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

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