Biomass presents a great potential as an efficient alternative to fossil fuels. Biomass is undoubtedly a source of valuable compounds with multipurpose applications. Lignocellulose biomass consists of three main components named cellulose, lignin and hemicelluloses, which construct a complex and rigid structure. Different biomass requires different strategies to overcome the natural recalcitrance and to facilitate large scale production of valuable products. The compounds separated from biomass could be used as such or in modified form to obtain materials with practical applications in numerous fields.

  New biomaterials based on cellulose, collagen and polyurethane comprising bioactive substances with antioxidant properties were developed. The introduction of these bioactive principles into the base matrix led to an increase of the compressive strength, since radical scavenging activity was improved.  The mechanical performance, biocompatibility, antioxidant capacity and water absorption of these biomaterials recommend them for the manufacture of cosmetic masks or patches [I. Spiridon, N. Anghel, M.V. Dinu et al.; Development and performance of bioactive compounds-loaded cellulose / collagen / polyurethane materials; Polymers 12(5), 1191 (2020)].

Published papers:

1. I. Spiridon, R. N. Darie-Nita, G. E. Hitruc, J. Ludwiczak, I. Cianga Spiridon, M. Niculaua; New opportunities to valorize biomass wastes into green materials; J. Clean. Prod. 133, 235-242 (2016)
2. A. G. Grigoras; Drug delivery systems using pullulan, a biocompatible polysaccharide produced by fungal fermentation of starch; Environ. Chem. Lett. 17(3), 1209-1223 (2019)
3. N. Anghel, M. Niculaua, I. Spiridon; Heavy metals adsorption ability of a new composite material based on starch strengthened with chemically modified cellulose; Polym. Advan.Technol. 30(6), 1453–1460 (2019)
4. P. Pascariu-Dorneanu, A. Airinei, N. Olaru, N. Fifere, C. Doroftei, F. Iacomi; Preparation and characterization of some electrospun polysulfone nanocomposites reinforced with Ni doped SnO₂ nanoparticles; Eur. Polym. J. 91, 326–336 (2017)
5. I. Spiridon, K. Leluk, A. M. Resmerita, R. N. Darie; Evaluation of PLA-lignin bioplastics properties before and after accelerated weathering; Compos. Part B-Eng. 69, 342–349 (2015)
6. I. Spiridon, C. E. Tanase; Design, characterization and preliminary biological evaluation of new lignin-PLA biocomposites; Int. J. Biol. Macromol. 114, 855-863 (2018)
7. I. Spiridon; Extraction of lignin and therapeutic applications of lignin-derived compounds: a review; Environ. Chem. Lett. 18(3), 771-785 (2020)
8. I. Spiridon, N. C. Anghel, R. N. Darie-Nita, A. Iwanczuk, R. G. Ursu, I. A. Spiridon; New composites based on starch/ Ecoflex/biomass wastes: mechanical, thermal, morphological and antimicrobial properties; Int. J. Biol. Macromol. (2019)
9. I. Spiridon, N. Anghel, M. V. Dinu, S. Vlad, A. Bele, B. I. Ciubotaru, L. Verestiuc, D. Pamfil; Development and performance of bioactive compounds-loaded cellulose/collagen/polyurethane materials; Polymers 12(5), 1191 (2020).

Projects:

1. Forest biorefineries: Added-value from chemicals and polymers by new integrated separation, fractionation and upgrading technologies (AFORE); Funding agency: FP7; Grant agreement 1997CP-IP 228589-2 AFORE; Period: 2009-2013; Buget: 167,000 Euro
2. Research Infrastructure for Circular Forest Bioeconomy (ERIFORE); Funding agency: H2020-INFRADEV Grant agreement 654371/2016; Period: 2016-2018; Buget: 247,920 Euro
3. Laboratory for evaluation of polymeric materials for packaging applications; Funding agency: Autoritatea Nationala pentru Cercetare Stiintifica (ANCS); Grant agreement 276/2006; Period: 2006-2009; Buget: 100,000 Euro