FUNDING INFORMATION

PROJECT CODE: PN-III-P1-1.1-PD-2021-0462. Contract number: 9/2022

ACRONYM: 3D-AntiFCO

DURATION: 2022 - 2024. STARTING DATE: 01.04.2022 

FUNDING PROGRAMME: Human Resources; Subprogram: Postdoctoral research projects

CONTRACTING AUTHORITY: Executive Agency for Higher Education, Research, Development and Innovation Funding

TOTAL BUDGET: 250000 lei

The choice of raw materials plays a crucial role in the preparation of multifunctional hydrogels. Although synthetic polymers are widely used in the design of hydrogel-based materials, they have many drawbacks, being non-renewable, expensive and difficult to biodegrade, and thus diminishing the hydrogel applications. In this context, this project goals to develop multifunctional hydrogels based on cellulose, a sustainable and renewable, biocompatible and biodegradable raw material being also one of the most widespread biopolymers on Earth. In addition, to overcome the shortcomings of conventional hydrogels (low mechanical strength as well as the use of toxic cross-linking agents), an experimental strategy involving partial replacement of water in hydrogels with organic agents such as glycerol or ethylene glycol will be developed and applied. By incorporating magnetic fluids (MFs) into the cellulose-based matrix, new types of conductive hydrogels with potential applications at extreme temperatures are aimed to be obtained.