Biobased Polymers and Materials
Within the Biobased polymers and materials group, research activities focus on the exploration of biobased macromolecular building blocks such as polyphenols, polysaccharides (chitin, pectin, dextran) and lignin oligomers for the synthesis of functional sustainable polymers and the fabrication of polymer materials in the form of colloidal gels, fibers or films.
We focus on tuning the structure and architecture of new materials for controlled degradation/recycling and biocompatibility. Selective catalytic transformations, bioconjugations and controlled polymerizations in compartments are investigated to develop enzyme-inspired technologies for the sustainable fabrication of bio-based polymer materials with controlled properties for applications in catalysis, crop protection (with applications in the agro sector) and biomaterials.
The specific focus in biomaterials development is on translating the unique properties of biobased materials into innovative medical solutions. Research focuses on:
Creating functional tissue engineering scaffolds using hybrid and composite materials that mimic the natural extracellular matrix
Developing in vitro models to study tissue development, disease mechanisms and drug responses
Designing advanced drug delivery systems with controlled and targeted delivery mechanisms for applications such as chronic wound care and cancer treatment
Projects
Sustainable citriculture through controlled release of antibacterial molecules from microgel-based formulations
The aim of this research project is the development of the bio-based and sustainable protection systems for citrus trees. Specifically, we will focus on the fabrication of stimuli-responsive microgels capable of strong binding to the leaves and controlled release of antibacterial molecules to combat citrus cancer.
