Info
Affiliation: Industry
Symposium/Topic Area: Biomaterials
Oral or Poster Presentation: Oral Presentation
Student Awards Eligibility: Not a Student
Abstract Text: We introduce a groundbreaking method for efficiently processing high-molecular-weight, water-soluble biopolymers for generating powder and fibrous aerogels as an alternative to traditional multi-step processing, including gelation, crosslinking, and lengthy solvent exchanges. This innovative technique, known as the Pressurized Gas eXpanded (PGX) liquid Technology, utilizes supercritical CO2 expanded ethanol to efficiently precipitate biopolymers from aqueous solutions while simultaneously removing the water from the newly formed porous structure, resulting in high-performance aerogels. The PGX process intensifies several other unit operations, such as purification, micronization and drying in a single equipment unit.
PGX process is characterized by its streamlined approach. An aqueous biopolymer solution or dispersion is co-injected with the PGX fluid through a coaxial nozzle into a collection chamber. The PGX fluid is composed of supercritical CO2 and ethanol, which facilitates the rapid precipitation of the biopolymer at moderate conditions (e.g., 40°C, 100 bar). Efficient water removal is achieved through a precisely controlled PGX fluid–water ratio within the nozzle. This manipulation steers the process away from the biphasic region, ensuring stability and ultimately leading to the formation of a well-defined biopolymer aerogel with the desired properties.
The PGX aerogels boast remarkable properties: ultralight and highly interconnected open-pore structures with uniform, delicate features. Notably, PGX Technology achieves this on a semi-continuous basis, a feat beyond conventional methods. PGX technology extends its capabilities to the creation of innovative bioactive aerogel composites. This is achieved by combining aqueous solutions or suspensions of multiple polymers at desired ratios before undergoing PGX processing. This approach generates diverse morphologies and composite structures within the final aerogel.
Delving deeper than the fundamental principles of PGX technology, this presentation will showcase a compelling set of model aerogels. This repertoire encompasses a variety of structures, ranging from single-component biopolymeric aerogels to intricate multicomponent composites and even exfoliated nanocomposites. Furthermore, applications such as advanced wound healing dressings, innovative nutraceutical delivery systems in oral strips, and versatile bioactive delivery platforms will be discussed.