-year expertise in Crop Science and Technology. His research activity focused on the evaluation of agronomic aspects affecting crop yield and quality and on the management of crop residues and soil fertility in conventional and organic farming systems. Recent research developed together with his colleagues of the Materials Engineering group focused on biobased materials, looking at the factors (cultivar, environment, cultivation practices, post-harvest manipulation) that may affect the mechanical properties of derived manufactures. Novel findings are reported in articles published in high ranked journals.

Abstract:

The use of wheat flour to obtain bioplastics has been proposed about one decade ago (1). Recent works from our group demonstrated that tensile properties of thermoplastic films depend on wheat grain hardness and baking properties of refined flours (2-3), expressed as Chopin’s alveograph parameters (P, L, P/L, W) (4). Moreover, we used wholegrain flours for producing bulk samples and found that the bran worked as a reinforcement, affecting tensile properties in function of the bran grinding level (5). This is of relevance being the bran a mill by-product to dispose of. This study was aimed at developing thermoplastic films from flours with different bran proportions.

One refined wheat flour blend (F0, having P=64, L=99, P/L=0.65, W=182) from an industrial mill was mixed with three increasing proportions of finely grinded bran (treatments F1, F2 and F3, respectively). Roughly, F1 represented a wholegrain flour, F3 a grinding tail and F2 a mix 1:1 wt of F1 and F3. We tested several recipes and procedures, with progressive adjustments from that reported in Puglia et al. (2), and measured film tensile properties (strength, s; elongation at break, e) (2) (Figure 1).

By extruding the selected recipe (well defined proportions of wheat flour, glycerol, sorbitol, magnesium stearate, PVA/water solution) with a specific temperature profile (130-135-140°C), all flours gave films with s>2.0 MPa, while only F1 gave an acceptable e value. To further modulate e of films from F1, we investigated the blending with low melting biopolymers (PCL, PBAT) and plasticizer agents (citric acid). Results indicate that a 20-30% of PCL, plus citric acid, may give, even in presence of bran, a suitable deformation for crop mulching applications. All films were compostable and non-phytotoxic.

Results open perspectives for using wholegrain flours to obtain rigid and semi-rigid films, or deformable films suitable for mulching.

Figure 1: Wheat flours with different proportions of finely grinded bran and related thermoplastic extruded films (a) – tensile stress-strain curves for film containing low melting biopolymers (PCL, PBAT) and citric acid as plasticizer agent (b)

Recent Publications:

1.            Leblanc N, Saiah R, Beucher E, Gattin R, Castandet M, Saiter J-M (2008). Structural investigation and thermal stability of new extruded wheat flour based polymeric materials. Carbohyd Polym 73: 548-557

2.Puglia D,  Dominici F,  Kenny JM,  Santulli C,  Governatori C,  Tosti, G,  Benincasa P (2016). Tensile behavior of thermoplastic films from wheat flours as function of raw material baking properties. J. Polym Environ 24: 37-47

3.Benincasa P, Dominici F, Bocci L, Governatori C, Panfili I, Tosti G, Torre L, Puglia D. Relationships between wheat flour baking properties and tensile characteristics of derived thermoplastic films. Ind Crops Prod, 100: 138-145.

4.            Prabhasankar P, Sudha ML, Haridas Rao P (2000). Quality characteristics of wheat flour milled streams. Food Res Int 33: 381-386

5.            Benincasa P, Puglia D, Dominici F (2017). Refining and bran grinding levels of wheat flours, besides baking properties, affect tensile characteristics of derived bioplastics. J Food Processing Technol 8:45

Biography:

Huda Al-Battashi is a PhD student at Biology department, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman. She is working in biomass utilization for production of value added  products. She did her BSc and MSc in College of Science, Sultan Qaboos University and graduated with Biotechnology major. She also has expertise in biopolymer production and chromium bioremediation

Abstract:

Polyhydroxybutyrae (PHB) is a biodegradable and biocompatible bioplastic that can replace conventional petroleum-derived plastics. The cost of PHB production is the major obstacle that hinders the production process and limiting their availability in the market compared with their petrochemical counterparts. In this work, PHB production was successfully implemented using waste papers, a cheap sustainable and renewable feedstock, as a raw material. The presence of 83% of carbohydrate in alkaline pretreated waste paper makes it a prospective source for bioplastic production. Alkaline-pretreatment (0.5% H₂O₂, 121°C, 30 min) of waste paper results in 91.93% glucose yield after enzymatic hydrolysis (37 FPU/g of cellulase and 50 CBU/g of β – glucosidase). Ralstonia eutropha ATCC 17699 was tested for its capability to produce poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) using waste paper hydrolysates as its sole carbon source in the deficiency of nitrogen source (20:1 C/N). Cells utilized the hydrolysate and accumulated 57 ± 1.83 % PHB of dry cell weight and produced   4.439 g PHB/l. The product yield coefficient was 0.3699 while 0.06 g/l/h volumetric productivity was achieved within 72 h of   fermentation. Thus, waste paper hydrolysate is recommended as       an excellent, cheap carbon substrate for PHB production.

Recent Publications

1.            Huda S. AB, 3.                Sivakumar, N., Saif A.B (2013) Screening of biopolymer producing bacteria isolated from some Brassica plants. 4th International Conference on Environmental Science and Development (ICESD2013), Dubai, 333-338

2.            Huda S. AB., Sanket J., Bernhard P., Alyia A.A. (2016) The Geomicrobiology of Chromium (VI) Pollution: Microbial Diversity and its Bioremediation Potential. The Open Biotechnology Journal 10(Suppl-2, M10):379-389 

Biography:

A main area of interest is the synthesis and characterization of biobased polyamides. In the past Aleksandra was working on the synthesis and modification of functionalized polyolefins at Sabic. Currently, Aleksandra became a PhD candidate in the newly formed group supervised by prof. Stefaan De Wildeman and dr. Katrien Bernaerts. Under their leadership she is synthesizing engineering plastics from biobased monomers. In this project, Maastricht University is part of the larger consortium “Beets to Biopolymers” with representatives of Cosun (NL), Philips (NL), Astron (NL) and Groningen University (NL). Together they aim at broadening the usage of biobased polymers in specialty applications. The effort made by the group from Maastricht University resulted in a couple of manuscripts which soon will be submitted to scientific journals

Abstract:

The focus of this research is the synthesis of amorphous polyamides from bio-based, cyclic monomers. Bio-based monomers are obtained from sugar beet pulp, as a side product in food industry. They are widely available and are gaining interest of researchers and industry through the last couple of decades. Their major disadvantage, which limits their wide spread utility, is the presence of different functional groups, which cause that those molecules are very often prone to degradation at elevated temperatures. On the other hand, their unique, rigid, cyclic structure contributes to better thermal properties of the product leading to more specialized applications for those polymers. Nonetheless, their incorporation into structure is challenging, mostly because of the elevated temperatures during the synthesis.

A comparative study was prepared investigating the synthesis of polyamides using bio-based building blocks, namely 2,3;4,5-(di-O-methylene)galactarate (GalXH) and 2,3;4,5-(di-O-isopropylidene)galactarate (GalXMe). Two different approaches towards the synthesis of biobased polyamides were tested: polycondensation in melt and polycondensation in solution via phosphorylation technique. The GalX monomers were combined with aliphatic, cycloaliphatic and aromatic diamines, resulting in amorphous polyamides with glass transition temperatures ranging from 50 °C – 220 °C. The obtained polyamides are stable at elevated temperatures above 300 °C. The polymerization of the GalXMe derivative results in polymer with narrow dispersities whereas GalXH gives polyamides with broad dispersities.

Recent Publications

1.        Wroblewska, A.; Zych, A.; Thiyagarajan, S.; Dudenko, D.; van Es, D.; Hansen, M. R.; Koning, C.; Duchateau, R.; Jasinska- Walc, L., Towards sugar-derived polyamides as environmentally friendly materials. Polym. Chem. 2015, 6 (22), 4133-4143

Biography:

Joseph Kinyanjui Muiruri is currently a Ph.D student in Material Science and Engineering (MSE) at National University of Singapore (NUS) and Institute of Material Science and Engineering (IMRE). Joseph graduated with a Master’s degree from University of Nairobi, Kenya in 2011. He is a recipient of A*Star Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA). He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Textile engineering from Moi University, Kenya. His research interests focuses on biopolymers and their nanocomposites for industrial applications

Abstract:

In recent years, sustainability and industrial ecology concerns have driven the search for alternatives to petrochemical based products to a whole new level [1]. As such biobased polymers have a competitive advantage, due to their eco-friendly properties. Among biobased polymers, poly (lactide) ( PLA) has been a frontrunner based on its good mechanical properties, coupled with its ‘green’ attributes. However, PLA is inherently brittle, slow in crystallization and low thermal stability. PLA, therefore, does not meet some market requirements for high end applications. Research has shown that these limitations are ‘improvable’ and PLA applications landscape widened by careful design of rigid-rubber matrix PLA modifiers [2-4]. In order to obtain a good matrix-filler interface adhesion, phase morphology at the interface can be tailored with the aid of stereocomplex crystallites [5].

 In this work, Poly(L-lactide) cellulose nanocrystals-filled nanocomposites were fabricated by blending of cellulose nanocrystals-g-rubber-g-poly(D-lactide) (CNC-rD-PDLA) and commercial PLLA, in which CNC-g-rubber was synthesized by ring opening polymerization (ROP) of D-lactide and ε-caprolactone mixture to obtain CNC-P(CL-DLA), followed by further polymerization of D-lactide to obtain CNC-rD-PDLA. X-ray diffraction (XRD), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and solubility tests confirmed successful grafting of the rubber segment and the PDLA segment onto CNC. Stereocomplexation between CNC-rD-PDLA nanofillers and PLLA matrix was confirmed by FT-IR, XRD and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) characterization. The PLLA/CNC-rD-PDLA nanocomposites exhibited greatly improved tensile toughness. With 2.5% CNC-rD-PDLA loading, strain at break of PLLA/CNC-rD-PDLA was increased 20-fold, and the composite shows potential to replace poly (ethylene terephthalate). SEM and small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) investigations revealed that fibrillation and crazing during deformation of PLLA/CNC-rD-PDLA nanocomposites were the major toughening mechanisms in this system. The highly biodegradable and tough cellulose nanocrystals-filled PLLA nanocomposites could tremendously widen the range of industrial applications of PLA

Recent Publications

1.     Adams, W.M. The future of sustainability: Re-thinking environment and development in the twenty- first century. in Report of the IUCN renowned thinkers meeting. 2006.

2.     He, C., et al., Composites, Nanocomposites and Hybrid Materials, in 50 Years of Materials Science in Singapore. 2016, World Scientific. p. 21-36.

3.     Sun, Y. and C.B. He, Biodegradable "Core-Shell" Rubber Nanoparticles and Their Toughening of Poly(lactides). Macromolecules, 2013. 46(24): p. 9625-9633.

4.     Sun, Y., et al., Biodegradable and renewable poly(lactide)-lignin composites: synthesis, interface and toughening mechanism. Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 2015. 3(7): p. 3699-3709.

5.     Liu, Z., et al., Achieving a low electrical percolation threshold and superior mechanical performance in poly (L-lactide)/thermoplastic polyurethane/carbon nanotubes composites via tailoring phase morphology with the aid of stereocomplex crystallites. RSC Advances, 2017. 7(18): p. 11076-11084.

Biography:

Yakubu Musah Muntaka finished his school at St. Peters International School early 1999s and later finished junior high school at kings International School in 2004. He completed high school from Adventist High School.  He then moved further to the University of Professional Studies, Accra where he pursued his degree in Business Administration and held various leadership position as the local NUGS President. A year after he worked at National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) as an Assistant Administrator and moved to Milito Enterprise Dworwulu as an administrator in May 2015. Two years after he established his own enterprise, YM Ventures which deals with import and export of general goods. Currently he is pursuing Masters Programme in Oil and Gas at the University of Professional Studies, Accra.Company.

Abstract:

Bioplastics are plastics in which all carbon is derived from renewable feedstock. The application of biomass such as starch, cellulose, wood and sugar used to substitute fossil resources for the production of plastics which is widely accepted strategy towards sustainable development. In this way, a significant reduction of carbon dioxide emission. It also helps in the reduction of global warming. Ghana is a country located in the west of Africa, relatively richer in oil and gas resources, and produces about 50,000 tons of plastic waste daily from industries, factories, and households. As a result, the house of parliament has conferred an institution to collect plastic waste for recycling and disposal, but the company do not have the technical capacity and machinery to convert the tonnes of plastic waste into bio plastics. Due to this development, Ghana was recently ranked as one of the dirtiest country in Africa because the mandated company fail to collect the tonnes of plastic waste due to lack of capacity. As an agricultural country, that has been the second largest producer of cocoa in the world, most of the produce are agriculture in nature and for that matter can easily be degraded within shortest possible time. From Ghana statistical service, the country loses about $1.25 million through indiscriminate disposal of plastic waste and this could prevent Ghana from meeting the sustainable development goals. In addition, Ghana uses about 5 million litres of petrol and diesel daily that has a significant effect on the environment and the health of the citizens. With the introduction of the bio plastics it would help Ghana to reduce the excessive emission of the carbon dioxide and reduce global warming as well. Since Ghana was ranked 5th in Africa that produces and uses polythene in Africa, and experts are of the view that Ghana would be able to easily convert its organic substances into bio plastics.

Biography:

Professor Dr. Takashi Yamashita had been graduated from The University of Tokyo in 1984, then he had gotten Ph., D. from the University of Tokyo.   He had worked for the University of Tokyo, Tokyo University of Science, and then he moved to Tokyo University of Technology in 2014 as the Department Head.   His research interests cover development of photo-functional materials such as molecular machines, development of functional polyimides, development of the materials with nano-structure, fundamental theory on solid state photochemistry, and development of bio-mass materials.   He had received Award of Photopolymer Science and Technology, and so on

Abstract:

Lignin is one of the natural resources contained in coniferous trees up to 30% in weight, but it has not been utilized as a useful material up to now in contrast to the wide application of celluloses. Recently Dr. Yamada has invented “glycollignin”, which is soluble materials directly derived from coniferous tree chips by the solvolysis with oligo-ethylene glycol. We have developed hybrid film materials with the glycol-lignin and clays which have excellent properties such as insulation, gas barrier, surge resistance and so on as well as thermal stability, and which are now applied as gasket packings FRP matrices and so on. In order to improve the film properties and processability of the glycol lignin, we prepared several derivatives of the glycol-lignin. Phenolic hydroxyl groups and the hydroxyl groups of ethylene glycol chains on the glycol-lignin were determined as 1.89mmol/g and 2.35mmol/g, respectively based on the acetylation method. Then several functional groups such as diisocyanates, dianhydrids, chlorides, epoxides and so on were introduced on the active hydroxyl moieties to the materials. Introduction of (di)anhydrides afford the material water-solubility which improved the fabrication process so much. Addition of diisocianates gave water-containing-elastic gelly materials. Thus chemical modification of the glycol-lignin has opened a door to the wide application of the materials from the view point of sustainable engineering.

Recent Publications

1.  K. Okano, S. Aya, F. Araoka, H. Obara, S. Sato, T. Yamashita, H. Takezoe, K. Asakura, Photoresponsive  stripe patterns in achiral azobenzene liquid crystals, Chem Phys Chem., 16, 95–98 (2015).

2.  T. Shima, T. Muraoka, T. Hamada, M. Morita, M. Takagi, H. Fukuoka, Y. Inoue, T. Sagawa, A. Ishijima, Y. Omata, T. Yamashita, K. Kinbara Micrometer-Size Vesicle Formation Triggered by UV Light, Langmuir, 30, 7289- 7295 (2014)

3.  S. Hirata, K.Totani, T. Yamashita, C. Adachi, M. Vacha, Large reverse saturable absorption under weak continuous incoherent light, Nature Materials, 13, 938- 946 (2014)

4.   S. Aya , H. Obara , D. Pociecha , F. Araoka , K. Okano, K. Ishikawa , E. Gorecka , T. Yamashita , H. Takezoe, Highly Elastic Liquid Crystals with a Sub-nanonewton Bending Elastic Constant Mediated by the ResidentMolecular Assemblies, Adv. Mater, 26, 1918-22 (2014)

5.  S. Deshayes, H. Cabral, T. Ishii, Y. Miura, S. Kobayashi, T. Yamashita, A. Matsumoto, Y. Miyahara, N. Nishiyama, K. Kataoka, Phenylboronic Acid- Installed Polymeric Micelles for Targeting Sialylated Epitopes in Solid State Tumors J. Amer. Chem. Soc. 135 (41), 15501-15507 (2013)

Biography:

Elisabete  Frollini is the Head of the Macromolecular  Materials  and Lignocellulosic  Fiber  Group, and is  currently the coordinator of the Center for Research on Science and Technology of BioResources (Institute of Chemistry of Sao Carlos, University of Sao Paulo, Sao  Carlos,  Sao  Paulo,  Brazil).  She  has  expertise  in  bio-based  polymeric  materials  from   biomass  with  an  emphasis on lignocellulosic biomass, which has also been used within the scope of biorefinery.

Abstract:

Our  research is focused on  the use of  raw  materials which come from renewable sources and it aims at replacing those derived from petrochemical routes. In this context, cellulose derivatives  have  been  synthesized  for   diversified applications1, polymers have been prepared for  applications such as films, as well  as matrices in  composites reinforced with lignocellulosic fibers 2,3, which have also been used  as reinforcement  of   biopolymers  obtained  on   an   industrial scale4. In addition, bio-based mats have been prepared from the   electrospinning   of     solutions    obtained    from   the dissolution of  lignocellulosic fibers and/or from their main constituents,  combined or  not with other polymers5,6,. The methodologies used in  these studies have followed what is described  in   the  respective  papers.  Ongoing studies  are conducted   by    using   similar   methodologies   to   those described in  the  papers  already published2-6.  Lignins  and derivatives   (such   as   lignosulfonates)   have   successfully replaced phenols in  the synthesis of  phenolic resins subsequently used as matrices in composites reinforced with lignocellulosic fibers (such as sugarcane bagasse, coconut, sisal,   curauá),   as  well    as   polyol  replacements   in    the synthesis of  polyurethanes (combine or  not with castor oil), which were later used as matrices and also as films. Recent studies, as well  as those in  progress, have shown that the properties of mats   such as the diameters of ultrafine (submicron)  and  nanometric (diameter  ≤ 100 nm)   fibers, tensile properties, among others, can  be  tuned by the electrospinning of  solutions obtained by  the simultaneous dissolution  of   lignocellulosic  fibers   or    the  constituents thereof (cellulose  and/or  lignin) and  a  polymer, both when the   fibers  are    randomly  oriented   and   when  they   are preferably oriented in  a  certain direction. The  set of  results obtained in  the mentioned studies, as well  as in  others not cited herein, has generally met the expectations  and also matches the worldwide tendency to seek raw  material from renewable  sources   that   leads  to   products   with  good properties.

Recent Publications

1.  Cerruti,  BM,  Zambon,  MD, Megiatto  Jr.,  JD,  Frollini,   E  (2017) Synthesis of carboxymethylcelluloses with different degrees of substitution and their performance as renewable stabilizing agents for aqueous  ceramic suspensions, Industrial Crops and Products, 107:54- 62.

2.   De Oliveira F, Da Silva, C G, Ramos, Luiz A, Frollini,  E. (2017) Phenolic and lignosulfonate-based matrices reinforced with untreated and lignosulfonate-treated sisal fibers, Industrial Crops and Products, 96:30-41.

3. Oliveira, FD., Ramires, EC., Frollini, E. (2015), Lignopolyurethanic materials based on oxypropylated sodium lignosulfonate and castor oil blends, Industrial Crops and Products 72:77-86.

4. Castro, DO, Passador, F, Ruvolo-Filho A, Frollini, E (2017) Use of castor and canola oils in “biopolyethylene” curauá fiber composites, Composites Part A-Applied Science and Manufacturing, 95:22-30.

5.  Rodrigues, BVM,  De Oliveira  Santos, RP,  Ramires, EC,  Frollini,   E (2015), Ultrathin and nanofibers via room temperature electrospinning from  trifluoroacetic  acid  solutions  of  untreated lignocellulosic  sisal fiber or sisal pulp,  Journal of Applied Polymers Science, 132:1-8-

6. Santos, RPO Rodrigues, BVM,  dos Santos, DM, Campana-Filho, SP., Ruvolo-Filho, AC, Frollini,  E (2017) Electrospun recycled PET- based mats: Tuning the properties by addition of cellulose and/or lignin, Polymer Testing, 60:422-431.

Biography:

Dr. Lovely Mathew has completed her Ph D from Cochin University of Science and Technology in 2006. She was the  Professor of Chemistry Faculty in Newman College, Kerala since 1981. After her retirement in 2015, now she is working as a Professor and Project coordinator (Research) in Viswajyothi college of Engineering and Technology, Vazhakulam, Muvatupuzha, Kerala, India. She has published more than 20 papers in reputed international/national journals and has presented several research papers in various international conferences abroad. Her research area is natural fibre/nanocelluose reinforced polymer composites/Nanocomposites. She has completed several major research projects funded by DST, UGC KSCSTE, etc.. She is a registered guide of International and Inter University Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala ,India

Abstract:

A cost effective green approach has been used for the preparation of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) from isora fibre which is a bast fibre obtained from the bark of Helicteres isora plant. The process involves microwave liquefaction followed by persulphate treatment. CNC’s were extensively characterized by SEM, TEM, AFM, TGA WAXRD etc; to establish the morphology, aspect ratio, crystallinity, thermal stability etc. The aim of this work is to study the property enhancement of Poly butyl succinate (PBS)- hyper branched polyester polyols (HBPP) blends by adding CNC’s  at different proportions to give green composites with potential applications in areas such as food packaging and medicines.  Biodegradable (PBS) / (HBPP) blended films were processed using a brabender twin-screw compounder machine. This paper reports a single step reactive extrusion process for the fabrication of thermally stable PBS-HBPP grafted CNC’s bio nanocomposite films using dicumyl peroxide as a cross linking agent.  The effect of addition of CNC particles on the mechanical, thermal and barrier properties of PBS-HBPP blends were studied.  Spherulitic morphology, chemical structure and crystalline structure of neat PBS and PBS-HBPP blended films were examined by optical polarizing microscopy (OPM), FTIR spectroscopy and WAXRD respectively.. The addition of HBPP increased the toughness, and wettability of the film. FTIR spectroscopy studies showed that the PBS-HBPP blend was grafted on CNC through a stable C- C bond formation. This strong chemical link led to the efficient transfer of modulus of CNC’s to the PBS-HBPP blend thereby increasing the tensile strength and young’s modulus to a greater extent. Significant reduction in water vapour and oxygen permeability rates was also observed for PBS-HBPP nanocomposite over neat PBS. Experimentally, it was observed that the CNC’s wt. content, size and morphology are the parameters that substantially influence the mechanical, thermal and barrier properties of the composite samples. The surface of the nano particles act as initiators for network formation, as observed by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of the fractured sample

Related Conferences

1. Kim H-S, Yang H-S, Kim H-J. Biodegradability and mechanical properties of agro-flour-filled polybutylene succinate biocomposites. J Appl Polym Sci 2005;97:1513–21.

2. Zhang Y, Yu C, Chu PK, Lv F, Zhang C, Ji J, et al. Mechanical and thermal properties of basalt fiber reinforced poly(butylene succinate) composites. Mater Chem Phys 2012;133:845–9..

    3. Reddy KO, Zhang J, Zhang J, Rajulu   V. Preparation and properties of self-reinforced cellulose composite films from Agave microfibrils using an ionic liquid. Carbohydr Polym 2014;114:537–45.

4. Sonia  a., Priya Dasan K. Chemical, morphology and thermal evaluation of cellulose microfibers obtained from Hibiscus sabdariffa. Carbohydr Polym 2013;92:668–74.

Biography:

Fabio Silvestri obtained his PhD in Material Science from University of Milano-Bicocca working on organic electronics (Prof. G. A. Pagani). During the doctoral studies, he also worked at Northwestern University (Prof. T.J. Marks) and Universidad Autonoma de Madrid (Prof Torres) on synthesis and characterization of new materials, and as a post-doctoral fellow at ETH Zürich, in the Prof. F. Diederich group. He then moved to Dow Chemical, working on polyurethane foams, and later on he joined Trocellen as Product Development Manager. He is now Innovation Manager for Trocellen group: his focus is to find new technology driven opportunities.

Abstract:

Chemically cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) foams can be considered as a commodity material, due to the high volumes and the relatively low price compared to other polymers and foams. Furukawa Electric, the shareholder of Trocellen Group, filed the first patent on this topic in 1968, almost 50 years ago, so we are not talking about an innovative technology. However, polyethylene is still an interesting material with a lot of different application, ranging from insulation to footwear, from automotive to sport and tapes.
Our new vision is “Making a difference – shaping the future”, so we have started to think about a solution to provide a safe and comfortable future with products that make a difference.
For this reason, we have decided to develop Trocellen Bio, a new foam that anticipates a precise request from the market, giving to our customer the opportunity to decide between the normal grade and a more sustainable one. This is because with this approach we can strongly reduce the CO2 emission, something it was never done in this field, at least at industrial scale. The most important thing is we can do it without any compromise in terms of physical-mechanical properties. As you can see in Figure 1, the compression stress at 25 and 50% is the same for the foam produced with Bio-based and petrochemical based polyethylene.

The same if we consider another mechanical property, the compression set (Figure 2).

Biography:

Shuhua Zhang has completed his PhD from Harbin University of Science and Technology, and visiting studies from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory as a senior research scholar from September of 2013~ September of 2014. She is the associate professor of materials in polymer materials and engineering of Shanghai University of Engineering Science now. She has published more than 30 papers, an academic monographs and owned 4 authorized invention patents of China

Abstract:

In order to improve the mechanical properties of polylactic acid(PLA), PLA/MgAlCu-LDH/polyvinyl pyrrolidone(PVP) composite microsphere was successfully prepared on the basis of  seminal emulson polymerization with PLA and PVP as monomer, MgAlCu-LDH as intercalating agent. Design-Expert 8.5 software was employed to optimize the processing technology with two steps. Firstly, single factor was analyzed based on the mass fraction ratio of  MgAlCu-LDH to PLA, PVP concentration and stirring speed range being 1/15~1/8, 1~2%, 800~1200r/min, respectively. Secondly, the interaction effects of three factors were discussed according to the analysis of the software. The results show that the influence factors to microspheres size were as follows: the stirring speed > the mass fraction ratio of  MgAlCu-LDH to PLA > PVP concentration. The optimized  processing technology of microspheres indicates that the mass fraction ratio of  MgAlCu-LDH to PLA is 1/15, the concentration of  PVP is 2%, the stirring rate is 1200r/min. The structure and morphology of the dried frozen composite microsphere were characterized by XRD, FT-IR and SEM. The intercalation of part of the PLA into the gap of MgAlCu-LDH would be responsible for the new peaks on XRD spectra of MgAlCu-LDH and the disappear peaks at 1750cm^-1, 1200cm^-1 assigned to C=O on FT-IR spectra of PLA, which proves PLA/ MgAlCu-LDH/PVP composite microsphere  was successfully prepared. Interestingly, some tinny channels resulted from volatile solvent  on the surface of microsphere may be benefit for biocompatible

Recent Publications

1. Shuhua Zhang*, Weijun Liu, Cheng Wang, et al(2016) Improving the deNOx Decomposition and Storage Activity through Co-intercalating Ammonium and Copper Ions into Mg/Al Hydrotalcites. Catalysis science & technology, RSC Advances (6): 45127-45134.
2. Hongmei Zhang, Shuhua Zhang*, Polite Stewart, et al(2016) Thermal stability and thermal aging of poly(vinyl chloride)/MgAl layered double hydroxides composites. Chinese Journal of Polymer Science  34(5): 532-541.
3. X.Y.Xue, S.H.Zhang*, H.M.Zhang. Structures of LDHs Intercalated with Ammonia and the Thermal Stability for Poly(vinyl chloride). American Journal of Analytical Chemistry, 2015,6(4):334-341.
4. X.Y.Xue, H.M.Zhang, S.H. Zhang*. Preparation of MgAl LDHs Intercalated with Amines and Effect on Thermal Behavior for Poly(vinyl chloride). Advances in Materials Physics and Chemistry, 2014, 4(12): 258-266.
5. Shuhua Zhang, Siyuan Yang, Cheng Wang, et al. Structural Characterization of Mg/Al hydrotalcites-like Compounds and their Thermal Stability. March Meeting 2014 of the American Physical Society (APS), March 3~7, 2014, Denver, Colorado, USA.

Biography:

Abstract:

The search for new recyclable hydrogenation catalysts stimulated the synthesis of a great deal of heterogeneous   metal-supported   catalysts(1).   In   this   context,   mainly   metallo-supramolecular polymers and block copolymers found a wide range of applications as catalyst support due to the unique possibility to tune the chemical and physical properties of the polymer backbone combined with its low cost, good performance and recyclability under real catalytic conditions(2, 3). In addition, the solubility of functionalized polymers in certain solvents, while they are insoluble in others was successfully employed to recycle the catalytic metal centers anchored to these polymers(4). Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) was functionalized with nitrogen containing aromatic groups such as pyridine and asymmetric 2,2’-bipyridine at the carboxylic acid-end of the polymer chain by means of tin octanoate-catalysed ring opening polymerization(5). The obtained macroligands have been successfully employed to coordinate Pd(II), which chemoselectively hydrogenated α,β- unsaturated carbonyl compounds to give the saturated counterpart as major product (Figure 1)(6) The catalyst was easily recycled upon a simple filtration process.

Recent Publications

1.    Nishimura  S.  Handbook  of  heterogeneous  catalytic  hydrogenation  for  organic  synthesis:  Wiley  New  York  etc; 2001.  

2.   Whittell  G,  Hager  M,  Schubert  U,  Manners  I.  Functional  soft  materials  from  metallopolymers  anmetallosupramolecular  polymers.  Nature  materials.  2011;10(3):176-­â€â€‘88.  

3.   Haensch  C,  Chiper  M,  Ulbricht  C,  Winter  A,  Hoeppener  S,  Schubert  U.  Reversible  supramolecular  functionalization  of  surfaces:  terpyridine  ligands  as  versatile  building  blocks  for  noncovalent  architectures.  Langmuir.  2008; 24(22):12981-­â€â€‘5.  

4.Bergbreiter  D,  Tian  J,  Hongfa  C.  Using  soluble  polymer  supports  to  facilitate  homogeneous  catalysis.  Chemical  reviews.  2009;109(2):530-­â€â€‘82.  

5.   Dechy-­â€â€‘Cabaret  O,  Martin-­â€â€‘Vaca  B,  Bourissou  D.  Controlled  ring-opening  polymerization  of  lactide  and  glycolide.  Chemical  Reviews.  2004;104(12):6147-­â€â€‘76.  

6.   Bartoli  M,  Rosi  L,  Petrucci  G,  Armelao  L,  Oberhauser  W,  Frediani  M,  et  al.  An  easily  recoverable  and  recyclable  homogeneous  polyester-­based  Pd  catalytic  system  for  the  hydrogenation  of  α,β-­â€â€‘unsaturated  carbonyl  compounds.  Catalysis  Communications.  2015;69:228-­â€â€‘33.  

7.   Tsuji  H.  Poly(lactide)  Stereocomplexes:  Formation,  Structure,Properties,  Degradation,  and  Applications.  Macromolecule  Bioscience.  2005;5:569–97  

8.Blackborow  J,  Young  D.  Metal  vapour  synthesis  in  organometallic  chemistry:  Springer  Science  &  Business  Media;  2012.  

9. Petrucci  G,  Oberhauser  W,  Bartoli  M,  Giachi  G,  Frediani  M,  Passaglia  E,  et  al.  Pd-­â€â€‘nanoparticles  supported  onto  functionalized  poly(lactic  acid)-based  stereocomplexes  for  partial  alkyne  hydrogenation.  Applied  Catalysis  A:  General.  2014;469(0):132-­â€â€‘8.  

10. Oberhauser  W,  Evangelisti  C,  Jumde  R,  Petrucci  G,  Bartoli  M,  Frediani  M,  et  al.  Palladium-­â€â€‘nanoparticles  on  end-­â€â€‘functionalized  poly(lactic  acid)-­â€â€‘based  stereocomplexes  for  the  chemoselective  cinnamaldehyde  hydrogenation:  Effect  of  the  end-­â€â€‘group.  Journal  of  Catalysis.  2015;330:187-­â€â€‘96.  

Biography:

Dr. Amit Jaiswal is presently an assistant professor at the Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, India. He has completed his PhD in nanotechnology from IIT Guwahati  and post-doc from Washington University in St. Louis, USA and Technion – Israel Institute of Technology. His research interest is in the synthesis of nanomaterials for sensing, catalysis, drug delivery and diagnostic applications. Dr. Jaiswal has published more than 10 papers in reputed journals

Abstract:

Cationic polymers for gene delivery to cells both in-vitro and in-vivo have been studied in detail. However, studies have shown that cationic polymer such as polyethyleneimine (PEI) suffer from high cellular toxicity and poor biocompatibility. Graphene and its derivatives such as Graphene Oxide (GO) and reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO) have emerged as excellent nanomaterials for biomedical applications such as drug delivery, gene delivery, cellular imaging, biosensing, photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy, tissue engineering etc due to their excellent physicochemical, optical and biocompatible properties.  Here, we report the synthesis of a novel non-viral nano-vector for efficient gene delivery by functionalizing rGO sheets with a water-soluble biocompatible cationic polymer Poly (allylamine hydrochloride). GO sheets synthesised by improved Hummer’s method were simultaneously reduced and functionalized by PAH to form physiologically stable rGO/PAH nanocomposites. The optical, morphological, chemical, and structural properties of these nanocomposites were characterized in detail using UV-Visible spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, TEM, SEM, AFM, FT-IR and XRD respectively. Gel retardation assay using pEGFP clearly demonstrated the efficient DNA binding ability of these nanocomposites, thus validating the potential of rGO/PAH to be used as a non-viral gene delivery vector.

Recent Publications:

1. V Sharma, S Kumar, A Jaiswal*, V Krishnan*, Gold Deposited Plant Leaves for SERS: Role of Surface Morphology, Wettability and Deposition Technique in Determining the Enhancement Factor and Sensitivity of Detection, ChemistrySelect (2017) 2 (1), 165-174

2. A Jaiswal, L Tian, S Tadepalli, K Liu et al., Plasmonic Nanorattles with Intrinsic Electromagnetic Hot‐Spots for Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering, Small (2014) 10 (21), 4287-4292.

3. R Khandelia, A Jaiswal, SS Ghosh, A Chattopadhyay, Polymer coated gold nanoparticle–protein agglomerates as nanocarriers for hydrophobic drug delivery, Journal of Materials Chemistry B (2014) 2 (38), 6472-6477.

4. R Khandelia, A Jaiswal, SS Ghosh, A Chattopadhyay, Gold nanoparticle–protein agglomerates as versatile nanocarriers for drug delivery, Small (2013) 9 (20), 3494-3505.

5. A Jaiswal, SS Ghosh, A Chattopadhyay, One step synthesis of C-dots by microwave mediated caramelization of poly (ethylene glycol), Chemical Communications (2012) 48 (3), 407-409

Biography:

Abstract:

According to the global trend in the world, many studies are conducted to valorize plant biomass as materials^1,2. Plant fibers are used to reinforce composites and to enhance their properties. The lignin fraction produced by wood and paper industries, which is burnt now to produce energy³, should be valorized through chemistry for the synthesis of high value-added compound. In this work, ferulic acid and its derivatives, which can be obtained from lignin, were used to influence the aspect ratio of lignocellulosic fibers, one of the key parameters for mechanical thermoplastic's fiber reinforcement.

Two ferulic acid derivatives were synthesized by enzymatic chemistry following a green process^4,5,6 and subsequently pulverized on hemp fibers. The first derivative was a macrobisphenol while the second one was obtained after the methylation of the phenolic functions of the latter. These pretreated lignocellulosic fibers were incorporated in a polycaprolactone matrix during a single screw extrusion process. Tensile test specimens were injected and mechanical properties were measured. Chemical analysis were conducted by SEC to measure the impact of the ferulic acid derivatives on the molar mass of the matrix. Rheological analysis provided information about the plasticizing effect of the ferulic acid derivatives on the materials. Hemp fibers, ferulic acid derivatives and crude polycaprolactone were also analyzed by Raman spectroscopy to define their spectral profile⁷.

The microstructure of the composites was determined by Confocal Raman Imaging and was correlated with the mechanical properties measured by tensile tests. We evidenced that the very single methylation of the macrobisphenol led to significant differences on the mechanical properties and the structure of the composites. Two hypothesis were investigated to explain such effects: a stronger interaction between hemp fibers and ferulic acid derivative changing the microstructure and/or an increased plasticizing effect of the ferulic acid derivative on the polymeric matrix.

Biography:

Dr Marine Janvier is currently a post-doctoral researcher in Chemistry at the Chair ABI (Industrial Agro-Biotechnologies) in Reims (France). She has completed her PhD in green chemistry from University Claude Bernard (Lyon, France) where she studied the applications of isohexides as a new biobased platform for organocatalysis, developing an expertise in organic synthesis. She joined Professor Florent Allais' research group (Chair ABI) in 2016 for a post-doctoral fellowship dedicated to the use of syringaresinol as a platform molecule for the production of functional antiradical/antioxidant additives as well as monomer for polymerizations. Applications to epoxy-amine resins and non-isocyanate polyurethanes have shown the high interest of syringaresinol as a genuine renewable and safer replacement to toxic bisphenol-A. Those results have been published in peer-reviewed journals and presented in international congresses (ACS Philadelphia 2016 and ISGC La Rochelle 2017)

Abstract:

Novel renewable bisphenols were prepared through chemo-enzymatic processes under mild conditions from ferulic and sinapic acids.^1,2 The enzyme-catalyzed steps have been optimized and lead to high purity grade bisphenols in high to excellent yields.
 The antiradical³/antioxidant⁴ properties of these bio-based bisphenols were investigated and revealed activities similar or higher than that of current commercially available antiradical/antioxidant additives such as Irganox 1010®. The bisphenols were then used as monomers for the preparation of various types of polymers such as copolyesters,¹ polyurethanes,¹ polyolefins,^1,5 non-isocyanates polyurethanes (NIPUs)⁶ and epoxy resins^7,8,9. The newly obtained materials were then characterized by NMR, GPC, DSC, TGA and DMA. These analyses revealed not only good thermal stabilities but also a broad range of accessible T_g.

Recent Publications

1. Pion, F et al (2015) Chemo-enzymatic Synthesis, Derivatizations, and Polymerizations of Renewable Phenolic Monomers Derived from Ferulic Acid and Biobased Polyols: An Access to Sustainable Copolyesters, Poly(ester-urethane)s, and Poly(ester-alkenamer)s ACS Symposium Series, vol. 1192 “Green Polymer Chemistry: Biobased Materials & Biocatalysis” 2015, Chapter 4, 41-68

2. Jaufurally, S et al (2016) Optimization of the laccase-catalyzed synthesis of (±)-syringaresinol; study of its thermal and antiradical activities. ChemistrySelect 1: 5165

3. Reano, A et al (2015) Structure-Activity Relationships and structural design optimization of a series of p-hydroxycinnamic acids-based bis- and trisphenols as novel sustainable antiradical/antioxidant additives ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering 3: 3486

4. (a) Reano, A et al (2016) Ferulic acid-based bis/trisphenols as renewable antioxidants for polypropylene and poly(butylene succinate). ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.6b01429 ; (b) Reano, A et al (2016) Chemo-enzymatic preparation and characterization of renewable oligomers with bisguaiacol moieties: promising sustainable antiradical/antioxidant additives. Green Chemistry 18, 3334

5. Hollande, L et al (2016) ADMET polymerization of biobased monomers deriving from syringaresinol. RSC Advances 6: 44297

6. Ménard, R et al (2017) Chemo-enzymatic synthesis and characterization of renewable thermoplastic and thermoset isocyanate-free poly(hydroxy)urethanes from ferulic acid derivatives. ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.6b02022

7. Janvier, M et al. (2017) Syringaresinol: a renewable and safer alternative to Bisphenol A for epoxy-amine resins. ChemSusChem DOI: 10.1002/cssc.201601595

8. Ménard, R et al (2016) Fully biobased esters and amides-containing epoxy thermosets from ferulic acid: chemo-enzymatic synthesis and thermo-mechanical properties characterization. Industrial Crops Products 95: 83

9. Maiorana, A et al (2016) Structure Property Relationships of Biobased n-Alkyl Bisferulate Epoxy Resins. Green Chemistry 18: 3334. 

Biography:

Michel Dana defended its PhD in organic chemistry at the University of Bordeaux I in 1996. Michel works at SILAB since 1997 and is now manager of the new technology platform

Abstract:

Interpenetrating polymer networks (IPN) (1) have gained great attention in the last decades, mainly due to their biomedical applications. IPN present properties that can be very different according to the macromolecular constituents and that can be tailored by the process. Currently, IPN are composed of chemical polymers or cross-linked by using chemicals. Our study aimed to develop an IPN based on natural polymers and chemical free to obtain a biopolymer-based film with “second skin” (2) properties, biosourced, biodegradable and in accordance with the requirements of the cosmetic industry.

For this purpose, we studied the influence of different natural polysaccharides molecular mass and their ratio but also the natures and concentration of the cross linker on the IPN properties, in the manufacturing process. This approach led to the development of the eco-designed and patented IBPN technology^® (Interpenetrating BioPolymer Network). The resulting material is composed of a galactomannans network from Caesalpinia spinosa (3, 4) and of a sulfated galactans network from Kappaphycus alvarezii (5, 6) ionically crosslinked. Thermodynamic analyses by DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry) and DMA (Dynamic Mechanical Analyses) associated with visualization by AFM (Atomic Force Microscopy) and SEM (Scanning Electronic Microscopy) revealed the physical-IPN organization of the obtained material. Applied to the skin, this natural physical-IPN forms a “second-skin” film since it protects against mechanical aggressions (-14%, P<0.05), pollutants (-47%, P<0.001) and irritants (-22%).

In conclusion, the resulting biopolymer-based film has outstanding “second skin” properties. It is biodegradable and perfectly suitable to the cosmetic industry requirements. The sourcing of the two plants used for its production is sustainable. This study demonstrates the interest of the interpenetrating biopolymer network technology for new promising applications

Biography:

Martin Koller is working in the Office of Research Management and Service, c/o Institute of Chemistry, University of Graz, NAWI Graz, Heinrichstrasse 28/III, 8010 Graz, Austria

Abstract:

Scope: Value-added conversion of waste streams form food industry towards microbial biopolyesters [poly(hydroxyalkanoates), (PHAs)], used as biodegradable “green plastics”, is presented by two case studies: The utilization of lipid-rich waste fraction from slaughtering and rendering industry and of carbohydrate-rich waste from dairy industry. Process viability is demonstrated based on experimental results and economic appraisals, and by introducing strategies for the recycling of waste streams of the PHA production process itself.

Background: Our increasing demand for safe and convenient packaging materials and other plastics motivated mankind to produce more than 300 Mt annually of highly recalcitrant plastics, which are predominately based on limited fossil resources. Resulting piles of plastic waste, greenhouse gas emissions, global warming, together with the ongoing depletion of the fossil resources, provoked a tremendously dynamic “green plastic” market. Critically analysing various available “green plastics” often reveals severe shortcomings regarding the attributes “biobased”, “biodegradable”, “compostable”, and “biocompatible” that “green plastics” have to fulfil according to valid regulations [1]. In this context, the life cycle of PHAs, accumulated as microbial intracellular carbon- and energy reserves, justifies classifying them as “green plastics”. They are based on renewable resources and undergo complete biodegradation during composting. Molecular composition and material performance of PHA are pre-defined in statu nascendi during biosynthesis. Chemically, PHAs encompass thermoplastic short chain length PHA (scl-PHA) and elastomeric medium chain length PHA (mcl-PHA). Possible fields of implementation encompass compostable packaging, medical and pharmaceutical formulations and items, biodegradable latexes, or nano-particles. Low-quality PHAs can be converted to chiral compounds, novel biofuels or other green energy carriers [2]. PHAs must compete with their petro-chemical opponents both in terms of material performance AND economically. Up to now, PHA production resorts to expensive feedstocks of nutritional value, thus contributing to the current “plate-vs.-plastic” controversy. Switching to carbon-rich waste-streams of diverse industrial processes upgrades industrial waste streams, preserves food resources, and enhances the economics of PHA production [2].

Our case studies: Availability of suitable carbon-rich feedstocks defines the location of an envisaged PHA production facility. Processes developed in our recently performed R&D projects (acronyms ANIMPOL and WHEYPOL), financed by the EC, resort to abundantly available waste streams of the European food industry:

• ANIMPOL project: Surplus lipids from slaughterhouses (annual quantities in Europe: 500,000 t) can be transesterificated to crude glycerol (CG) and fatty acid esters (FAEs, biodiesel). Saturated FAEs (SFAE) counteract the application of biodiesel as engine fuel, but can be converted to PHA. Integrating PHA production into existing biodiesel facilities, SFAE-based PHA can be produced at less than 2 €/kg. Both SFAE and CG constitute precious carbon sources for production of either thermoplastic scl-PHA or highly elastic, amorphous mcl-PHA. [3-5]
• WHEYPOL project: In Europe, more than 14 Mt of surplus whey accrue at dairies every year, which causes growing environmental concern. Especially in Northern Italian regions, numerous huge dairy companies are located, which dispose of around 1 million litres of whey daily, often by simply pouring it into the sea. We profited from the fact that lactose, whey´s main carbohydrate, acts as substrate in various bioprocesses like PHA production, and used it to produce thermoplastic scl-PHA. Here, cost estimations suggest an already competitive production price below 3 €/kg [6].
• In addition to the choice of the appropriate raw materials, it is pivotal to close the material cycles of the PHA production process itself and of the subsequent PHA-recovery process, especially when using extremely halophilic microbial production strains, which require environmentally hazardous cultivation media [7]. Recycling experiments revealed that highly saline spent fermentation broth and cell debris can successfully be returned to subsequent fermentation batches as microbial salt- and nutrient source; this approach lowers the overall PHA production costs, and reduces environmental risks, as was demonstrated by LCA studies. Such LCA studies clearly demonstrated the environmental superiority of our novel processes compared to the life cycle of petrol-based plastics [8-10].

• Related Conferences

• Krzan, A., Hemjinda, S., Miertus, S., Corti, A., & Chiellini, E. (2006). Standardization and certification in the area of environmentally degradable plastics. Polymer degradation and stability, 91(12), 2819-2833.
• Koller, M., Marsalek, L., Dias, M., Reiterer, A., & Braunegg, G. (2017). Producing microbial polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biopolyesters in a sustainable manner. New biotechnology, 37(1), 123-137.
• Koller, M., A. Salerno, A. Muhr, A. Reiterer, & Braunegg, G. (2013). Polyhydroxyalkanoates: biodegradable polymers and plastics from renewable resources. Materiali in tehnologije = Materials and technology, 47(1), 5-12.
• Muhr, A., Rechberger, E. M., Salerno, A., Reiterer, A., Schiller, M., KwiecieÅ„, M.,and Koller, M. (2013). Biodegradable latexes from animal-derived waste: Biosynthesis and characterization of mcl-PHA accumulated by Ps. citronellolis. Reactive and Functional Polymers, 73(10), 1391-1398.
• Muhr, A., Rechberger, E. M., Salerno, A., Reiterer, A., Malli, K., Strohmeier, K., Koller, M. (2013). Novel description of mcl-PHA Biosynthesis by Pseudomonas chlororaphis from animal-derived waste. Journal of biotechnology, 165(1), 45-51.
• Koller, M., Hesse, P., Bona, R., Kutschera, C., Atlić, A., & Braunegg, G. (2007). Potential of Various Archae‐and Eubacterial Strains as Industrial Polyhydroxyalkanoate Producers from Whey. Macromolecular bioscience, 7(2), 218-226.
• Koller, M. (2015). Recycling of waste streams of the biotechnological poly(hydroxyalkanoate) (PHA) production by Haloferax mediterranei on whey. International Journal of Polymer Sciences, doi:10.1155/2015/370164.
• Titz, M., Kettl, K. H., Shahzad, K., Koller, M., Schnitzer, H., & Narodoslawsky, M. (2012). Process optimization for efficient biomediated PHA production from animal-based waste streams. Clean technologies and environmental policy, 14(3), 495-503.
• Shahzad, K., Kettl, K. H., Titz, M., Koller, M., Schnitzer, H., & Narodoslawsky, M. (2013). Comparison of ecological footprint for biobased PHA production from animal residues utilizing different energy resources. Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy, 15(3), 525-536.
• Koller, M., Sandholzer, D., Salerno, A., Braunegg, G., & Narodoslawsky, M. (2013). Biopolymer from industrial residues: Life cycle assessment of poly (hydroxyalkanoates) from whey. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 73, 64-71.

Biography:

L. Amiranashvili has completed his PhD at the age of 27 from I. Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University. She is a research scientist at Tbilisi State Medical University I.Kutateteladze Institute of Pharmacochemistry, department of plant biopolymers. She has published more than 40 papers in reputed journals. Her field of professional interests is Bioorganic and Medicinal chemistry.

Abstract:

Recently high-molecular fractions were isolated from species of Boragenaceae family Symphytum asperum and S.caucasicum. Based on the  IR   and  NMR spectroscopy data,   poly[3-(3,4 dihydroxyphenyl)glyceric  acid]  (PDPGA)  was  confirmed to  be  the major  component of these fractions. This  compound represents a  new class of natural polyethers with a  residue of 3-(3,4 dihydroxyphenyl)glyceric acid as the repeating unit. Polymer  possesses immunomodulatory (anticomplementary), antioxidant, antiinflammatory and  wound-healing  properties.  Phytochemical  investigation  of  roots and stems of Symphytum asperum L. was carried out in order to define starting   substances  for   biosynthesis   of   PDPGA.   The   solid-liquid extraction  technique was  chosen as  the  first step  for  isolation  the compounds probably containing the fragments of PDPGA, followed by the  investigation  using UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS  technique. The  UHPLC-Q- TOF/MS analysis of extracts of S.  asperum roots/stems revealed the presence  of     low   molecular  weight  compounds such as   caffeic, rosmarinic, chlorogenic and salvianolic acids as well several oligomers. The obtained  results show that the comfrey roots/stems can be used as a  source for the isolation of low molecular weight biologically active compounds

Recent Publications

1.    Merlani   M,   Barbakadze   V,   Gogilashvili   L,   Amiranashvili   L, Mulkijanyan K, Yannakopoulou E, Papadopoulos K, Christodouleas D (2008) Synthesis and antioxidant activity of 3-(3,4- dihydroxyphenyl)glyceric acid, monomer of a biologically active polyethet isolated from Symphytum asperum and S.caucasicum. Planta Medica, 74(9): 1167-1168.

2.    Barbakadze   V,   Merlani   M,   Gogilashvili   L,   Amiranashvili   L,   E. Shaburishvili E (2010) Anticomplementary and antioxidative activity of high- molecular fractions from the leaves of Symphytun asperum and S.caucasicum.  Pharmaceutical Chemical Journal, 44(11): 21-24

3. Barbakadze V, Gogilashvili L, Amiranashvili L, Merlani M, Mulkijanyan K, Churadze M, Salgado A, Chankvetadze B (2010) Poly[3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)glyceric acid] from Anchusa italica roots. Natural Product Communications,  5(7): 1091-1095

4.    Shrotriya  S,  Deep  G,    Ramasamy  K,  Barbakadze  V,  Merlani  M, Gogilashvili L,   Amiranashvili L, Mulkijanyan K, Papadopoulos K, Agarwal C, Agarwal R (2012) Poly[3-(3, 4-dihydroxyphenyl) glyceric acid] from comfrey exerts anti-cancer efficacy against human prostate cancer via targeting androgen receptor, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.                 Carcinogenesis, 33(8): 1572-1580

5.    Barbakadze  V,   Gogilashvili   L,   Amiranashvili   L,  Merlani   M,   K. Mulkijanyan K (2014) Biologically Active Caffeic Acid-Derived Biopolymer. World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology, International Journal of Biological, Biomolecular, Agricultural, Food and Biotechnological Engineering, 8(7): 803-806.

Biography:

Amandine Flourat is researcher and head of chemistry department at Chaire ABI from 2012. The aim of Chaire ABI is the valorization of agricultural coproducts through microbiology, process engineering and green chemistry. Amandine Flourat develops new synthetic pathways using biocatalyst and biobased products to access high value molecules and new polymers.

Abstract:

Climate change and the depletion of fossil resources lead to a transformation of polymer industry. Now, demands are for sustainable polymers offering a wide range of applications. In this mood, we dedicated our self to the synthesis and the characterization of a new class of biobased aromatic polymers able to be degraded in aqueous media presenting a wide range of properties. To know about the potential field of application, we studied thermal stabilities, determined by ATG, which are higher than 270 °C, and glass transition temperatures. These ones are tunable depending of monomers’ flexibility and hydrogen bonding but always superior at 100°C. Then antiradical activities are determined by DPPH scavenging test. Whereas antimicrobial properties are tested on Gram + and Gram - bacteria.

Recent publications

1. Jaufurally, Abdus S.; Teixeira, Andreia R. S.; Hollande, Louis; Allais, Florent; Ducrot, Paul-Henri Optimization of the Laccase-Catalyzed Synthesis of (±)-Syringaresinol and Study of its Thermal and Antiradical Activities ChemistrySelect 2016, 1, 16, 5165-5171.

2. Reano, Armando F.; Pion, Florian; Domenek, Sandra; Ducrot, Paul-Henri; Allais, Florent Chemo-enzymatic preparation and characterization of renewable oligomers with bisguaiacol moieties: promising sustainable antiradical/antioxidant additives Green Chemistry 2016, 18, 11, 3334-3345

3. Reano, Armando F.; Cherubin, Julie; Peru, Aurelien M. M.; Wang, Qiao; Clement, Tiphaine; Domenek, Sandra; Allais, Florent Structure-Activity Relationships and Structural Design Optimization of a Series of p-Hydroxycinnamic Acids-Based Bis- and Trisphenols as Novel Sustainable Antiradical/Antioxidant Additives ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering 2015, 3 12, 3486-3496

4. Kaufman, Teodoro S. The multiple faces of Eugenol J. Braz. Chem. Soc.  2015, 26, 1055-1085

5. Fache, Maxence ; Boutevin, Bernard ; Caillol, Sylvain Vanillin, a key intermediate of biobased polymers Eur. Polym. J. 2015, 68, 488-502

Biography:

Martin Alberto MASUELLI is Master of Surfaces Science and Porous Media (2003), and Doctor in Chemistry (2007), title obtained in National University of San Luis, Argentina. Member of the Institute of Applied Physics (INFAP) belonging to National Council for Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET), as Research Assistant, 2011. He won three scholarships. He is UNSL Adj. Professor. He is the director of Director of the Laboratory of Physical Chemistry Services, UNSL. He has published more than 19 papers in journals and has been serving as a reviewer and editorial board member of repute, 5 book chapters and 52 congress presentation. Guest Editor of the Books: "Fiber Reinforced Polymers-The Applied Technology for Concrete Repair," INTECH, Croatia, 2013; "Advances in Physicochemical Properties of Biopolymers”, Bentham Publishing, USA, April 2016; "Biopackaging", CRC Press, April 2017. Editor in Chief and founder of the Journal of Polymer Physics and Chemistry Biopolymers, July 2013. He is also a member of the Argentina Association of Physicochemical and Inorganic Chemistry (AAFQI), and Argentina Society of Environmental Science and Technology (SACyTA). Recognition of Excellence in the review of papers in 2012, Desalination, Elsevier. Director of Project PRO 2-2414, UNSL: "Regional polysaccharides: Purification and Physical Chemistry Characterization. Applications: Analytics, a Separative Processes and Food Industry”, 2014.

Abstract:

Cucurbita ficifolia is a creeping plant with a fleshy fruit, round and elongated, with a thick, smooth shell, resistant to low temperatures but not to severe frost (Figure 1). The mesocarp (pulp) is white with a granular and fibrous texture. The fruit was separated into three parts: peel, pulp and seeds. The pulp was dried and then ground to obtain the flour from which the hydrolysis was carried out.

Figure 1: Some cucurbits. to. Cucurbita maximum (pumpkin). B. Cucumis melo (yellow melon). C. Citrullus lanatus (watermelon). D. Cucumis sativus (cucumber). and. Cucurbita ficifolia (alcayota). F. Cucurbita moschata (zapallo anco).
Hot aqueous extracts were made to the moist pulp and a Cy (d) dispersed (used for rheology) solution Cy (d) solution (used for capillary viscosimetry) was obtained.
From Cy concentrations of 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.4% and 0.6% wt. in an aqueous solution of 0.1M NaCl, which acts as a stabilizer, the intrinsic viscosity was measured with an Ubbelodhe 1B viscometer and density with Anton Paar DM35N densimeter in the thermostatic bath at 25°C.
The hydrolysis procedure was performed on the Cy (d) dispersion, with 0.1M NaOH at 65°C for two hours and then precipitated with ethanol. The precipitate is washed with ethanol several times, obtaining a polysaccharide of average molecular weight having free oxydril groups called CyOH (d). To the above dispersion (CyOH (d)) was added 5 ml of glycerol and stirred cold for a few minutes to homogenize, these solutions were used to measure the flow ability curve. Also, dispersions of Cy (d) of different concentrations: 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6% in distilled water were prepared. Some of them were hydrolyzed, being named as CyOH (d) and measured with a Brookfield DVIII rheometer at a temperature of 25°C. The assay was repeated by adding 2, 4 and 5% glycerol to some of the hydrolyzed dispersions at temperatures of 35 and 40°C in a thermostatic bath.
The intrinsic viscosity was 149.83 cm3/g and the molecular weight was 1867000 g/mol (Marck-Houwink parameters of k = 0.00263 and a= 0.7583), with a hydrodynamic radius of 53nm, a shape factor of 3.12 and a hydration value of 47.63 g/g. Studies for CyOH (d) showed a thixotropic behavior for dispersed solutions which increased with increasing hydrolysis and glycerin and decreased with increasing temperature. The degree of thixotropy is higher for CyOH (d) compared to Cy (d).

Recent publications

1. “Hydrodynamic   properties   of   Gelatin.   Studies   from intrinsic  viscosity  measurements”.  Martin Alberto Masuelli, Maria Gabriela Sansone. Products and Applications of Biopolymers. Chapter 5 pp. 85-116. Editor C. J. R. Verbeek. INTECH, Croatia. 2012.

2. “Tara Gum the new biopolymer for different applications. Hydrodynamic Properties”. Masuelli, Martin Alberto. Handbook of Sustainable Polymers Processing and Applications. Edited by Vijay Kumar Thakur, Manju Kumari Thakur. Pan Stanford Publishing. 2015.

3. . “Intrinsic Viscosity Bovine Serum Albumin in Aqueous Solutions.   Temperature   Influence   in   Mark-Houwink Parameters”. M. Masuelli, J. Gassmann. Advances in Physicochemical Properties of Biopolymers, pp. 46-75. Ed. M. Masuelli & D. Renard. Editorial Bentham Publishing, 2017.

4. "Alcayota flms: Effect of crosslinking". Martin A. Masuelli, Journal of Advances Chemical Engineering 6, 3 (2016) 49.

5. “Marck-Houwink     Parameters     for     Aqueous-Soluble Polymers and Biopolymers at Various Temperatures.” M. A. Masuelli. J. Polym. Biopol. Phys. Chem. 2, 2(2014)37-43.

Biography:

Norma Mallegni PhD student in University of Pisa, Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, Master Degree in Chemistry, is working on copolymerization, blending and processing of biobased polymers for tuning properties and sustainability of biobased materials.

Abstract:

Green composites based on polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) with 10 to 20 wt% natural fibres were manufactured by extrusion and characterized. Two different types of fibres were used: fibrous wastes of the seagrass Posidonia Oceanica (PO) and sawdust (SD). PHA was successfully compounded with both fibres using 10 wt % acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC) as plasticizer. Thermal, rheological, mechanical (tensile and Charpy’s impact tests) and morphological characterizations of the developed composites were conducted. The composites showed good thermal and mechanical properties, the impact energy-absorbing capability was markedly increased with increasing the fibre loading of PO or SD compared with that of the unfilled material.

The biodegradability of the composites based on PHA and PO fibres was assessed in sea water using standardized procedures based on the carbon dioxide evolution. Whereas, the biodegradability of the composites based on PHA and SD was assessed by measuring the amount of carbon mineralized during incubation under composting conditions. Both tests showed that the presence of the fibres facilitated the disintegration of the composite films increasing their biodegradation rate in the two different investigated environments. 

Biography:

Yuejiao Yang is the third year PhD student of School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, China. In 2006, she received the scholarship from Erasmus program and now she is the visiting PhD student in Department of Industrial Engineering and Biotech Research Centre, University of Trento, Italy. She started to work with biopolymer during her mater degree and now she is focusing on extraction keratin from animal hairs by using Ionic Liquids.

Abstract:

Keratin, a fibrous protein, is abundantly available from a variety of sources including human hairs, wool and feathers. Keratin exhibits a stable three dimensional polypeptide structure consisting of a triple-helix of protein chains held together by a range of covalent (disulfide bonds) and noncovalent interactions. Like many nature biopolymers, keratin has shown promise for applications as biomaterial due to its intrinsic biocompatibility, biodegradability, mechanical durability, and natural abundance. However, the dissolution and processing of keratin in common solvents is difficult. Many reagents have the capability to reduce the disulfide bonds, preserve and maintain the protein structure; however these materials are often toxic.

In this work, we have investigated the dissolution and regeneration of keratin from camel hair and cashmere by using two ionic liquids (ILs), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([BMIM]cl) and N,N-dimethylammonium formate([DMEA][HCOO]). Dissolution was conducted at 130°C for 10 hours and the water insoluble fraction was recovered by addition of water to the solution and then lyophilization. The remaining fraction, consisting of water soluble fragments, was dialyzed against water and then lyophilized to recover the fragments. The mechanism of dissolution by ILs was observed by microscope with single fibre. The structure and properties of the regenerated, water insoluble and soluble fractions were investigated by Amino acid analysis, SEM, FTIR, DSC and TGA with the comparison of raw materials, and the soluble fraction was characterized by protein quantification and gel electrophoresis.

Recent Publications

1. Yong P, Yang Y, Wang Z, et al. Diverse nanostructures and gel behaviours contained in a thermo-and dual-pH-sensitive ABC (PNIPAM–PAA–P4VP) terpolymer in an aqueous solution[J]. RSC Advances, 2016, 6(91): 88306-88314.

2. Wang Z, Yang L, Chen B, et al. Coloading of Magnetic Particles and an Anionic Drug into pH-sensitive Triblock Polymeric Nanocarriers[J]. Chemistry Letters, 2016, 45(6): 694-696.

3. Yang Y, Chen J, Yang L, et al. Effect of D-(+)-Glucose on the Stability of Polyvinyl Alcohol Fricke Hydrogel Three-Dimensional Dosimeter for Radiotherapy[J]. Nuclear Engineering and Technology, 2016, 48(3): 608-612.

4. Yang Y, Yang L, Chen J, et al. Preparation and characterization of novel Sulfosalicylic acid-Ferrous-PVA hydrogel as a 3D dosimeter[J]. Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, 2015, 304(2): 481-487.

Biography:

Yunlong Jia is a doctoral candidate in Hamburg University of Technology with his research topic ‘durability of flax fiber reinforced bio-composites for structural applications’. He graduated with M.Sc. in mechanical engineering in 2012 and published four articles during his graduate program. After graduation, he was finically supported by the China Scholarship Council to conduct his research in the Institute of Polymer Composites.

Abstract:

The recent years has witnessed a rising development of bio-composites in a wide range of applications. Much effort has been devoted to improve the performance of bio-composites. One of the most important aspect lies in the optimization of the interfacial properties. The intrinsic hydrophilic properties of natural fibers not only cause incompatibility with matrix but also make the interfacial regions very sensitive to weathering effects. The changing ambient temperature, humidity might cause degradation in the interfacial regions in the long term, which is among the least understood components of bio-composites. This study aim at a better understanding of hydrothermal degradation and its effects on the interfacial properties of flax fiber/bio-based polyurethane composites.
Experiments were elaborated at two scales. Single yarn fragmentation tests were performed as a reliable way to focus on the fiber/matrix interfaces. Corresponding unidirectional tensile tests were performed to investigate the influences of degradation at the scale of composites. It is found that interfacial bonding between flax fibers and matrix were weakened by the degradation caused by the hydrothermal effects. Results obtained at two scales correlate with each other well. Degradation in the interfacial regions can be well reflected by indicators from single yarn fragmentation tests like fragmentation development, fragmentation length distributions, and crack shapes etc. Interestingly, not only water absorption, but also water desorption cause degradation of fiber/matrix interfaces

Recent Publications

1. Jiang, B., Peng, H., Wu, W., Jia, Y., & Zhang, Y. (2016). Numerical Simulation and Experimental Investigation of the Viscoelastic Heating Mechanism in Ultrasonic Plasticizing of Amorphous Polymers for Micro Injection Molding. Polymers, 8(5), 199.
2. Wu, W., Peng, H., Jia, Y., & Jiang, B. (2016). Characteristics and mechanisms of polymer interfacial friction heating in ultrasonic plasticization for micro injection molding. Microsystem Technologies, 1-8.
3. Chen, L., Kirchberg, S., Jiang, B. Y., Xie, L., Jia, Y. L., & Sun, L. L. (2014). Fabrication of long-focal-length plano–convex microlens array by combining the micro-milling and injection molding processes. Applied optics, 53(31), 7369-7380.

Biography:

Muthuvinayagam have completed M.Sc., Ph.D.  Presently, I am heading the department of Physics, Kalasalingam University in India.  I have 14 years of teaching and seven years of research experience.  I have published many articles in reputed journals & conferences. I have written two engineering Physics books also. I have organized some research programmes

Abstract:

Enhancing the properties of polymer electrolytes are very important to improve the performance of energy storage devices like batteries, super- capacitors, sensors, dye-sensitized solar cells and fuel cells. Solid polymer blend electrolytes are prepared by using three different biodegradable polymers PVA,PVP and PEG. PVA:PVP:PEG(40:40:20Mwt%) system is found to the optimized one based on their amorphous nature. Alongwith the optimized ratio, different Mwt% of Sodium nitrate are doped  and polymer electrolytes are prepared by solution casting method. The prepared polymer electrolytes are investigated by X-Ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscope and and Ac impedance technique. The XRD analysis reveals the increase in  amorphous nature during the addition of NaNO₃ with optimized polymer blend.  The scanning electron microscope images show the blurred nature of polymer surface that leads for improving ionic conductivity.  At room temperature, the maximum ionic conductivity is 1.03x10^-6 S/cm for 10Mwt% of NaNO₃ doped system with PVA:PVP:PEG(40:40:20Mwt%). The ionic conductivity increases with increase in temperature due to the increase of free volume or segmental motion in polymer electrolytes. The dielectric properties of the electrolytes are also analyzed. The ionic and electronic transference number are measured by Wagner polarization technique

Biography:

Abstract:

Engineering materials have their path in many sectors due to their good performance compared to metals. However, there is a concern on the massive usage of such materials with regards to the degradation and recycling. Nowadays, there are many attempts are intending to reduce the impact of polymers on environments. One the technique is to incorporate natural fibres in synthetic polymers. In this article, the impact of natural fibres on mechanical and tribological behaviour of polymeric composites is addressed conceding different natural fibres and polymers. The main findings promotes the usage of natural fibres as alternative to the synthetic fibres with some considerations related to the interfacial adhesive of the fibres with the matrix.

Biography:

Negin Farshchi is a recent Polymer Engineering graduate with a master degree from the Islamic Azad University science and research branch of Tehran, looking to utilize her current skills and knowledge and also help her to further develop these skills. Her eventual career goal is to research and try to expand the horizon of polymer science in order to achieve a dream which is a green world and healthier human beings.

Abstract:

Soybean oil, castor oil and rapeseed oil are   biodegradable vegetable oils dominating today’s food oil market. The polyunsaturation of these oils and their availability in addition to the environmental hazards of common plasticizers and processing oils, makes it possible to use these natural oils as a compounding ingredient in polymeric compounds like Rubber or PVC compounds. Prediction of solubility between different materials is an advantage in many ways, one of the most convenient ways to know the compatibility of materials is to determine the degree of solubility of them in each other, the concept of “solubility parameter” can help practitioners in this way.

In this study, the solubility parameter of vegetable oils and interaction parameters and their dependence on temperature and gas flow rate was determined by inverse gas chromatography technique.

Results show that there are three different areas in respect to flow rate. Slow, stable and fake marker areas and suggest that there is a relationship between fluids dynamic and solubility parameter value. Best flow rate was determined to be 30 ml/min. Despite the Flory Huggins theory prediction there is no clear trend for Flory Huggins interaction parameter dependence on temperature. Also, the negative values for Flory Huggins interaction parameter were achieved by IGC method which could not be evaluated through the Flory Huggins theory. The solubility parameter will decrease by increasing temperature, and it will increase by increasing flow rate.

Biography:

Abstract:

DOX^HYD-HPMA is doxorubicin bound through hydrazone bond to synthetic polymeric carrier based on N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide. It is effective anticancer polymeric prodrug with decreased side-toxicity and the ability to induce immunogenic cancer cell death releasing site-specific tumor antigen and thus acting as endogenous vaccine. We have compared chemo-immunotherapy combination treatment of EL4 T cell lymphoma and 4T1 breast carcinoma with DOX^HYD-HPMA and with immune checkpoint blocking anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 MAbs either alone or in a mixture. To document the role of intestinal microbiota we use germ-free (GF) mice and GF mice monocolonized with Bifidobacterium thetaiotamicron. Acute model of disease when mice are transplanted once with a lethal dose of tumor cells was compared with chronic model where mice are injected six times every other day with a low number of tumor cells. Healthy mice treated with anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 mAbs did not show any signs of toxicity while significant co-toxicity was seen in cancer-bearing mice. Treatment with checkpoint inhibitors only exerted a very limited cancer response as no long term survivors (LTS) were recorded. On the other hand more than 60% of mice injected also with therapeutically suboptimal dose of DOX^HYD-HPMA survived disease-free for more than 100 days. Those suffering from chronic model of cancer showed considerably higher proportion of PD-1⁺ cells in tumor microenvironment and reacted substantially better to anti-CTLA-4 or anti-PD-1 treatment than mice with the acute model

Biography:

Abstract:

The use of conventional plastics has become a huge environmental concern. is a growing concern, leading to resource depletion and littering (e.g. microplastics pollution of the sea). Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is formed as energy storage compound by several microorganisms. It has thermoplastic properties and can be a replacement for PP. PHB is fully degradable, also in the marine environment. Today, PHB is synthesized by heterotrophic bacteria using sugar fermentation. The relatively high costs of raw materials and continuous oxygen supply for the processing make PHAs expensive in comparison to other petroleum-derived plastics. Methodology and theory: The alternative is to use certain oxygenic cyanobacteria as cell factory. Cyanobacteria can store PHB under nutrient (P, N) limitation from renewable and sustainable resources sunlight and CO₂ and due to their minimal nutrient requirement are the most promising host system for PHB production. However the growth rate and the PHB yield stay low. There exists no general method to increase PHB yield in cyanobacteria. This work aims at making cyanobacteria competitive by optimization of growth conditions and by strain selection. Findings: We screen for wild type strains which can naturally accumulate PHB.  During our systematic screening we have discovered a cyanobacterium sp.  strain which naturally accumulates a high PHB content under N and P limitations in comparison to other existing strains. The improvement of the strain is possible using process engineering and natural mutations. Significance: Our project can develop an economically superior bioprocess to enhance biomass growth and PHB productivity and prove feasibility to use CO₂ for production of biodegradable plastics