New Enzymatically Produced Interpenetrating Starch-Cellulose Gels
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Bristol
Department Name: Aerospace Engineering
Abstract
The project aims to translate existing academic research to enable the production of interpenetrating network (IPN) gels of starch and nanocellulose fibres using side-by-side enzymatic and/or bacterial synthesis routes. These IPN gels will be produced with the end aim of use in the food and home care industries. The project will develop tandem enzymatic processes for the production of small fragments of starch, xyloglucan and cellulose, assembly of components into gels in the presence of water, and characterisation of the mechanical and physical properties of the gels. We will valorise waste, making new products, reducing costs and CO2 emissions for the companies we will support through this technology. Industrial input will guide development of the gels, targetting key industrial applications. No research has yet developed gels based on industrial biotechnology approaches to produce small molecules of starch combining them with cellulose fibrils.
Planned Impact
As described in proposal submitted to IUK
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
SJ Eichhorn (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Johns M
(2021)
The physicochemical effect of sugar alcohol plasticisers on oxidised nanocellulose gels and extruded filaments
in Cellulose
Johns MA
(2020)
Employing photoluminescence to rapidly follow aggregation and dispersion of cellulose nanofibrils.
in The Analyst
Nigmatullin R
(2020)
Hydrophobized cellulose nanocrystals enhance xanthan and locust bean gum network properties in gels and emulsions.
in Carbohydrate polymers
Nigmatullin R
(2020)
Hydrophobization of Cellulose Nanocrystals for Aqueous Colloidal Suspensions and Gels.
in Biomacromolecules
Nigmatullin R
(2019)
Thermosensitive supramolecular and colloidal hydrogels via self-assembly modulated by hydrophobized cellulose nanocrystals
in Cellulose
Nigmatullin R
(2021)
Postsynthesis Self- And Coassembly of Enzymatically Produced Fluorinated Cellodextrins and Cellulose Nanocrystals.
in Langmuir : the ACS journal of surfaces and colloids
Nigmatullin R
(2018)
Mechanically Robust Gels Formed from Hydrophobized Cellulose Nanocrystals.
in ACS applied materials & interfaces
Description | That hydrophobically modified cellulose nanofibrils produce strong gels that also enable the gelation of other polysaccharides. That thermosensitive gels can be produced using the same protocols and in combination with cellulose derivatives. |
Exploitation Route | Through one of our industrial partners. |
Sectors | Agriculture Food and Drink Healthcare Manufacturing including Industrial Biotechology |