Starch crosslinking by Diels Alder reaction

• Grant number: 19/21189-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: October 01, 2019
• End date: January 31, 2021
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Nonmetallic Materials
• Principal Investigator: Eliane Trovatti
• Grantee: Bruna Fernandes Antunes Ferraz
• Host Institution: Universidade de Araraquara (UNIARA). Araraquara , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 17/18782-6 - Click chemistry platform for the development of polymer-based materials for regenerative medicine, AP.JP

Abstract

The search for new materials derived from biopolymers has received increasing attention due to their potential applicability in various sectors, including the biomedical field. Despite their many advantages, many biopolymers still find little application in the biomedical area due, among others, to the limited mechanical properties and rapid biodegradability under physiological conditions, such as starch, for example. Starch is a highly available renewable sourced polymer, has high biocompatibility and biodegradability, solubility in aqueous medium and low cost. In an attempt to overcome the problems related to low mechanical strength and rapid starch biodegradation, this project deals specifically with the application of Diels Alder's click reaction for crosslinking in order to obtain mechanically self-sustaining hydrogels, so that, remain in the body for a suitable period of time for possible application in the area of regenerative medicine. (AU)