Biobased polymers

The research group Biobased Polymers follows two research concepts: -synthesis of the bioderived monomer building blocks and their incorporation into macromolecules using various polymerization techniques, and -development of new chemical routes for selective modification of bioderived macromolecules. Obtained bio-based macromolecules with tailored structure and architecture are used for the fabrication of sustainable functional polymer materials.

Research

Main research focus is on the design of sustainable polymer materials with adaptive mechanical properties, programmable degradation and stimuli-responsiveness exploiting the functionality of biobased building blocks. This is enabled by the synthesis of new functional macromolecules with a variety of architectures (homopolymers, block copolymers, branched polymers and microgels) via different synthesis approaches, like controlled free radical, ring-opening, cationic or step-growth polymerizations. The chemical modification of biopolymers (chitosan, pectin, dextran etc.) is realised using chemical and enzymatic approaches aiming to integrate selectively reactive groups, fluorescent dyes, binding peptides, etc. We investigate the structure-property relationships of obtained functional biobased macromolecules for application in engineering plastics, drug delivery systems, protecting coatings or plant protection systems.

Projects

Biobased materials: towards more efficient and patient friendly chemotherapy

The fundamental aim of our study is to develop biobased, degradable drug carriers with high affinity and selectivity toward cancer cells. The outcome of our research is envisioned to improve the efficiency of administration and biocompatibility of anticancer drugs, thereby reducing the side effects of chemotherapy.

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Sustainable Production Routes for Complex Medical Hydrogels using Biomass

The scientific targets for the project are to establish sustainable conversion pathways to tailor specific functional polysaccharides, explore new post-modification techniques to introduce photo-sensitive side groups into polysaccharides, and to demonstrate biomedical applicability of these functional materials for the fabrication of complex hydrogel constructs by photocrosslinking assisted 3D lithography.

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Totally Nuts

How can we develop sustainable and economically viable biobased epoxy thermosets and composites from cashew nutshell residue?

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CUMERI

Customized membranes for green and resilient industries

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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.

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BioBased ValueCircle

BioBased ValueCircle offers a unique interdisciplinary research and training environment tailored for 12 early stage researchers (PhDs) excited by the development of innovative bio-based products, respecting the principles of the circular economy.

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BIOCOMEM

The role of Maastricht University will be the synthesis and design of biobased copolymer precursors that can be processed into membranes with improved mechanical, thermal and permeation properties.

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Bio NIPU

The project focuses on the development of 100% biobased and non-toxic polyurethane for end products in the textile and synthetic rubber industry.