Research

Pharmaceutical and biomaterials
Nanostructured particles (aggregate, porous)
Aerosol process (spray drying)

Synthesis of porous pectin particles

We describe the synthesis and characterization of macroporous pectin particles, with special attention paid to the advantageous aspects of macroporous structured particles mentioned above. To avoid the thermal decomposition of the natural polymer, which occurs at high temperatures during the synthesis of porous particles, we applied a template-assisted spray drying method in combination with a chemical etching process. The template-assisted spray drying method is a well-established strategy for producing various nanostructured particles, including macroporous particles. This method typically involves two main processes, including (i) the formation of composite particles consisting of host components and templates, and (ii) the production of nanostructured particles by removing the templates from the prepared composite particles. The morphology of the obtained particles is highly ordered and controllable because it depends on the initial precursor component, droplet properties, and parameter conditions.

Synthesis of TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofiber particles

TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofiber (TOCN) particles offer a unique and sustainable approach to the development of high-performance, environmentally friendly materials. The research focused on these particles showcases their potential in creating nanostructured fine particles with distinct properties due to their high specific surface area, lightweight characteristics, unique optical attributes, excellent mass transfer capabilities, and robust durability. This positions them as suitable candidates for a variety of applications including catalysts, adsorbents, carrier agents, sensors, and pharmaceuticals.
A particularly groundbreaking aspect of TOCN technology is its application in constructing biomass-based porous structured particles through self-assembly with magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs). These composite particles exhibit a combination of macro-meso-microporous structures, a highly negative charge, and sufficient magnetization, facilitating effective magnetic separation, enhanced specific surface area, and maintaining the intrinsic charge of TOCNs. Such features contribute to the particles' exceptional performance in mass transfer and adsorption capacities, particularly for proteins, showcasing potential in separation, purification, drug delivery, biosensing, and filtration applications.
The innovative approach of using TOCN as a key material underlines the importance of selecting sustainable raw materials for industrial applications. Given cellulose's status as the most abundant renewable biomass, its utilization in creating TOCN-based nanomaterials underscores a significant move towards eco-friendly material science. These nanofibers' ability to adsorb positively charged compounds efficiently, attributed to their abundant carboxylate groups and highly negative potential, opens new avenues in the adsorption of heavy metals, dye molecules, and organic solvents.
This advancement in TOCN particles not only represents a step forward in sustainable material development but also highlights the challenges and opportunities in harnessing the full potential of nanocellulose and magnetic nanoparticles. The integration of these materials into a cohesive, functional entity capable of addressing contemporary environmental and technological challenges exemplifies the innovative spirit of modern materials science.