World Congress on

Biopolymers and Bioplastics

Scientific Program

Keynote Session:

Meetings International -  Conference Keynote Speaker Amar Mohanty photo

Amar Mohanty

University of Guelph, Canada

Title: Circular economy – A path forward in commercialization success of bioplastics and biobased materials

Biography:

Amar Mohanty is an international leader in the field of bioplastics and biobased materials.  He holds a Research Leadership Chair position, is a Professor, and is the Director of the Bioproducts Discovery & Development Centre (BDDC) at the University of Guelph. He has more than 750 publications, including 336 peer-reviewed journal papers, 5 edited books, and 55 Patents awarded/applied. His R&D excellence helped develop several industrial products, bringing Four new bioproducts to market. His work was recognized by the BioEnvironmental Polymer Society receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award. He also received the Andrew Chase Forest Products Division Award from the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and was the holder of the Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship at the Technical University of Berlin, Germany. Currently, he holds the Director (elect) position of Forest Products Division of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. He serves on the editorial board of seven international journals.

 

Abstract:

Globe has finite resource and thus the current linear economy model of “take-make-dispose” that represents “cradle to grave” type scenario is unsustainable and will not be economical. On the contrary we look for a waste-free world through “close-loop system” that represents “cradle-to-cradle” type concept towards a more sustainable “circular economy”. The so-called wastes and/or undervalued coproducts and byproducts from one industry can be used as raw materials for another industrial development thus in finding their value-added uses. Bioplastics in general are costly as compared to several traditional petro-based plastics. The design and engineering of biobased composites from bioplastics and inexpensive coproducts from food processing and biofuel industries can create new industrial products of commercial values. In another approach recycled plastics in combination with inexpensive agro-residues and perennial grasses can develop affordable biocomposites for consumer product applications. This presentation will highlight how circular and green economy can synergize the opportunity of biobased materials in commercialization path and in societal uses. Both compostable biocomposites and biobased but not biodegradable type of biobased materials can help in reducing environmental impact through reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emission.

 

Meetings International -  Conference Keynote Speaker Kabasci Stephan photo

Kabasci Stephan

Fraunhofer UMSICHT, Germany

Title: Research and Development in the field of foamed bioplastics

Biography:

Dr. Stephan Kabasci holds a PhD in Chemical engineering from the Technical University of Dortmund. He has been working for Fraunhofer UMSICHT since 1992, starting as a research engineer and project manager. From 1998 – 2003 he was head of the working group "Bioengineering", 2004 – 2013 he was business unit manager "Renewable Resources, and since 2014 he has been head of the department “Bio-based Plastics”. Dr. Kabasci is teaching bioengineering at the Ruhr-University Bochum and he is the editor of “Bio-based Plastics. Materials and Applications” in the Wiley Series on Renewable Resources.

Abstract:

Today, foam extrusion of thermoplastics such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) or polystyrene (PS) is widely used to produce foamed products, e. g. food packaging trays or insulation boards. However, there is an increasing demand in considering sustainability aspects (e. g. low toxicity, renewable resource base) for materials and products. Therefore, considerable research has been conducted on foaming bio-based plastics recently. The contribution gives an overview of the developments at Fraunhofer UMSICHT in the field of biopolymer foams. Recent results of foaming of different biopolymers, namely starch, cellulose esters, bio-based polyesters and a bio-based polycarbonate, will be presented. The research covered chemical as well as physical blowing agents. Morphology was analyzed by means of optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Physical foam properties such as foam density and porosity as well as mechanical foam properties were also measured. Depending on the biopolymer type and the blowing agent type and content, different foam properties and foam morphologies can be achieved. Finally, an outlook on future research projects of Fraunhofer UMSICHT in the field of biopolymers foaming will be given.

Meetings International -  Conference Keynote Speaker Aman Ullah photo

Aman Ullah

University of Alberta, Canada

Title: Shifting to Biorefinery; Monomers, Biopolymers and Biomaterials from Renewable Lipid Resources

Biography:

Dr. Aman Ullah received his PhD (with distinction) in Chemical Sciences and Technologies in 2010 at the University of Genova, Italy by working together at Southern Methodist University, USA. He worked as a postdoctoral fellow before accepting an Assistant Professor position at the University of Alberta. He has been promoted to Associate Professor with Tenure. He has been teaching a graduate course entitled “Renewable Biomaterials”. This course deals with fundamentals in bio-based materials development, characterization, and various industrial applications. Current research, recent literature, and real-life applications of biomaterials/bionanomaterials in various industries are discussed throughout the course. Aman has published more than 40 papers in reputed journals and 3 patents/patent applications. His research is focused on the development of biochemicals, biopolymers/biomaterials from lipids and other renewable resources. Overall, as PI and Co-investigator, he has attracted a total of ~ $8.7 million in funding in last 5 years.  He has participated and presented his work in more than 82 National and international scientific meetings and conferences, including several invited, keynote and plenary lectures at conferences and research centers in Asia, Europe, and America. In addition, he has received several awards including Canadian Rising Star award in Global Health by Grand Challenges Canada in 2012.
 

Abstract:

In recent years, the use of renewable natural resources have become the focus of research in supplementing and/or replacing traditional petrochemical products due to growing energy demands and environmental concerns. The utilization of lipids and other renewable resources has been considered to play a primitive role towards sustainable development due to their large scale availability, built-in-functionality, biodegradability and no net carbon dioxide (CO2) production. In addition, a broad range of monomers can be obtained as a single feedstock. These attributes make lipids a good fit for the development of renewable biomaterials. This Presentation will focus on the conversion of lipids, from various sources including waste streams such as waste cooking oil and lipids extracted from spent foul, into monomers, biopolymers and biomaterials for packaging water remediation, biomedical and other applications (Fig.1). The ability for complete conversion of oils in just few minutes under solvent free conditions into monomers, biopolymers and bio-composites/nanocomposites is undoubtedly an attractive concept from both an academic and an industrial point of view.
 
Meetings International -  Conference Keynote Speaker Wolfgang Baltus photo

Wolfgang Baltus

Wobaltexpedition Consultancy, Thailand

Title: From Biomass to Biopolymer and Bioplastics

Biography:

Dr. Wolfgang Baltus is a well-recognized expert for bio-based technology, market knowledge and policies related to green economy approaches in Asia-Pacific. He is well connected to government agencies in the Asian region, to organizations like UNEP, FRAUNHOFER, GIZ or the KITECH Institute (South Korea) and to leading global and regional companies in this sector like BASF, DSM, Corbion or BAYER. Dr. Baltus was engaged in several feasibility studies for different clients in the Asian region regarding the introduction of green technology along the whole value chain from agriculture feedstock to end of life options. He is one of the co-authors of the “Market Study for bio-based Materials” from the German NOVA Institute, covering as expert Asian biopolymer and biochemical markets and has supported NOVA in the EU bio-economy framework policy work. Dr. Baltus has contributed and monitored different roadmaps on this topic like the “National Bioplastic Roadmap” in Thailand. He has been invited as speaker, advisor/organizer and lecturer for topics regarding bio- economy policies, climate change mitigation and bio-based technology for workshops and many international conferences in Asia and abroad, He has assisted the UNEP to set up the eco-innovation manual for Asia-Pacific. In 2014 he setup Wobalt Expedition Consultancy, an independent consultancy covering l sustainable development.
 

Abstract:

Bio-based materials are expected to have huge market potentials in several industry segments particular as bioplastics or bio-based polymers in the plastic industry. Being the first plastics entering the “world”, today they are still mostly in niche positions. Even today “bioplastics” and “biodegradability” and alike are often different or wrong defined, leading to misinformation what has slowed down the acceptance process. The presentation will give an overview about the actual status and trends of bioplastics and biomaterials in Asia compared to the global development . The presentation will highlight the opportunities but also the challenges bio-based plastics and biopolymer are facing with a special focus on the activities in South-East Asia. For example Thailand has an abundant sources of raw materials and an already well developed infrastructure for plastic products including  a National Roadmap since 2008 to support bioplastic introduction in the domestic market. But where is Thailand  today? The current status of the bioplastic development in Thailand will be reviewed and the experiences with the involved measures on technology, market and policy aspects be shared with the focus on lessons learned for future outlooks.  Understanding driver mechanism and interaction, the importance of policy support from governments, deeper understanding of technology, applications and markets will be the future key for success for bioplastics and related products.

Meetings International -  Conference Keynote Speaker Geoffrey Mitchell,  photo

Geoffrey Mitchell,

Institute Polytechnic of Leiria, Portugal

Title: Biopolymers and the Circular Economy

Biography:

Professor Mitchell carried out his doctoral studies at the University of Cambridge and postdoctoral studies at Hokkiado University Japan, and the University of Cambridge. He is currently Vice-Director of the Centre for Rapid and Sustainable Product Development, Institute Polytechnic of Leiria, Marinha Grande, Portugal a centre of excellence in the field of sustainable manufacturing, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. He is also Emeritus Professor at the University of Reading UK. He has published over 300 papers in international journals and 6 books. He is an editorial board member of  several international journals.

Abstract:

The world at large seeks to adjust the business models and materials used in manufacturing to meet the challenges which globally we must address. These include Climatic Change and Plastic Waste in the Oceans. There is a strong drive towards materials from a sustainable source and to implement the principles of the circular economy. The circular economy idea is essentially an economy which is restorative by design. It is based on the concept that material flows are captured and re-used while the biological flows are designed to reenter and replenish the natural world safely. The bioeconomy is an essential part of the circular economy. We are not able to operate the circular economy without the bioeconomy, because it is impossible to sustain an economy without any new resources being added. Now biomaterials have attracted attention as they would degrade more rapidly than the everlasting plastics in the oceans. Of course this simply overcomes the lack of a circular economy for such materials. Much of the current debate in Europe has focused on the consumer whereas of course the vast majority of materials are used in industries and agriculture. 
 
Within the Centre for Rapid and Sustainable Product Development we are actively exploring how to use all types of naturally occurring materials. Central in our thinking is the untapped potential of rosin, a molecular material which can be extracted from the resin obtained from particular types of pine trees prevalent in Portugal but many other parts of the world. We are using the waste streams from agriculture, from mineral processing and from industrial processing  coupled with rosin to produce composite materials with highly attractive properties with applications in areas where traditional thermoplastics and thermosets are widely employed. We will present case studies taken from the work at CDRSP to illustrate the potential for this type of composite material. We present these studies in the wider context of mitigation of Climatic Change and the development of the circular economy. 
 
Meetings International -  Conference Keynote Speaker Yash P. Khanna photo

Yash P. Khanna

Innoplast Solutions, USA

Title: State-of-the-Biobased Plastics Industry: Overview 2018

Biography:

Dr. Yash Khanna has been in the Plastics Industry for over 40 years with affiliations at Honeywell, Rayonier, Imerys, and Applied Minerals; majority of his career being at the Corporate R&D of  Honeywell, formerly AlliedSignal in Morristown, NJ. While at Honeywell, Yash gained a diversified experience ranging from Fundamental Research to Product Development to Technology Marketing in North America & Europe. Currently, he is the Chief Technology Officer at KHG fiteBac Technology responsible for launching its Antimicrobial products in the Polymers & Plastics materials for healthcare applications.

Dr. Khanna’s career is credited with over 120 research publications, 25 US Patents and numerous technology & business awards. Yash received his PhD / MS degrees in Polymer Science & Engineering at the Polytechnic Institute of New York University, New York.

Abstract:

While most major corporations around the world have escalated their efforts in recent years on improving the Environmental Impact & Sustainability via several routes, some BREAK-THROUGH concepts have only lately emerged. For example, (1) CONVERTING land & forest WASTES into chemicals; the latter besides numerous uses serve as Building-Blocks for plastics and (2) REDUCING-CAPTURING-CONVERTING  the harmful greenhouse gases (CO2 and CH4) into chemicals. These revolutionary concepts are expected to take environment/sustainability efforts to new heights.

This presentation will begin with a review of the historic emergence of the biobased plastics industry starting with an era of “Waste Management via Biodegradation” followed by a period of  very high petroleum prices and proliferation of technology pipeline to develop traditional & new DURABLE polymers, and now again through times of lower petroleum pricing / shale gas revolution. In spite of turbulent events, reasons for steady-growth of this industry forecasted to be 34Blbs/year by 2020, will be highlighted. Emphasis of the presentation will be on how the field of Polymers & Chemicals is being rejuvenated via Non-Fossil Raw-Materials that are (1) Biobased-Sustainable or (2) Air-Land-Ocean Pollutants”; thereby leading to preservation of petroleum resources, reduction of air-land-ocean pollution, and utilization of free/undesirable raw materials.

Oral Session 1:

  • Natural polymer | Biopolymers as materials | Bioplastics | Nano polymers | Synthetic Polymers | Biopolymers in Biofibres & Microbial Cellulose
Speaker

Chair

Aman Ullah

University of alberta, Canada

Speaker

Co-Chair

Amar Mohanty

University of Guelph, Canada

Meetings International - Biopolymers & Bioplastics 2021 Conference Keynote Speaker Karin Larsson photo

Karin Larsson

Uppsala University, Sweden

Title: Diamond surface modification for biomolecule interactions in the design of medical implants

Biography:

Avascular necrosis is a disease of cell death in joints, jaw, and hips due to lack of blood supply induced by burnt, inflammation or trauma, etc. The mainstream curing these days are i) arterial infusion by partial drug delivery, and ii) the replacement of the whole joints by using artificial materials. The first method can only be applied at an early stage of the disease, and the curing results. So for more severe situations, the medical implants will become the only choice. With the need for an improved stability and biocompatibility of the medical implant materials, diamond has recently become interesting as a promising material. The combination of chemical inertness and biocompatibility makes diamond a good material for e.g. biological applications.  In order to promote localized cell adhesion and vascularization onto the diamond-covered medical implants, the prerequisite for pre-adhesion of growth factors onto the diamond surfaces is of largest interest to study more in detail. It is highly necessary that these investigations are performed on an atomic level. Therefore, theoretical simulations are a necessary complementary tool to i) aid in the analysis of experimental observations, and ii) to make recommendations for corresponding experimental studies. With the purpose to tailor-make the medical implant surface by utilizing diamond’s unique properties, the present study has investigated the interaction between diamond and various biomolecules (BMP2, RGD, heparin, fibronectin, VEGF, angiopoietin). The combined effect of various surface plane and termination type (H, O, OH, and NH2) has been of a special interest to study. Three different groupings where obtained with regard to adhesion strength. And all of these three groups showed different dependencies of the surface termination type. For all of these different scenarios, strong bond formations were observed. Evaluation of the methods used showed that the calculated trends in adhesion energy are highly reliable.

 

Abstract:

Avascular necrosis is a disease of cell death in joints, jaw, and hips due to lack of blood supply induced by burnt, inflammation or trauma, etc. The mainstream curing these days are i) arterial infusion by partial drug delivery, and ii) the replacement of the whole joints by using artificial materials. The first method can only be applied at an early stage of the disease, and the curing results. So for more severe situations, the medical implants will become the only choice. With the need for an improved stability and biocompatibility of the medical implant materials, diamond has recently become interesting as a promising material. The combination of chemical inertness and biocompatibility makes diamond a good material for e.g. biological applications.  In order to promote localized cell adhesion and vascularization onto the diamond-covered medical implants, the prerequisite for pre-adhesion of growth factors onto the diamond surfaces is of largest interest to study more in detail. It is highly necessary that these investigations are performed on an atomic level. Therefore, theoretical simulations are a necessary complementary tool to i) aid in the analysis of experimental observations, and ii) to make recommendations for corresponding experimental studies. With the purpose to tailor-make the medical implant surface by utilizing diamond’s unique properties, the present study has investigated the interaction between diamond and various biomolecules (BMP2, RGD, heparin, fibronectin, VEGF, angiopoietin). The combined effect of various surface plane and termination type (H, O, OH, and NH2) has been of a special interest to study. Three different groupings where obtained with regard to adhesion strength. And all of these three groups showed different dependencies of the surface termination type. For all of these different scenarios, strong bond formations were observed. Evaluation of the methods used showed that the calculated trends in adhesion energy are highly reliable.

 

Meetings International - Biopolymers & Bioplastics 2021 Conference Keynote Speaker Claire Monge photo

Claire Monge

National Center of Scientific Research, France

Title: Layer-by-layer free-standing membranes made of natural polymers for drug delivery

Biography:

The scientific interests of Claire Monge are natural drug delivery systems. She obtained her PhD from the Grenoble Alpes University (France) in Physiology and Pharmacology and has integrated the French National Center of Research (CNRS) in 2017 as a permanent researcher in the Laboratory of Tissue Biology and Therapeutical Engineering (LBTI). She develops a research topic around the LbL technology applied to protein and nanoparticule delivery at mucosal sites (http://lbti.ibcp.fr/?page_id=2014).

Abstract:

The performance of polymeric structures as drug delivery systems and implantable devices is fully dependent on their stability and integrity in biological environments.The Layer-by-Layer (LbL) technology is a versatile technique that can be used to fabricate numerous structures such as planar ultrathin films and membranes, without using aggressive solvents.LbL relies on the use of polyelectrolytes with an opposite charge assembled onto very thin (few nm) or large (several tens of µm) structures [1, 2]. The nature of polymer interactions makes the assembly a versatile platform to load and release macromolecules [3]. The deposition of hundred layers of biopolymers (polysaccharides) on a low energy substrate (polypropylene) led to the production of a thick free-standing membrane with tunable thickness (tens of µm) and mechanical properties. For example, these membranes were able to drive bone generation in vivo after loading with the osteogenic factor BMP-2 [4].LbL free-standing membranes could be produced with various biopolymers (hyaluronic acid, collagen…) and deliver biomacromolecules such as proteins or nucleic acids or even nanoobjects for skin or mucosal applications.

Meetings International - Biopolymers & Bioplastics 2021 Conference Keynote Speaker Davis L Ford photo

Davis L Ford

National Academy of Engineering, USA

Title:  The Past and Future of World Wide Oil and Gas Extraction

Biography:

Dr. Davis L. Ford is an Adjunct Professor in the College of Engineering, the University of Texas at Austin, and a Visiting Professor of Petroleum Engineering at Texas Tech University, Lubbock. He is practicing environmental engineer with over forty-five years of experience in the field. In addition, he serves on the faculty at The University of Texas at Austin as an adjunct professor, has published more than one hundred technical papers, has co-authored or contributed to ten textbooks, and written two biographies and co-authored one children’s book. He has lectured extensively throughout the United States and in countries of Europe, South America, and Asia. Ford received his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering at Texas A&M University and his master and doctorate degrees in environmental engineering at The University of Texas at Austin. He is a Distinguished Engineering Graduate of both Texas A&M University and The University of Texas at Austin as well as a Distinguished Alumnus of Texas A&M. Ford was elected into the prestigious National Academy of Engineering (NAE). He has served as president of the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and chairman of the Academy Ethics Committee. His honorary affiliations include Tau Beta Pi, Sigma Xi, and Chi Epsilon. Ford serves on the Board of a publicly-owned oil and exploration company (CWEI, NASDAQ) and the Board of the Texas A&M University Press.

Abstract:

The major producers of oil and gas extraction currently are the United States followed by Russia and Saudi Arabia. With the price of Brent Crude in the range of $70 dollars per barrel, other proven reserves in the world plan to develop production, such as Chile, Argentina, China, Canada, Mexico, and Norway offshore.  Moreover, countries with a sound GDP will be importing oil and gas as the most cost effective way, namely from cost competition in the International Market.  I will discuss areas of proven crude which will be competitively priced FOB to energy deficit countries, with the free market pricing. This presentation will also include updates on extraction of tight oil and gas being environmentally sound and protecting domestic water supplies.

Case histories of the extensive evolution of oil and gas production in the United States will address the following technical and environmental issues: Case histories which address hydraulic fracking below potable water supplies, proper casing, and now both vertical and horizontal drilling. Moreover, cost subsidies and economic pricing of oil and gas extraction, hydro power, coal, nuclear, wind, and solar.  There are no “dry holes” which are attributable to highly advanced geological technology. Safety and economic payback will also be discussed in this presentation.

Presentation will include drilling diagrams, natural gas treatment, delivery from source to energy deficient countries exported as LNG, and risk and cost analysis.

Meetings International - Biopolymers & Bioplastics 2021 Conference Keynote Speaker V.Barbakadze photo

V.Barbakadze

Tbilisi State Medical University, Georgia

Title:  Biopolyether from medicinal plants, its synthetic monomer and their anticancer efficacy

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. He has completed his Ph.D and D.Sci. in 1978 and 1999 from Institute of Organic Chemistry, Moscow, Russia and Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Tbilisi, Georgia, respectively. He is the head of Department of plant biopolymers and chemical modification of natural compounds at the Tbilisi State Medical University Institute of Pharmacochemistry. 1996 and 2002 he has been a visiting scientist at Utrecht University, The Netherlands, by University Scholarship and The Netherlands organization for scientific research (NWO) Scholarship Scientific Program, respectively. He has published more than 92 papers in reputed journals.

Abstract:

Within the field of pharmacologically active biopolymers the area of stable polyethers seems rather new and attractive. The high-molecular fractions (>1000 kDa) from the several species of two genera Symphytum and Anchusa (Boraginaceae) family were isolated by ultrafiltration. According to 13C and 1H NMR, 1D NOE, 2D heteronuclear 1H/13C HSQC and 2D DOSY esperiments the main structural element of these high-molecular fractions was found to be a new regular polymeric molecule. The polyoxyethylene chain is the backbone of this biopolymer. 3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl  and  carboxyl  groups are  regular  substituents  at  two  carbon  atoms  in the chain. The repeating unit of this regular caffeic acid-derived polyether, 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). This compound represents a new class of natural polyethers. Then the racemic monomer 2,3-dihydroxy-3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)propionic acid (DDPPA) and its enantiomers (+)-(2R,3S)-DDPPA and (-)-(2S,3R)-DDPPA were synthesized via Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation   of trans-caffeic acid derivatives using a potassium osmiate catalyst and enantiocomplementary catalysts  cinchona  alkaloid  derivatives  (DHQ)2-PHAL  and  (DHQD)2-PHA  as  chiral auxiliaries. Besides, methylated PDPGA was obtained via ring opening polymerization of 2-methoxycarbonyl-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)oxirane using a cationic initiator.  PDPGA is endowed with intriguing pharmacological activities as anticomplementary, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, burn and wound healing and anticancer properties. PDPGA and its synthetic monomer exerted anticancer activity in vitro and in vivo against androgen-dependent  and  -independent  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 anticancer efficacy of PDPGA against human PCA cells is more compared to its synthetic monomer. Methylated PDPGA did not show any activity against PCA. Overall, this study identifies PDPGA as a potent agent against PCA without any toxicity, and supports its clinical application.

Meetings International - Biopolymers & Bioplastics 2021 Conference Keynote Speaker Muhammad Zaman  photo

Muhammad Zaman

University of Lahore, Pakistan

Title: Development of tizanidine HCl-Meloxicam loaded polymeric mucoadhesive buccal films: In-vitro and in-vivo evaluation

Biography:

PhD Scholar, doing PhD in Pharmaceutics and working on the project of extraction and modification of natural polymers and their use in development of drug delivery system.  I have expertise in development and evaluation of different types of dosage forms including tablets (orodispersable, sustained release matrix tablets, gastro retentive drug delivery, mucoadhesive tablets), capsules, gels, microspheres, microsponges, nanoparticles, transdermal patches and buccal films (immediate release and sustained release mucoadhesive buccal films). Moreover, has expertise in extraction and modification of polymers and their use as the carriers for delivery of various drugs. Also has expertise in development and validation of HPLC methods for identification and quantification of drugs alone as well as for simultaneous determination.

Abstract:

The purpose of the study was to develop Tizanidine HCl (TZN) and Meloxicam (MLX) loaded bilayer mucoadhesive films intended for buccal administration, aiming to enhance the bioavailability. Bilayer films were prepared by solvent evaporation technique selecting arabinoxylan (ARX) as a sustained release (SR) layer forming polymer and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) E-15 as an immediate release (IR) layer forming polymer. Prepared films were subjected to in-vitro drug release, surface morphology, mechanical strength, compatibility of the ingredients, drug contents, ex-vivo mucoadhesion strength and drug permeation. Crossover study design was applied to study the in-vivo pharmacokinetics by using albino rabbits. Various pharmacokinetic parameters including AUC, Cmax, Tmax and T1/2 of both drugs loaded in films were compared with standard solution/dispersion. The results unveiled instant release and permeation of MLX from IR layer, while good controlled release and permeation characteristics of TZN from SR films over 8 h. films were of uniform thickness with smooth surface and satisfactory mechanical strength. Mucoadhesion strength was sufficient to provide suitable contact time with mucosal membrane. The pharmacokinetic study exhibited prompt absorption of MLX with better AUC 0-t (6655.64 vs 6538.99) and Cmax (436.98 vs 411.33) from oral dispersion. Similarly buccal films has shown enhanced half-life (9.91hr vs 2.51 hr), AUC 0-t (1043.4 vs 149.1) and Cmax (91.92 ng/ml vs 42.29 ng/ml) from oral solution. A statistical investigation disclosed a significantly improved pharmacokinetics of TZN and MLX after their absorption across buccal route following administration of F-ARX (p<0.05). ARX proved expedient and bilayer buccal films as a drug delivery system ascertained the dual effect of providing instant release of one active agent and persistent release of another one with improved pharmacokinetics

Meetings International - Biopolymers & Bioplastics 2021 Conference Keynote Speaker Amir Hoshang Ramezani  photo

Amir Hoshang Ramezani

Azad University, Iran

Title: Corrosion Behaviour of Tantalum Implanted with Argon and Nitrogen Ions

Biography:

I am a faculty member of the Islamic Azad University of Tehran. I have a solid state physics degree. The field of my work and scientific activity is the nanoscale materials and physical properties of materials. At present, I have students who work with them in the subject of corrosion and physical properties of materials.Dr. Amir Houshang Ramezani, Head of Young Researchers and Elite Students Club.

Abstract:

The surface bombardment with inert gases mainly produces structural changes, modifying topography and morphology that atomic force microscopy analysis reveals significant changes on the surface. In this paper the effect of nitrogen and argon ion implantation on surface structure and resistance against tantalum corrosion is investigated.   These experiment nitrogen ions with the energy of 30 keV and doses of 3 × 10 17 ions/cm2 are used. Roughness variations before and after implantation are observed by Atomic force microscopy (AFM). Also the corrosion analysis apparatus is used for comparison of resistance against Tantalum corrosion before and after ion implantation. Results show that nitrogen ion implantation has a substantial effect on resistance improvement against tantalum corrosion. The aim of this article is to achieve the best condition of tantalum formation. The corrosion potential curves and roughness values obviously indicate that corrosion potential variations caused to the different doses of     Nitrogen ion bombardment are inversely proportional to surface    roughness.After the corrosion test, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analyzed the samples’ surface morphologies. In addition, the elemental composition is characterized by energy –dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis.

Meetings International - Biopolymers & Bioplastics 2021 Conference Keynote Speaker Fuyou Ke   photo

Fuyou Ke

Donghua University, China

Title: Quantitative analysis of molecular interactions in DNA-carbon nanotube hybrids

Biography:

Fuyou Ke obtained the PHD at Peking University (China) in 2010. In 2012, he worked with Dr. Xiangyun Qiu at the George-Washington University (USA) as a postdoctoral researcher for one year. Now he is working at Donghua University (China) as an assistant professor.  His research focuses on DNA and its hybrids with single-walled carbon nanotubes. He has published more than 30 papers in international peer-reviewed journals.

Abstract:

Single-stranded DNAs with specific sequence not only effectively disperse single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT), but also enable chiral separation of SWCNT, but their sorting mechanism has not been clarified yet. Here, we chose SWCNT (6,5) and single-stranded DNA (GT)20 as an example, DNA-SWCNT hybrids were prepared and their structures were characterized. Quantitative measurements of intermolecular forces in DNA-SWCNT hybrids were conducted at different salt concentrations by using osmotic method in combination with X-ray diffraction. Data analysis showed that the intermolecular forces of DNA-SWCNT hybrids could be well described by using long-range electrostatic repulsion and short-range hydration repulsion at low salt concentrations; while at high salt concentrations, non-electrostatic attractions were observed, which we think were attributed to the hydrophobic interactions of exposed SWCNT surface. This study not only helps us understand DNA conformation on SWCNT surface as well as their sorting mechanism of SWCNT, but also has great significance in the assembly of SWCNT-based functional materials.

Meetings International - Biopolymers & Bioplastics 2021 Conference Keynote Speaker Chunwang Yi photo

Chunwang Yi

Hunan Normal University, China

Title: Synthesis of bio-based adipic acid-polyoxypropylene diamine copolymer and its synchronous enhancement of strength and fracture toughness on epoxy resin composites

Biography:

Chunwang Yi, senior engineer and professor service for both university and industrial companies, has his expertise in improving the synthesis route of bio-based  and functional polyamide polymer. He creates a successful green path in preparing functional copolymers based on PA6, bio-based polyether and so on. He has  both in built this reputation after years of experience in research, teaching and service both in engineering company and education institutions.

Abstract:

Cured modified epoxy resins, as a typical thermoset resin, is widely applied in adhesives, electronic packaging, protective coatings, composites matrix for its outstanding performance in mechanical strength, insulation ability and corrosion resistance. However, epoxy resins prone to brittle facture at low temperature, which restricts it application in some special areas, like aerospace and automotive fields. In recent years, bio-based polyether was widely used to improve the toughness of epoxy resins. Howbeit, investigations revealed that when using long-chain polyether as modifier, though it has been proved to own outstanding toughness, while at the same time, it showed deficiencies in the impact strength and Young’s modulus. In order to solve this problem, a new bio-based adipic acid-polyoxypropylene diamine copolymer with molecular weight of 2000 (AA-PPA 2000) has been synthesized by extending polyoxypropylene diamine D400 with adipic acid. The new bio-based polymer was used to modify diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) epoxy/diethyl toluene diamine (DDM) system, and the polyoxypropylene diamine D2000 was taken as the reference. The results of low-field 1H-NMR, DMA and mechanical properties test revealed that at the same condition of adding content, PPA2000 was superior to D2000 in modifying epoxy resins and maintained better overall performance. Amazingly, the results also disclosed that by using PPA2000 as toughener, intermolecular hydrogen bonds had been formed between amide groups of PPA2000 and hydroxyl groups of epoxy resins, which led to more complicated networks taken shape in the epoxy composites and thus introduced distinct advantages to the composites at achieving the synchronous enhancement of strength and fracture toughness.

Meetings International - Biopolymers & Bioplastics 2021 Conference Keynote Speaker Chunwang Yi photo

Chunwang Yi

Hunan Normal University, China

Title: Synthesis of bio-based adipic acid-polyoxypropylene diamine copolymer and its synchronous enhancement of strength and fracture toughness on epoxy resin composites

Biography:

Chunwang Yi, senior engineer and professor service for both university and industrial companies, has his expertise in improving the synthesis route of bio-based  and functional polyamide polymer. He creates a successful green path in preparing functional copolymers based on PA6, bio-based polyether and so on. He has  both in built this reputation after years of experience in research, teaching and service both in engineering company and education institutions.

Abstract:

Cured modified epoxy resins, as a typical thermoset resin, is widely applied in adhesives, electronic packaging, protective coatings, composites matrix for its outstanding performance in mechanical strength, insulation ability and corrosion resistance. However, epoxy resins prone to brittle facture at low temperature, which restricts it application in some special areas, like aerospace and automotive fields. In recent years, bio-based polyether was widely used to improve the toughness of epoxy resins. Howbeit, investigations revealed that when using long-chain polyether as modifier, though it has been proved to own outstanding toughness, while at the same time, it showed deficiencies in the impact strength and Young’s modulus. In order to solve this problem, a new bio-based adipic acid-polyoxypropylene diamine copolymer with molecular weight of 2000 (AA-PPA 2000) has been synthesized by extending polyoxypropylene diamine D400 with adipic acid. The new bio-based polymer was used to modify diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) epoxy/diethyl toluene diamine (DDM) system, and the polyoxypropylene diamine D2000 was taken as the reference. The results of low-field 1H-NMR, DMA and mechanical properties test revealed that at the same condition of adding content, PPA2000 was superior to D2000 in modifying epoxy resins and maintained better overall performance. Amazingly, the results also disclosed that by using PPA2000 as toughener, intermolecular hydrogen bonds had been formed between amide groups of PPA2000 and hydroxyl groups of epoxy resins, which led to more complicated networks taken shape in the epoxy composites and thus introduced distinct advantages to the composites at achieving the synchronous enhancement of strength and fracture toughness.

Meetings International - Biopolymers & Bioplastics 2021 Conference Keynote Speaker Karin Larsson  photo

Karin Larsson

Uppsala University, Sweden

Title: Diamond surface modification for biomolecule interactions in the design of medical implants

Biography:

Karin Larsson is a Professor in Inorganic Chemistry at the Department of Materials Chemistry, Uppsala University, Sweden. She received a PhD in Chemistry (especially Inorganic Chemistry) in 1988 at the Department of Chemistry, Uppsala University. The research was directed towards investigation of molecular dynamic processes in solid hydrates by using solid state NMR spectroscopy. The Post-Doctoral period 1989-1990 was devoted to diamond growth using different CVD setups. Since autumn, 1991, and onwards Prof. Larsson continued to theoretically investigate surface processes during. Prof. Karin Larsson is today the leader of the Theoretical Materials Chemistry Group at the Department of Chemistry. The scientific focus is on interpretation, understanding and prediction of the following processes/properties for both solid/gas interfaces, as well as for solid/liquid interfaces; i) CVD growth, iii) interfacial processes for renewable energy applications , and iv) interfacial processes for e.g. bone regeneration (incl. biofunctionalisation of surfaces). 

Abstract:

Avascular necrosis is a disease of cell death in joints, jaw, and hips due to lack of blood supply induced by burnt, inflammation or trauma, etc. The mainstream curing these days are i) arterial infusion by partial drug delivery, and ii) the replacement of the whole joints by using artificial materials. The first method can only be applied at an early stage of the disease, and the curing results. So for more severe situations, the medical implants will become the only choice. With the need for an improved stability and biocompatibility of the medical implant materials, diamond has recently become interesting as a promising material. The combination of chemical inertness and biocompatibility makes diamond a good material for e.g. biological applications. 

In order to promote localized cell adhesion and vascularization onto the diamond-covered medical implants, the prerequisite for pre-adhesion of growth factors onto the diamond surfaces is of largest interest to study more in detail. It is highly necessary that these investigations are performed on an atomic level. Therefore, theoretical simulations is a necessary complementary tool to i) aid in the analysis of experimental observations, and ii) to make recommendations for corresponding experimental studies.

With the purpose to tailor-make the medical implant surface by utilizing diamond’s unique properties, the present study has investigated the interaction between diamond and various biomolecules (BMP2, RGD, heparin, fibronectin, VEGF, angiopoietin). The combined effect of various surface plane and termination type (H, O, OH, and NH2) has been of a special interest to study. Three different groupings where obtained with regard to adhesion strength. And all of these three groups showed different dependencies of the surface termination type. For all of these different scenarios, strong bond formations were observed. Evaluation of the methods used showed that the calculated trends in adhesion energy are highly reliable.

Meetings International - Biopolymers & Bioplastics 2021 Conference Keynote Speaker Abdeen Mustafa Omer photo

Abdeen Mustafa Omer

Energy Research Institute, UK

Title: Identifying, developing, and moving sustainable communities through Application of Bioenergy for Energy or Materials: Future Perspective through Energy Efficiency

Biography:

Abdeen Mustafa Omer (BSc, MSc, PhD) is an Associate Researcher at Energy Research Institute (ERI). He obtained both his PhD degree in the Built Environment and Master of Philosophy degree in Renewable Energy Technologies from the University of Nottingham. He is qualified Mechanical Engineer with a proven track record within the water industry and renewable energy technologies. He has been graduated from University of El Menoufia, Egypt, BSc in Mechanical Engineering. His previous experience involved being a member of the research team at the National Council for Research/Energy Research Institute in Sudan and working director of research and development for National Water Equipment Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Sudan. He has been listed in the book WHO’S WHO in the World 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2010. He has published over 300 papers in peer-reviewed journals, 100 review articles, 5 books and 100 chapters in books.

Abstract:

The demand for energy continued to outstrip supply and necessitated the development of biomass option. Residues were the most popular forms of renewable energy and currently biofuel production became much promising. Agricultural wastes contained high moisture content and could be decomposed easily by microbes. Agricultural wastes were abundantly available globally and could be converted to energy and useful chemicals by a number of microorganisms. Compost or bio-fertiliser could be produced with the inoculation of appropriated thermophilic microbes which increased the decomposition rate, shortened the maturity period and improved the compost (or bio-fertiliser) quality. The objective of the present research was to promote the biomass technology and involved adaptive research, demonstration and dissemination of results. With a view to fulfill the objective, a massive field survey was conducted to assess the availability of raw materials as well as the present situation of biomass technologies. In the present communication, an attempt had also been made to present an overview of present and future use of biomass as an industrial feedstock for production of fuels, chemicals and other materials. We may conclude from the review paper that biomass technology must be encouraged, promoted, invested, implemented, and demonstrated, not only in urban areas but also in remote rural areas.

Meetings International - Biopolymers & Bioplastics 2021 Conference Keynote Speaker Ye Chen photo

Ye Chen

Donghua University, China

Title: Efficient large-scale preparation of defect-free few-layer graphene using a conjugated ionic liquid as green media

Biography:

Graphene has received extensive attention and wide application in electrical device, energy materials, and biomaterials, due to its large surface area and excellent performance in mechanical, thermal conductive, electrical and optical properties. All the properties depend on the distinct structure of graphene, such as layers, scale, surface defects. However, the difficulty of fast and efficient preparing high-quality graphene limits its industrial application. In this study, a conjugated IL named 1-methyl-3-pyrenemethyl-imidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([MPIM][PF6]) was synthesized and used to exfoliate graphite into graphene with the assistance of microwave irradiation. Owing to the cation-π interaction and additional strong π-π interaction between [MPIM][PF6] and graphite, large-scale, defect-free and few-layer high-quality graphene (GNPIL) was efficiently prepared. And the results show that a relatively high yield of 40% is obtained. Moreover, the GNPIL has good dispersability and conductivity due to the presence of ionic liquids in the interlayer. The high-quality GNPIL could be dispersed in organic solvent homogeneously and stably with a high content, which is beneficial for its further applications. The AFM results show that the ionic liquid-functionalized graphene has a thickness of 4 to 6 nm and 5 to 10 layers. FTIR curves further prove ionic liquids exist in the graphene sheets. UV-Vis is used to characterize the dispersibility of the graphene in the organic solvent. Furthermore, this GNPIL is used to improve the conductivity and mechanical property of polymer. Compared with the resistivity of pure polymer, the resistivity of the composites decreases by eleven orders of magnitude, when 0.75 wt% graphene is added. With the increase of graphene content, the tensile strength of the composites increases gradually and when the content is 0.75 wt%, the tensile strength reaches the maximum, after that, it decreases. However, the thermal properties of composites do not change too much after the addition of graphene, so the composite still maintains good thermal properties.

 

Abstract:

Graphene has received extensive attention and wide application in electrical device, energy materials, and biomaterials, due to its large surface area and excellent performance in mechanical, thermal conductive, electrical and optical properties. All the properties depend on the distinct structure of graphene, such as layers, scale, surface defects. However, the difficulty of fast and efficient preparing high-quality graphene limits its industrial application. In this study, a conjugated IL named 1-methyl-3-pyrenemethyl-imidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([MPIM][PF6]) was synthesized and used to exfoliate graphite into graphene with the assistance of microwave irradiation. Owing to the cation-π interaction and additional strong π-π interaction between [MPIM][PF6] and graphite, large-scale, defect-free and few-layer high-quality graphene (GNPIL) was efficiently prepared. And the results show that a relatively high yield of 40% is obtained. Moreover, the GNPIL has good dispersability and conductivity due to the presence of ionic liquids in the interlayer. The high-quality GNPIL could be dispersed in organic solvent homogeneously and stably with a high content, which is beneficial for its further applications. The AFM results show that the ionic liquid-functionalized graphene has a thickness of 4 to 6 nm and 5 to 10 layers. FTIR curves further prove ionic liquids exist in the graphene sheets. UV-Vis is used to characterize the dispersibility of the graphene in the organic solvent. Furthermore, this GNPIL is used to improve the conductivity and mechanical property of polymer. Compared with the resistivity of pure polymer, the resistivity of the composites decreases by eleven orders of magnitude, when 0.75 wt% graphene is added. With the increase of graphene content, the tensile strength of the composites increases gradually and when the content is 0.75 wt%, the tensile strength reaches the maximum, after that, it decreases. However, the thermal properties of composites do not change too much after the addition of graphene, so the composite still maintains good thermal properties.

 

Meetings International - Biopolymers & Bioplastics 2021 Conference Keynote Speaker Siriporn Tengrang photo

Siriporn Tengrang

Department of Agricultural, Thailand

Title: Bioplastic packaging from banana pseudo-stem (Musa spp.)

Biography:

The aim of this study was to produce the bioplastic packaging from banana pseudo-stem (Musa spp. cv. Nam-Wah). The cellulose of banana pseudo-stem was extracted with sodium hydroxide and then lignin removed with hydrogen peroxide. The cellulose powder was then synthesized to biopolymer: carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) by chloroacetic acid in alkaline condition. The percent yield of cellulose from banana pseudo-stem was 20.25% whereas the yield of CMC was 140.89%. The obtained CMC powder had 95.33% purity and a degree of substitution (DS) at 0.768. It was water soluble with low viscosity at 114 cPs and appeared in pale yellow color. CMC solutions were added with 3 different additives viz. glycerol, sorbitol and polyethylene glycol at 10, 20, 30 and 40% (w/v) concentrations to form bioplastic film. The higher content of all additives resulted to the thicker film, greater elongation (%), poorer water solubility and lower tensile strength. Film without any additives had the highest tensile strength. The films formed with 40% sorbitol had the highest elongation while oxygen could transmit through film with 40% polyethylene glycol at greater rate than other films.  Besides, films with 10% glycerol had the highest water solubility. All CMC-based bioplastic films could be degraded within 24 hours by burying it in high moisture content soil. Afterward, CMC films were processed to sachets for storing dry coffee powder. CMC-20% polyethylene glycol sachets could maintain quality of dry coffee powder if stored in refrigerated condition whereas CMC-30% polyethylene glycol could retain quality of dry coffee as similar as the coffee packed in aluminum foil bags at ambient air. The results indicated that bioplastic derived from the pseudo-stem of banana could be a potential material for dry food packaging.

 

Abstract:

The aim of this study was to produce the bioplastic packaging from banana pseudo-stem (Musa spp. cv. Nam-Wah). The cellulose of banana pseudo-stem was extracted with sodium hydroxide and then lignin removed with hydrogen peroxide. The cellulose powder was then synthesized to biopolymer: carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) by chloroacetic acid in alkaline condition. The percent yield of cellulose from banana pseudo-stem was 20.25% whereas the yield of CMC was 140.89%. The obtained CMC powder had 95.33% purity and a degree of substitution (DS) at 0.768. It was water soluble with low viscosity at 114 cPs and appeared in pale yellow color. CMC solutions were added with 3 different additives viz. glycerol, sorbitol and polyethylene glycol at 10, 20, 30 and 40% (w/v) concentrations to form bioplastic film. The higher content of all additives resulted to the thicker film, greater elongation (%), poorer water solubility and lower tensile strength. Film without any additives had the highest tensile strength. The films formed with 40% sorbitol had the highest elongation while oxygen could transmit through film with 40% polyethylene glycol at greater rate than other films.  Besides, films with 10% glycerol had the highest water solubility. All CMC-based bioplastic films could be degraded within 24 hours by burying it in high moisture content soil. Afterward, CMC films were processed to sachets for storing dry coffee powder. CMC-20% polyethylene glycol sachets could maintain quality of dry coffee powder if stored in refrigerated condition whereas CMC-30% polyethylene glycol could retain quality of dry coffee as similar as the coffee packed in aluminum foil bags at ambient air. The results indicated that bioplastic derived from the pseudo-stem of banana could be a potential material for dry food packaging.

 

Meetings International - Biopolymers & Bioplastics 2021 Conference Keynote Speaker Nicolai Otto photo

Nicolai Otto

RWTH Aachen University, Germany

Title: Development of a new Hydraulic Fluid

Biography:

Nicolai Otto is member of the academic staff of the Institute for Fluid Power Drives and Systems at the RWTH Aachen University.

Abstract:

Not at least because of the increased environmental awareness of many consumers, environmentally friendly hydraulic fluids are often used in Germany like areas such as forestry or in maritime applications. According to EN ISO 6743-4 and DIN ISO 15380, hydraulic fluids of the classes HETG (native esters), HEES (synthetic esters), HEPR (mostly polyalphaolefins) and HEPG (polyglycols) are considered to be environmentally compatible /ISO03, OEC92, DIN01/. Against the background of the expensive raw materials and the potential competition with foodstuffs, the search for raw materials alternatives has been intensified in recent years. IFAS is currently investigating so called Biopolymers. They have strong thickening properties when dissolved in water. Similar to polymer thickeners for mineral oil-based hydraulic fluids (HVLP), their technical suitability depends greatly on the stability with regard to shear stresses. Against the background, IFAS was set up a fluid aging test bench which exposes the fluid to near-application shear loads as far as possible. The test rig creates a pressure of 160 bar, at 10 l/min with a pressure-relief valve /Bus95/. For the experiments with water-based media, the fluid temperature is adjusted, for example, to 30 °C, in order to avoid cavitation effects. The presentation shows the development of the hydraulic test rig and first measurement results. They show a stability of a solution under hydraulic loads.

 

Meetings International - Biopolymers & Bioplastics 2021 Conference Keynote Speaker Johanna Eichelter photo

Johanna Eichelter

University of Vienna, Austria

Title: BIOpolymer - Compounds with high-strength properties

Biography:

Johanna began her scientific career at the Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry of the Technical University of Vienna, where she did her Bachelor Thesis about “Synthesis of planarized CBP-Derivates as Hots Materials for PHOLED Applications”. Her new findings were successfully published in Organic Electronics. During her master studies, she found her passion for polymer chemistry and she did her Master Thesis in cooperation with the company “Semperit” where she gained experience with the topic of “Process Enhancement of Rubber Compounding” and polymer engineering. For her PhD Thesis, she joined the Polymer Composite and Engineering group at the University of Vienna working on “High-Performance BIOpolymer-Compounds”. Her project is based on a co-operation with the company Franz S. Huemer Holding, and the research institute Laboratory for Polymer Engineering. Furthermore, the Agrana Research and Innovation Center is involved, who provides BIOpolymers.

Abstract:

“BigBags”, made of stretched standard polymer tapes (e.g. iPP, PE-HD, PET, and PA), are suitable packaging materials with the required mechanical properties for heavy loads, e.g. fertilizers in agricultural applications.  Based on environmental aspects, synthetic highly-stretchable polymer tapes should be replaced by resource-saving Biopolymer tapes with high-strength properties. Thus, the goal of this study was to avoid polymer-waste, especially in agricultural applications. It is known that linear, unbranched polymer chains allow for a high stretchability, but unfortunately Biopolymers usually have a more complex structure compared to synthetic polymers. Until now no Biopolymer-compounds with high-strength properties are known and basic know-how about correlations between stretching parameters and materials properties is very scarce, especially for Biopolymers. Compounds of starch and Biopolyesters are promising materials for production of biodegradable products, because of their availability, renewability and biodegradability. However, compared to stretchable films made of synthetic polymers elongations at break of starches are lower by a factor of 100. Plasticizers are used to increase flexibility and stretchability of starch. Starch compounded with plasticizers is termed “thermoplastic starch” (TPS). The most common plasticizer is glycerol, which reduces the intermolecular bonding forces by increasing the inter(macro)molecular distance.  In this study the influence of different starch pretreatments (e.g. acid degradation) and starch sources (potatoe, maize etc.) to the strechability and mechanical properties were investigated. The aim was to develop high-strength TPS-Biopolyester-compounds, which allow for a high stretchability and stiffness as required in BigBag-applications. Furthermore, correlations between material properties and stretching parameters of Biopolymer-compounds were evaluated. It was found   that parameters, such as sample geometry, temperature, degree, as well as velocity of stretching have an influence on mechanical properties. Thick and narrow samples, higher temperatures and lower velocities of stretching result in better mechanical properties. Ultimately, results indicate that the degree of stretching should be lower than 100%.

 

Meetings International - Biopolymers & Bioplastics 2021 Conference Keynote Speaker Upasana Marandi photo

Upasana Marandi

Xavier Institute of Polytechnic and Technology, India

Title: In vitro hypotensive effect of chitosan extracted from exoskeleton of freshwater crab Sartoriana spinigera

Biography:

Suhasini Besra is an Associate Professor in the University Dept. of Zoology, Ranchi University, India. With an extensive teaching experience of more than 35 years, she has published more than 30 research papers in International and National journals. She has attended various International/ National conferences and presented papers in the same. She has successfully supervised 6 students for the award of PhD degree and 6 students for the award of MPhil degree. She is currently supervising 6 PhD research scholars and counts this as her greatest achievements she is also accredited with publishing books and many chapters in books. She has been actively contributing in the field of fish bioenergetics, shellfish biochemistry, histology, histochemistry and study of biopolymers for more than 30 years

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem:  Cardiovascular diseases have emerged as global pandemic affecting 26 million people worldwide and responsible for the highest number of deaths annually. The two most important factors that lead to heart failures are hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. Overall, 26.4 % of the world’s adult population had hypertension in 2000 and the percentage is predicted to increase by about 60% i.e. to 29.2% of the total adult population by the year 2025.

Purpose of the Study is to estimate the effect of Chitosan, a natural biopolymer which is regarded as safe, non-toxic, biocompatible, and biodegradable with good absorption properties and thus is known to have various applications in pharmaceuticals and food industry. On the other hand, synthetic drugs show many side effects in patients such as asthma attacks, swelling, aching muscles and fever. Chitosan is a linear polysaccharide poly-β-(1->4) - glucosamine obtained from exoskeleton of edible crab Sartoriana spinigera.

Methodology and Theoretical orientation: Extraction of Chitosan is done by the process of demineralization and deproteinization of exoskeleton of crab to obtain chitin. Deacetylation of chitin is done in which acetyl groups are removed from chitin to obtain chitosan. The In vitro ACE assay was done using 1nM Hippuryl-His-Leu as substrate. Kidney cortex plasma membranes were used as ACE enzyme source. Enzyme hydrolyses the substrate into hippurate. Pyridine and Benzene Sulphonyl Chloride were used as chromogenic agents. The yellow color formed was measured at 410nm in an ELISA Plate Reader. Captopril was used as a standard compound.

Findings: It was observed that chitosan sample 10µg/ml, 50µg/ml and 100µg/ml showed 73.35±10.2%, 84.99±15.4% and 99.7±12.8% ACE in vitro inhibitory activity respectively.Captopril,2.5 nM assayed as a standard compound showed 85.37±16.7% ACE inhibitory activity.

Conclusion and Significance: Present study indicated that Chitosan (50µg/ml and 100µg/ml) showed strong ACE in-vitro inhibitory activity. Chitosan having ACE inhibitory activity may be used as an antidote to hypertension and could find application in biomedical devices and drug delivery.

 

Keynote Session:

Meetings International -  Conference Keynote Speaker Manjusri Misra photo

Manjusri Misra

University of Guelph, Canada

Title: Biocarbon innovation in sustainable manufacturing

Biography:

M Misra is a Professor in the School of Engineering and holds a joint appointment in the Dept. of Plant Agriculture at the University of Guelph. Her current research focuses primarily on novel bio-based composites/nanocomposite from agricultural and forestry resources for the sustainable bio-economy targeting the development of bio-based and eco-friendly alternatives to the existing petroleum-based products. She has authored more than 500 publications, including 299 peer-reviewed journal articles, 266 conference presentations/abstracts/papers, 5 edited books, 23 book chapters, and 42 patents granted/applied worldwide, related to 22 inventions. She was the 2009 President of the BioEnvironmental Polymer Society (BEPS). In 2012, She received the prestigious “Jim Hammar Memorial Award” from the BEPS and University of Guelph’s Innovation of the year award in 2016 for the involvement in developing the “compostable single-serve coffee pods”. In 2017, she received American Institute of Chemical Engineers Andrew Chase Division Award.

 

 

Abstract:

The unwanted odor of natural fibre during melt processing and in finished products, along with their supply chain concern, their limitation for use in high melt temperature engineering plastic reinforcements, and their hydrophilicity pose considerable challenges for their widespread applications. The thermo-chemical conversion of biomass (pyrolysis) is utilized to overcome the key challenges associated with the use of traditional natural fibres in melt processed composites uses. A group of researchers at the Bioproducts Discovery and Development Centre (BDDC) at the University of Guelph have designed and engineered a range of multifunctional biocarbons and their hybrid biocomposites that show significant weight saving with a very high greenhouse gas emission (GHG) reduction potential and comparable properties to their counterparts for sustainable automotive and packaging applications.

 

Meetings International -  Conference Keynote Speaker Geoffrey Mitchell photo

Geoffrey Mitchell

Institute Polytechnic of Leiria, Portugal

Title: Biopolymers and the circular economy

Biography:

Geoffrey Mitchell carried out his doctoral studies at the University of Cambridge and postdoctoral studies at Hokkiado University Japan, and the University of Cambridge. He is currently the Vice-Director of the Centre for Rapid and Sustainable Product Development, Institute Polytechnic of Leiria, Marinha Grande, Portugal a centre of excellence in the field of sustainable manufacturing, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. He is also Emeritus Professor at the University of Reading UK. He has published over 300 papers in international journals and 6 books. He is an editorial board member of several international journals.

 

Abstract:

The world at large seeks to adjust the business models and materials used in manufacturing to meet the challenges which globally we must address. These include Climatic Change and Plastic Waste in the Oceans. There is a strong drive towards materials from a sustainable source and to implement the principles of the circular economy. The circular economy idea is essentially an economy which is restorative by design. It is based on the concept that material flows are captured and re-used while the biological flows are designed to reenter and replenish the natural world safely. The bioeconomy is an essential part of the circular economy. We are not able to operate the circular economy without the bioeconomy, because it is impossible to sustain an economy without any new resources being added. Now biomaterials have attracted attention as they would degrade more rapidly than the everlasting plastics in the oceans. Of course this simply overcomes the lack of a circular economy for such materials. Much of the current debate in Europe has focused on the consumer whereas of course the vast majority of materials are used in industries and agriculture. Within the Centre for Rapid and Sustainable Product Development we are actively exploring how to use all types of naturally occurring materials. Central in our thinking is the untapped potential of rosin, a molecular material which can be extracted from the resin obtained from particular types of pine trees prevalent in Portugal but many other parts of the world. We are using the waste streams from agriculture, from mineral processing and from industrial processing  coupled with rosin to produce composite materials with highly attractive properties with applications in areas where traditional thermoplastics and thermosets are widely employed. We will present case studies taken from the work at CDRSP to illustrate the potential for this type of composite material. We present these studies in the wider context of mitigation of Climatic Change and the development of the circular economy.

 

Meetings International -  Conference Keynote Speaker Candan Tamerler photo

Candan Tamerler

University of Kansas, USA

Title: Precision biomolecular assembly at the bio-nano interfaces towards functional hybrid materials

Biography:

Candan Tamerler is Wesley G. Cramer Professor in Mechanical Engineering and Bioengineering at the University of Kansas. She is the Director of Bio-mediated and Biomimetic Materials at the Institute for Bioengineering Research. Prior to KU, Tamerler was Professor at the Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Washington (UW) and served as an Assistant Director of the Genetically-Engineered Materials Science & Engineering Center. Prior to UW, she worked at the Istanbul Technical University, where she was Professor and the Chair of Molecular Biology and Genetics Department. Combining the molecular biology to materials science, His research focuses on engineering biomolecular systems for design, synthesis and biofabrication of materials in wide range of applications. With more than 150 publications and several patents, her publications received >6000 citations (H-Index: 38). He is a Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences- Turkey and the American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE).

 

Abstract:

Bio-Nanomaterial interfaces and surfaces is one of the most rapidly expanding fields that is dynamic across the disciplines from engineering to life sciences. All solid material systems have boundaries, of which the properties are different from bulk material at the nanoscale. How these “in-between regions” merge into one another becomes a critical challenge, and also a fascinating question, which has moved to the forefront in the development of new technologies ranging from biomedical to energy production. Biological materials provide the inspiration for harnessing design strategies to develop innovative materials that simultaneously self-assembled, self-organized and self-regulated; characteristics that are intricate to achieve in purely synthetic systems. Proteins play an essential role in fabrication of biological materials due to their diverse functions ranging from structural to biochemical. The ability to mimic any of these functions can be a game changer in designing new class of biologically functional materials and devices. Molecular recognition guides the interfacial interactions in biological materials. Recognizing this, our group has been exploring the smaller protein domains, i.e. peptides as the key fundamental building blocks to mimic the molecular recognition at the solid material interfaces. Our approach includes decoding the peptide-material interactions and utilizing them in the precision assembly of abiotic/biotic materials. Building upon the modularity of protein domains, we further engineer these material selective peptide based building blocks to incorporate additional functions as multifunctional chimeric molecules ranging from short peptide chimera to recombinant fusion proteins. Armed with an extensive array of multifunctional molecular units, we tackle different technological areas built upon the self-organized biomolecular-solid interfaces. Presented specific examples will include biofunctionalization of surfaces with bioactive as well as bio-repulsive attributes, protein/peptide based hybrid nanoassemblies for targeting and sensing, nanofibers that are integrated with fluorescence proteins and nanoparticles pairs and bioenabled mineralization.

 

Oral Session 1:

  • Biopolymers in Biofibres & Microbial Cellulose | Principles of Polymer Chemistry | Recycling & Waste Management of Biopolymers |Production and Commercialization | Routes to drop-in monomers and bioplastics |Future and Scope for Biopolymers and Bioplastics
Speaker

Chair

Geoffrey Mitchell

Institute Polytechnic of Leiria, Portugal

Speaker

Co-Chair

Manjusri Misra

University of Guelph, Canada

Meetings International - Biopolymers & Bioplastics 2021 Conference Keynote Speaker Ming B Y photo

Ming B Y

University of Georgia, USA

Title: A classic diatomic chain

Biography:

Ming B Yu has graduated from Jilin University in 1961. Before retiring, he worked as a Lecturer in Zhengzhou Coal Manage College, China, and a Visiting Adjunct Lecturer in University of Georgia, USA. Currently he is still active in studies in theoretical condensed matter physics and nonequilibrium statistical theory of closed and open systems.

 

Abstract:

A classic diatomic chain is studied by means of the recurrence relations method, The Laplace transform of the momentum autocorrelation function of a tagged oscillator in the chain has three separated branch cuts resulting in acoustic and optical branches. By use of convolution theorem, analytical expressions for the two branches are derived as expansions of even-order Bessel functions. The expansion coefficients are integrals of real and complex elliptic functions for the acoustic and optical branches, respectively. By means of addition theorem, the expansion coefficients are obtained as integrals of elliptic function along the real axis in a complex plane for the acoustic branch and integrals along a contour parallel to the imaginary axis for the optic branch, respectively. The asymptotic behaviour of Bessel functions guarantees the momentum autocorrelation vanishes at large time. The broken down of end-front symmetry of the set of recurrants brings about the irreversibility of the momentum autocorrelation function of an infinite diatomic chain.

 

Meetings International - Biopolymers & Bioplastics 2021 Conference Keynote Speaker Yumei Zhang photo

Yumei Zhang

Donghua University, China

Title: Cellulose/PSA alloy fibers with advanced properties

Biography:

Yumei Zhang is the Professor in fiber materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering at Donghua University. She is an expert in the area of fiber processing dynamics and technology for about 20 years

Abstract:

Cellulose fibers have unique advantages including good wearing comfort, hygroscopicity and permeability, which are widely used in the fields of garments, household and industry. However, cellulose fibers are flammable which limits its applications in some special fields. In order to prepare flame-retardant fibers with improved flame retardancy, hydrophilic and mechanical properties, the flame retardant polymer, aromatic polysulfonamide (PSA), was selected to be blended with cellulose with 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([BMIM]Cl) as solvent. The cellulose/PSA alloy fiber with the “sheath-core” structure was successfully prepared by dry-jet wet spinning technology. The effect of weight ratio, viscosity ratio of cellulose and PSA solutionon as well as spinning technology on the properties and phase morphology of the cellulose/PSA alloy fibers were studied in detail. The flame retardant properties of the alloy fibers were improved as the viscosity of PSA/[BMIM]Cl solution was lower. The contact angle and the water retention values of the alloy fibers showed that the moisture absorption was strengthen with the addition of the cellulose. PSA in blend solution with lower viscosity could migrate towards the out layer of the fibers, and cellulose in blend solution with higher viscosity stated in the core during the spinning process, which improved the flame-retardant property of the alloy fibers at a certain blend ratio. It is shown that the LOI, as well as the surface property varied not only with the weight ratio of cellulose and PSA but also with the viscosity ratio of two composites and the spinning technology. Therefore, the flame retardant and mechanical properties of the cellulose/PSA fibers could be optimized according to the various factors during spinning process.

 

 

Meetings International - Biopolymers & Bioplastics 2021 Conference Keynote Speaker Takao Aoyagi photo

Takao Aoyagi

Nihon University, Japan

Title: Functionalization of biodegradable aliphatic polyesters by direct methylenation and thiol-ene reaction

Biography:

Takao Aoyagi is a professor of Department of Materials and Applied Chemistry of Nihon University in Tokyo, Japan. He received his PhD at Tokyo Institute of Technology in 1993. After finished Graduate School of Science and Engineering of Waseda University, he belonged to a Japanese chemical company (Lion Corporation, 1986-1987) and private institute (Sagami Chemical Research Center, 1987-1995). He became an assistant professor at Institute of Biomedical Engineering in 1995 and associated professor in 2001, Tokyo Women’s Medical University. In 2002, he was promoted to full Professor of Department of Nanostructure and Advanced Materials of Kagoshima University. In 2009, he moved to the Biomaterials Center and Coordinating Director of Nanotech-driven Materials Research for Biotechnology, National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) in Tsukuba, Japan. His recent research field is design of smart biomaterials for biomedical applications

Abstract:

Aliphatic polyesters, especially, PGA, PLA, PCL and their copolymers have withdrawn much attention as biodegradable polymeric materials. Among them, we are dealing with PCL as a smart material and have already reported their temperature-responsive surface shape memory properties.  They could contribute to mechano-biological studies because they can modulate elasticity and viscosity by only temperature change. Furthermore, drug permeation control near body temperature could succeed by effective melting point modulation by macromonomer design. Recently, we have studied two types of functionalizing methods of PCL-based materials. The project image is shown in Figure 1. One is macromonomer that has both cationic moieties and cross-linkable groups. Other is direct methylenation of the PCL main chains. The methylene groups were promising for further functionalization by thiol-ene addition reaction. To achieve first purpose, we newly designed branched PCL macromonomers which have bromomethyl groups at the of chain ends. Then, these terminal bromomethyl groups reacted with 2, 2’-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate to afford the objective macromonomer as seen in Figure 1. The corresponding macromonomer solution was cast and UV light was irradiated in the presence of photo-sensitizer to obtain the cross-linked PCL membrane. This materials show positive charge and those values can be controlled by temperature change. Additionally they possess shape memory properties. For the second subject, dimethyltitanocene was applied for direct methylenation of PCL. This compound is well known to work effective methylenation for low-molecular-weight carbonyl compounds such as aldehyde, ketone and ester. Following thiol-ene reactions using thioglycolic acid, aminoethanethiol hydrochloride or mercaptoethanol were carried out for further functionalization of methylenated PCL. Such functional PCL-based polymeric materials are expected to interact to proteins, living cells or tissues and are promising for highly functional biodegradable materials.

 

Meetings International - Biopolymers & Bioplastics 2021 Conference Keynote Speaker Charuwan Rattanasakultham photo

Charuwan Rattanasakultham

Department of Agricultural, Thailand

Title: Toughening of poly(lactic acid) by various polycaprolactone-copolymers with modulated crystallinity

Biography:

Charuwan Rattanasakultham is a Scientist at Crop Processing Research and Development Group, Postharvest and Processing Research and Development  Office, Department of Agriculture, Chatuchak, Bangkok, Thailand. Her recent research focuses on Flavoring production from herb and spice for health and effects of package and storage conditions on dried longan flesh quality.

 

Abstract:

Agriculture such as fruit and vegetable pomaces have been studied as potential film forming materials to be used as food biopackaging because of their chemical composition of polysaccharide such as pectin and cellulosic substance. This research aims to select potential fruits and vegetables and develop to biomaterial for food packaging. Selected fruits and vegetables were processed to puree and used them as raw materials for film processing. Chemical compositions and film properties were determination. Among the purees, carrot showed the highest pectin, could produce the best film. The film’s properties was Improved by adding hydrocolloids, pectin and alginate at 1.5, 3 and 4.5% w/w of puree. The results showed that increasing concentration of both hydrocolloids were increased thickness, L*, tensile strength and water barrier (WVTR decreased) of film (P<0.05) while oxygen barrier of film were reduced (OTR increased). Film containing 3% Alginate had better properties than other films. However, both of hydrocolloids could not improve elongation of films. So, xylitol at 1.25, 2.5, 3.75, 5 and 6.25% w/w of carrot puree were added to increased film’s elongation. The results showed increasing concentration of xylitol that increased thickness, water solubility, moisture content and elongation of film (P<0.05). On the other hands, tensile strength, water vapor barrier, L* and oxygen barrier of film were reduced (P<0.05). The higher levels xylitol caused the increased discolored of carrot film between storage. Afterward, carrot with 3% alginate and 3.75% xylitol was selected to form peanut toffee wrapper. During 6 weeks at 65% RH, peroxide value of samples that wrapped with carrot-based film was slower increasing than samples that wrapped with wax paper and unwrapped.

Meetings International - Biopolymers & Bioplastics 2021 Conference Keynote Speaker Peng Ji photo

Peng Ji

Donghua University, China

Title: The influence of polyethylene glycol molecular weight on the crystallization and hydrophilic behavior of poly (ethylene terephthalate)/ Polyethylene glycol copolymers

Biography:

Peng Ji has received his PhD degree in Donghua University in 2016. Then he joined in Donghua University as a Lecturer. From 2011 to 2016 he took part in a continuous academic project that involved postgraduate and doctoral study in the same college of Donghua University. He focuses on poly(ethylene-2,5-furanoate), poly ( trimethylene terephthalate) and other biopolymer materials including preparation and characterization of structure and properties

Abstract:

As a relatively recently commercialized aromatic polyester has attracted much interest from both industry and academia since its commercialization. This is attributed to that as an engineering thermoplastic, it combines the excellent mechanical properties of poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and the processing characteristics. Although PET fibers materials have been the most widely used chemical fiber materials, it lacks of hydrophilic properties, such as moisture, water adsorption capacity and wetting behavior, leading the decrease of comfort. The copolymerization method that introduction of adsorbed groups or hydrophilic chains into PET chains to prepare copolymers is one of the most important way to afford the moisture adsorption capacity. Poly (ethylene terephthalate)/ polyethylene glycol copolymers (PETG) with various molecule weight of polyethylene glycol ranging from 200 to 8000 g/mol were synthesized by melt polycondensation. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of copolymers confirmed the prepared copolymers are the target product. The nonisothermal crystallization kinetics of the PETG copolymers is analyzed using Avrami, Ozawa and Mo methods. The results suggest that only the Mo method is satisfactory in describing the nonisothermal crystallization kinetics of all PETG copolymers at all temperatures and all cooling rates selected. The hydrophilic properties of PETG copolymers and fibers were measured by surface contact angle and water adsorption capacity. Based on these results, a model of the influence of PEG molecular weight on the nonisothermal crystallization and hydrophilic behavior of PETG copolymers is proposed. With the increase of PEG molecular weight, the average sequence length of PET increased and the PET segment is restricted weakly, and then rigid segment and soft segment formes their own crystalline structure. PEG chains with high molecular weight functioned as the nucleating agent of nonisothermal crystallization process and improved the chain mobility of PET segment, and then more water can be adsorbed into PETG copolymers.