Biopolymers

Química geral. Quimica orgânica

Classes have an expository component and a laboratorial practice component which together allow applying and demonstrating the material being taught.

Extensive tutorial time is offered to the students to support the understanding of the material taught in class and preparation for the various exams.

The emerging trends in polymer technology from biological origin and the recent environmental sustainability concerns have attracted a strong commercial interest both in industry and in end consumers regarding to their production and application. This course focus on issues related to the technology of biopolymers and approaches specific issues related to their biological origin.
The main goal of this course is to teach the main available biopolymers, their sources, molecular structure, synthesis and relevant applications in biotechnology. The course aims to develop the following skills: knowledge of synthesis techniques, physical and chemical characterization techniques, and biodegradability evaluation. It also allows the development of skills for selection and formulation of biopolymers in accordance with their real world use.
On the personal level it also allows to develop selflearning skills and independent thinking.

Introduction to biopolymers. Concepts and definitions.
Technology of biopolymers. Types and sources of biopolymers. (Bio)Syntheses and modifications. Addition Polymerization. Free Radical Polymerization. Dispersion and Emulsion Polymerization. Copolymerization.
Characterization of biopolymers. Molecular weight. Mechanical properties: tension, elongation and elastic modulus. Thermal properties by: DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry) and TGA (Thermogravimetric Analysis). Surface and adhesion properties.
Applications of biopolymers: in medicine (controlled drug release, adhesives, implants, sutures), in the environmental field, in food (films and packages) and cosmetic industry (personal care products).

Biodegradability. Definition. Evaluation techniques. Main applications.

• - written test - 60.0%
• - Practical Lab works - 40.0%

• - Exame escrito - 100.0%

NAO

Bastioli C (2005) Handbook of Biodegradable Polymers, Rapra Technology Limited, Shropshire, UK.
Black J, Hastings G (1998) Handbook of Biomaterials Properties, Chapman & Hall, London, UK.
Braun D, Cherdron H, Rehahn M, Ritter H, Voit B (2005) Polymer Synthesis: Theory and Practice. Fundamentals, Methods, Experiments, Springer, 4th Edition, New York, NY.
Chiellini E, Gil H, Braunegg G, Buchert J, Gatenholm P, van der Zee M (2001) Biorelated Polymers Sustainable Polymer Science and Technology, Kluwer Academic / Plenum Publishers, New York.
Odian G (2004) Principles of Polymerization, 4th Ed., John Wiley & Sons, United States of America. ISBN 0471274003
Park JB, Bronzino JD (2003) Biomaterials Principles and Applications, CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL
Stevens MP (1990) Polymer Chemistry An Introduction, Oxford University Press, 2nd Edition, New York, NY.
van der Vegt AK (2002) From Polymers to Plastics. Delft University Press, Netherlands.