Biopolymer-based hydrogels functionalized with photocrosslinkable moieties and incorporated with limonene oligomers toward multifunctional medical devices

• Grant number: 22/03601-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research
• Start date: June 01, 2023
• End date: May 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Chemical Technology
• Principal Investigator: Roniérik Pioli Vieira
• Grantee: Roniérik Pioli Vieira
• Host Investigator: Sandra Van Vlierberghe
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia Química (FEQ). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Ghent University (UGent), Belgium

Abstract

In this proposal, we aim to develop biopolymer-based hydrogels functionalized with photocrosslinkable moieties and with oligomer derived from limonene as a way to overcome the limitations of employing its precursor as a bioactive component to serve medical applications. Besides exploring the unprecedented use of a terpene oligomer, this proposal will address the promise photocrosslinkable system based on thiol-norbornene reactions, comparing it with the classical methacrylate counterparts. Different strategies for the incorporation of additives will be investigated, such as direct incorporation before and after crosslinking, as well as the use of emulsions containing limonene or its derived oligomer. The hydrogels will be characterized in terms of their physico-chemical and functional properties. A preliminary study will also be carried out regarding the feasibility of processing hydrogels by extrusion-based 3D printing followed by photocrosslinking. The results of this project are expected to contribute to the expansion of the use of terpene oligomers as stable antioxidant and antimicrobial additives for biomaterials. (AU)