Janus particle synthesis from sugarcane wax for surfactant-agent obtainment

• Grant number: 22/08530-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2022
• End date: May 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Food Science and Technology
• Principal Investigator: Maria Aliciane Fontenele Domingues
• Grantee: Ana Carolina Rodrigues
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Agrárias (CCA). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). Araras , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Sugarcane wax is a value-added product that can be obtained from the residue of sugarcane juice extraction (bark as residue). Several studies point to important pharmaceutical, agricultural and industrial applications for sugarcane wax. Based on the physicochemical characteristics of sugarcane wax, the development of Janus particles was considered. Recently, interest has grown in preparing Janus particles from biological macromolecules to meet the demand for more sustainable food and pharmaceuticals. These particles are colloids that have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic faces and their amphiphilic character is similar to molecular surfactants in many aspects; they self-assemble and also easily connect to fluid interfaces. In this sense, the project intends to synthesize Janus particles from sugarcane wax, obtaining a new food ingredient with surfactant properties.(AU)