Microgels for biological application: synthesis by precipitation polymerization and characterization

• Grant number: 16/06168-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 01, 2016
• End date: May 31, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Chemical Technology
• Principal Investigator: Reinaldo Giudici
• Grantee: Daniela Ferreira de Carvalho
• Host Institution: Escola Politécnica (EP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This project has the objective of synthesis of microgels, with different compositions, which present well-defined morphology and size/size-distribution, in order to be used as drug delivery. Microgels are synthesized by polymeric precipitation, which allows a flexible control of important physical-chemical properties, such as size distribution, superficial load, chemical composition and microstructure. This way, it will be evaluated the influence of three monomers variation, the quantities of initiator and crosslinker agent in the final properties of the particles. During the process, the monomers conversion and the medium size distribution of the polymeric particles will be measured. The final sample will be characterized through the analysis of the particles sizes, pH, zeta potential, morphology and the influence of pH and temperature on the sample particles sizes. The execution of the project can be justified as a starting point to the elaboration of a project with a high innovator potential to the biomedic/ pharmaceutic industry, through the preliminary study of the process variables influence on the microgels finals characteristics. (AU)