Modified biopolymers

Application-specific modification of biopolymers

By introducing crosslinkable or hydrophobic groups we create more stable and insoluble systems, for example for drug delivery applications (encapsulation of active ingredients with modified inulin) or for functional coatings (water-repellent layers on textiles with modified chitosan).

The modification of biopolymers is also of interest for printing or 3D printing processes, as this enables, among other things, the viscosity to be adjusted independently of temperature.

In order to achieve optimal conversion and variable degrees of modification of the biopolymers, various parameters can be adjusted as required during modification, such as the temperature, the pH by using a buffer or a titrator, or the dosage of the reagents. Furthermore, we use the possibility of modification under inert gas or vacuum (for oxygen-sensitive reagents) or also under UV exclusion (for light-sensitive reagents).

Purification

Various purification methods, such as dialysis or tangential flow filtration, further assure rapid elimination of unwanted substances in the product. Low-temperature drying processes such as freeze-drying or spray-drying ensure gentle drying of the modified biopolymers and enable the product to be obtained in various forms, e.g. as a powder. In addition, the modifications can be carried out in different scales, from a few milligrams up to 100 grams, depending on the biopolymer.

Applications

• Active ingredient release
• Encapsulation of active ingredients
• Coatings for medical devices
• Coatings for textiles
• Inks and formulations for bioprinting
• Biosensorics
• Diagnostics
• Beauty and cosmetics

Biopolymers being used

• Gelatine
• Chitosan
• Inulin
• Hyaluronic acid
• Chondroitin sulfate