Poly (Ester Amide) Reinforced Hydrogels with Improved Mechanical Properties for Loadbearing Tissue Engineering Applications
Design of 3D printed reinforced arginine-based unsaturated poly (ester amide) (Arg-UPEA)/Collagen I hydrogels with tunable anisotropic orientation
Funding: China Scholarship Council
Project Overview
Hydrogels are particularly suited biomaterials for the repair and healing of the injured fibrous tissues because of their three-dimensional (3D) network structure and constructed biomimetic microenvironments. However, critical issues with these hydrogels are the inadequate mechanical performance and the lack of topographic cues to promote cell proliferation and differentiation, which significantly impede their application in ACL reconstruction (ACLR).
Project Description
In this research programme, 3D printed reinforced arginine-based unsaturated poly (ester amide) (Arg-UPEA)/Collagen I hydrogels with tunable anisotropic orientation will be designed by incorporating poly (ester amide) (PEA) reinforcement fibers functionalized with magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). The physicochemical properties and biological activities of the hydrogels will be systematically investigated.
A novel approach towards lignin based non-isocyanate polyurethanes for self-healing anticorrosive coatings
Study of the amination of the lignin oligomers to form pluri-amine building blocks, as well as the synthesis of oligo carbonates from the lignin oligomer precursors as prior feedstock for isocyanate-free polyurethane
Funding: Global PhD Partnerships UM-KULeuven 2020
Project Overview
Use of renewable lignocellulosic biomass is a key aspect in the transition to a sustainable bio-economy. Biorefineries, unraveling the lignocellulose in its components (cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin) and converting them into chemicals and materials are central. Most biorefineries have a carbohydrate-only focus with little interest for high-value utilization of the lignin stream. Recently, reductive catalytic fractionation (RCF), pioneered at KULeuven among few others, was introduced and has emerged as a prominent lignocellulose fractionation technology and lignin valorization strategy. RCF, a combination of organosolv and catalysis, is able to produce a stable lignin oil, besides a purified carbohydrate pulp. With the use of proper catalysis and lignocellulosic feedstock, short and highly soluble lignin-derived phenolic oligomers with multiple primary alcohol groups can be isolated and delivered in high yield. This project proposes to study the amination of the lignin oligomers to form pluri-amine building blocks, as well as the synthesis of oligo carbonates from the lignin oligomer precursors as prior feedstock for isocyanate-free polyurethane. Solvent-free polymerization is attempted by reactive extrusion to maximize conversion rate and minimize energy input. The high water resistance of the aromatic lignin structure, the expected anti-oxidant property of the polyphenolic lignin structure, and the dynamic bond breaking/formation property of carbamates suggest for these biobased poly-hydroxy urethanes excellent anti-corrosive and self-healing properties, useful in various metal protection applications.
Digilignin
Digitization of lignin polyurethane development
Funding: FWO Bioeconomy
Project Overview
Despite the long history of lignin-PU synthesis, several issues prevent the widespread integration of lignin in PU products: lack of low molecular weight lignin fractions suitable for PU products formulation, and the intrinsic complexity of designing lignin-based biopolymer systems. As a result, lignin integration in PU remains a time-consuming task based on lengthy trial-and-error approaches.
Key Features
- Development of structure-property relations and process models from theory rather than extensive experimentation
- Creation of a model that could predict structure-property relationships via a combined Machine Learning (ML) and quantum mechanical (QM) modelling approach
- The ML-QM model will serve as a robust digital building block to facilitate and speed-up the design of lignin-PU
Future Impact
DigiLignin promises to rationalize the design of lignin-PU and to accelerate the commercialization of more sustainable materials with lower carbon footprints. In the future, the predictive model could be extended and shared via user-friendly apps with PU users for a wide range of applications.
Biodegradable Polyesters Development
The development of biodegradable polyesters for laundry and homecare applications
Funding: Industrial funding
Project Overview
Research focused on developing novel biodegradable polyesters specifically designed for laundry and homecare applications. The project aims to create sustainable alternatives to traditional polymers while maintaining performance requirements.
Key Objectives
– Synthesis of new biodegradable polyester structures
– Optimization of degradation properties
– Performance testing in relevant applications
– Scale-up studies and industrial implementation
Impact
This project contributes to the development of more sustainable materials for everyday consumer products, reducing environmental impact while maintaining product effectiveness.
BLACKTERIA
Bacteria-derived melanin particles as a sustainable pigment in ultra-black coatings
Funding: NWO KIEM GoChem
Project Overview
Revolutionary research into sustainable pigment production using bacteria-derived melanin for ultra-black coating applications. This project explores bio-based alternatives to traditional synthetic pigments.
Technical Approach
– Bacterial cultivation and melanin extraction
– Particle size optimization
– Coating formulation development
– Performance testing and characterization
Applications
The developed coatings have potential applications in solar panels, optical instruments, and architectural features where ultra-black surfaces are desired.
Green Carboxylated Cellulose Process
A green process to make carboxylated cellulose starting from levulinates
Funding: NWO KIEM GoChem
Project Overview
Development of an environmentally friendly process for producing carboxylated cellulose using levulinates as starting materials, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional manufacturing methods.
Technical Approach
– Process optimization for levulinate conversion
– Development of green reaction conditions
– Cellulose modification techniques
– Product characterization and testing
Impact
This project contributes to the development of more sustainable processes in cellulose chemistry, reducing environmental impact while maintaining product quality.
Biobased Seed Coatings
Feasibility study for alternative biobased binders for seed coatings
Funding: NWO KIEM GoChem
Project Overview
Investigation into sustainable alternatives for seed coating binders using biobased materials, aimed at improving agricultural sustainability.
Research Focus
– Identification of suitable biobased materials
– Development of coating formulations
– Performance testing under various conditions
– Biodegradability assessment
Applications
The developed coatings have potential applications in sustainable agriculture, particularly in seed protection and germination enhancement.
LOADED
Lignin Oil Based Performance Additives
Funding: InSciTe – local Dutch funding
Project Overview
Development of performance additives derived from lignin oil, utilizing bio-waste streams for sustainable chemical production.
Key Objectives
– Lignin oil extraction and modification
– Development of performance additives
– Application testing and optimization
– Scale-up feasibility assessment
Impact
This project advances the utilization of lignin-based materials in industrial applications, contributing to circular economy initiatives.
ZCORE
From seaweed to coating resin applications
Funding: OPZuid
Project Overview
Innovative research into using seaweed-derived materials for sustainable coating resins, exploring marine biomass as a renewable resource.
Technical Approach
– Seaweed processing and extraction
– Resin synthesis and modification
– Coating formulation development
– Performance and durability testing
Applications
The developed resins have applications in protective coatings, marine coatings, and other industrial applications requiring sustainable solutions.
BioNIPU
Biobased non-isocyanate polyurethanes
Funding: Interreg V Belgium – the Netherlands
Project Overview
Development of sustainable alternatives to traditional polyurethanes, eliminating the use of harmful isocyanates while maintaining performance properties.
Research Focus
– Synthesis of biobased building blocks
– Development of non-isocyanate chemistry
– Material property optimization
– Industrial scale-up studies
Impact
This project addresses both environmental and health concerns in polyurethane production while advancing sustainable chemistry practices.
GREENER
Biobased and biodegradable replacement for polyacrylic acid
Funding: SNN: Interreg V Belgium – the Netherlands
Project Overview
Research focused on developing sustainable alternatives to polyacrylic acid, a widely used but non-biodegradable polymer in various applications.
Technical Goals
– Development of biobased alternatives
– Optimization of biodegradability
– Performance matching with conventional PAA
– Application testing and validation
Applications
The developed materials have potential applications in water treatment, personal care products, and other industrial uses traditionally served by polyacrylic acid.
D-NL-HIT
High Throughput formulation according to the Industry 4.0 Standard for innovative surface technology and competitive product development in SME’s
Funding: Interreg Deutschland – Nederland
Project Overview
Implementation of Industry 4.0 principles in high-throughput formulation development, specifically targeted at SME applications in surface technology.
Key Components
– Development of automated formulation platforms
– Integration of AI and machine learning
– Process optimization and validation
– Technology transfer to SMEs
Impact
This project enhances the competitiveness of SMEs by providing access to advanced formulation technologies and Industry 4.0 capabilities.
Thermotropic Polyazomethine Fibers
Thermotropic polyazomethine fibers derived from renewable resources
Funding: China Scholarship Council
Project Overview
Development of novel fiber materials using renewable resources to create thermotropic polyazomethine fibers with unique properties.
Research Focus
– Synthesis of renewable monomers
– Fiber formation and processing
– Property characterization
– Application development
Applications
These fibers have potential applications in technical textiles, smart materials, and sustainable fabric production.
New Conductive Polymeric Fibers
New conductive polymeric fibers for smart textile applications in health monitoring
Funding: China Scholarship Council
Project Overview
Development of innovative conductive polymer fibers specifically designed for integration into smart textiles for health monitoring applications.
Technical Approach
– Conductive polymer synthesis
– Fiber spinning and processing
– Electrical property optimization
– Integration with sensing systems
Applications
The developed fibers have applications in wearable technology, medical monitoring devices, and smart clothing.
Bioinspired Polymer Hybrids
Bioinspired and biobased polymer hybrids mimicking elastin for regenerative tissue engineering
Funding: AMIBM – province of Limburg
Project Overview
Development of novel polymer hybrids inspired by natural elastin for applications in regenerative tissue engineering, combining biobased materials with biomimetic design principles.
Research Focus
– Synthesis of elastin-mimetic polymers
– Hybrid material development
– Biocompatibility testing
– Tissue engineering applications
Impact
This project advances the field of regenerative medicine by providing sustainable, biocompatible materials for tissue engineering applications.
Biobased Aromatic Platform
A new biobased platform for aromatic building blocks and polymers
Funding: AMIBM – province of Limburg
Project Overview
Development of a comprehensive platform for producing aromatic building blocks and polymers from renewable resources, creating sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based aromatics.
Technical Approach
– Development of new conversion pathways
– Optimization of reaction conditions
– Scale-up of production processes
– Application development and testing
Applications
The platform enables the production of sustainable aromatics for use in polymers, coatings, and other industrial applications.
Lignin Building Blocks
Use of lignin building blocks for adhesive resins and coatings (lignin riches)
Funding: InSciTe – local Dutch funding
Project Overview
Research focused on utilizing lignin-derived building blocks for the development of sustainable adhesive resins and coatings, valorizing this abundant bio-waste stream.
Key Objectives
– Lignin fractionation and modification
– Development of adhesive formulations
– Coating system development
– Performance optimization and testing
Impact
This project contributes to the circular economy by transforming lignin waste into valuable products for industrial applications.
BIO-HArT
Biorizon innovation and upscaling of renewable aromats technology
Funding: Interreg V Belgium – the Netherlands
Project Overview
Innovation project focused on scaling up technologies for producing renewable aromatic compounds, advancing the commercialization of bio-based aromatics.
Technical Focus
– Process optimization and scale-up
– Technology validation
– Cost-effectiveness analysis
– Market implementation strategy
Impact
This project accelerates the transition to renewable aromatics in the chemical industry, reducing dependency on fossil resources.
SAMEM
Nanoporous polyolefin membranes from self-assembled precursors containing a recyclable polymer
Funding: SNN: NWO-LIFT: Dutch public/private funding program with SABIC
Project Overview
Development of innovative nanoporous membranes using self-assembly techniques and recyclable polymers, advancing sustainable membrane technology.
Research Focus
– Self-assembly process development
– Membrane formation optimization
– Recyclability studies
– Performance characterization
Applications
The developed membranes have applications in filtration, separation processes, and other industrial membrane applications.
3D Printing for Biomedical Applications
3D printing for biomedical applications targeting enhanced biocompatibility in regenerative tissue engineering via surface structure and chemistry
Funding: Brightlands Materials Centre
Project Overview
Research focused on developing advanced 3D printing technologies and materials for biomedical applications, particularly in tissue engineering.
Technical Approach
– Material development for 3D printing
– Surface modification techniques
– Biocompatibility optimization
– Structure-property relationships
Impact
This project advances the field of regenerative medicine through innovative 3D printing solutions and enhanced biocompatibility.
ROBOX
Use of monomers obtained via oxidative biocatalysis for preparation of polymers with applications in coatings
Funding: EU Horizon 2020
Project Overview
Investigation of oxidative biocatalysis for producing monomers suitable for polymer synthesis, particularly focused on coating applications.
Key Objectives
– Biocatalytic process development
– Monomer synthesis and characterization
– Polymer synthesis and optimization
– Coating application development
Impact
This project advances sustainable chemistry by combining biocatalysis with polymer science for practical applications.
BeetsToPolymers
High performance polymers from sugar derived molecules
Funding: SNN: Dutch public/private program
Project Overview
Innovative research project focused on converting sugar beet derivatives into high-performance polymers, establishing new pathways for sustainable polymer production.
Technical Approach
– Sugar conversion process development
– Monomer synthesis and optimization
– Polymer synthesis and characterization
– Performance testing and validation
Impact
This project demonstrates the potential of agricultural resources in producing high-value polymeric materials, contributing to the bio-based economy.