OBTAINING HYDROGELS FROM CARBOXYMETHYLCELLULOSE, BILE SALTS AND NANOCELLULOSE

• Grant number: 25/17190-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research
• Start date: January 01, 2026
• End date: March 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Kelly Roberta Francisco Muruci de Paula
• Grantee: Kelly Roberta Francisco Muruci de Paula
• Host Investigator: Cecile Dreiss
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Agrárias (CCA). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). Araras , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: King's College London, England

Abstract

Bile salt self-aggregates can exhibit different morphologies depending on their interaction with other substances, such as cellulose nanoparticles. Depending on the concentration of added particles, entanglements between the micelles of the salt and nanocellulose are favored, conferring high viscoelasticity to the systems and the gel formation. The rheological properties of the systems can be modulated under different physicochemical conditions and interactions with polymer matrix, contributing to the modulation and production of different materials. Therefore, the present project plan aims to develop mixed self-aggregate systems in aqueous media formed by bile salts (sodium cholate, sodium deoxycholate, or sodium taurodeoxycholate), nanocellulose (nanofibril or nanocrystal), and carboxymethylcellulose at different concentrations, to serve as encapsulation platforms and controlled release of species of interest through the formation of hydrogels. Rheology, zeta potential, dynamic light scattering (DLS), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (Cryo-TEM) techniques will be used to obtain rheological, structural, and morphological information on the mixed aggregates obtained. It is expected that well-structured gels will be obtained for potential use in modified release of species of interest.