Chemical modification of alginate and xanthan gum for encapsulation of bioactive compounds with antibacterial action in citrus farming

• Grant number: 25/03566-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• Start date: June 01, 2025
• End date: May 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Applied Microbiology
• Principal Investigator: Michel Brienzo
• Grantee: Eddyn Gabriel Solorzano Chavez
• Supervisor: Andrij Pich
• Host Institution: Instituto de Pesquisa em Bioenergia (IPBEN). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Rio Claro. Rio Claro , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: RWTH Aachen University, Germany
• Associated to the scholarship: 23/12187-0 - Comparison of different polysaccharides in combination with chitosan in the preparation of biogel for controlled release of antibacterials in citrus growing, BP.PD

Abstract

The chemical modification of polysaccharides, such as alginate and xanthan gum, has been widely studied to enhance their properties and expand their applications in controlled release systems. These modifications improve stability, interaction with bioactive compounds, and biogel-forming ability, making them more efficient for agricultural applications. This proposal aims to use different methods to chemically modify these polymers, including oxidation and acetylation, enhancing their functionalization with specific groups that improve solubility and adhesion. The chemical characterization of the modified polysaccharides is essential to confirm structural changes and assess their new properties. Techniques such as infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), thermal analysis (TGA/DSC), and rheology will be employed for this purpose. After modification, these polysaccharides will be used in the formulation of biogels for the encapsulation of bioactive compounds, such as eugenol, an essential oil with recognized antibacterial activity against Xanthomonas citri. The developed biogels will be evaluated for encapsulation efficiency, controlled release profile, and thermal stability, ensuring their applicability in antibacterial protection in citrus farming, particularly in controlling citrus canker. The biogels produced will be evaluated in greenhouse against X. citri in Brazil (contributing to the Thematic Project NOW-Fapesp 2021/10839-4). The goal of this innovative proposal is to optimize the functionality of biogels and enable their implementation in the agricultural sector.