Chitosan/lignin carbon-dots loaded with grape extracts for biofilm eradication

• Grant number: 22/09950-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• Start date: May 01, 2023
• End date: April 29, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Applied Microbiology
• Principal Investigator: Luiz Henrique Capparelli Mattoso
• Grantee: Crisiane Aparecida Marangon
• Supervisor: Rikke Louise Meyer
• Host Institution: Embrapa Instrumentação Agropecuária. Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (EMBRAPA). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Aarhus University, Denmark
• Associated to the scholarship: 19/22799-7 - Exploring the potential of biopolymers with fruit extracts nanoparticles on controlling food pathogens, BP.PD

Abstract

This research falls within the current scenario involving sustainable nanomaterials. Overall, it deals with the development of nanoparticles composed of the biomacromolecules chitosan and lignin, the latter in the form of carbon-dots. These are expected to act as powerful vehicles for delivering the major compounds of grape extracts, merging the inherent features of nano-objects (e.g., such high aspect ratio and specific surface area) with renewability, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and biological activity. We hypothesize that these components will work in synergy with high selectivity for bacteria and low toxicity to mammalian cells. Addition of carbon-dots in the synthesis of chitosan nanoparticles is expected to improve particle properties and lead to smaller and more monodispersed particles wearing higher positive surface charge density and improved colloidal stability. The research intends to study the mechanisms through which these nanoparticles interact with planktonic bacteria and biofilms for broadening the range of applications of novel multifunctional nanoparticles. (AU)