Green Routes for Functionalizing a-Glucans – GRaFTING

A variety of alpha-glucans, showing finely tuned molar masses and structures will be synthesized from sucrose using alpha-transglucosylases. Secondly, these polysaccharides will be enzymatically and regiospecifically functionalized with non-carbohydrate and charged molecules thanks to the action of lipases, kinases, oxidases or sulfatases turned into sulfotransferases.

Structures with different substituents and controlled degree of substitution are expected. Their ability to form macromolecular assemblies with stimuli responsive, self-healing and/or flame retardency properties will be examined

The final objective would be to evaluate the capacity of these new biomaterials to replace existing polyelectrolytes for medical applications, new thickeners and/or bio-based materials will be evaluated.

In progress

GRaFTiNG is tackling a timely topic related to the development of novel and fully bio-sourced polymers. The objective is to explore a two-step enzymatic cascade leading to tailor-made polyelectrolytes using a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach. A variety of alpha-glucans, showing finely tuned molar masses and structures will be synthesized from sucrose using alpha-transglucosylases. Secondly, these polysaccharides will be enzymatically and regiospecifically functionalized with various classes of modifying enzymes. Structures with different substituents and controlled degree of substitution are expected. Their ability to form macromolecular assemblies with stimuli responsive, self-healing and/or flame retardency properties will be examined as well as their capacity to replace existing polyelectrolytes for medical applications, new thickeners and/or bio-based materials.