SUMMARY

• Protocols for the chemical functionalization of hydroxypropyl cellulose using selective oxidation techniques were created and fine-tuned.
• For the purpose of preparing hydrogels with antifreeze and conductive properties, carboxylic and/or aldehydic groups were introduced into the structure of the cellulose derivative depending on the selectivity of the oxidizing agent (TEMPO for the oxidation of primary hydroxyl groups, NaIO₄ for the oxidation of secondary hydroxyl groups, TEMPO in combination with NaIO₄ for the simultaneous oxidation of primary and secondary hydroxyl groups).
• FTIR, NMR, scanning electron microscopy, and conductometric titration were the methods that were used so that the structure of the oxidized materials could be validated.
• The "project execution plan" was successful in every way, as measured by the following indicators: 1 published work (proposal 0), participation in scientific meetings (including one oral presentation and two poster presentations), and the establishment of a website for the project.

Published scientific works:

1. R.I. Baron, I.A. Duceac, S. Morariu, A.C. Bostănaru-Iliescu, S. Coseri, Hemostatic Cryogels Based on Oxidized Pullulan/Dopamine with Potential Use as Wound Dressings, Gels 2022, 8(11), 726; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels8110726.

Participation at national and international conferences:

1. R.I. Baron, G. Biliuta, S. Coseri, A facile process for the preparation of water-soluble cellulose derivatives, A XXXVI-a Conferinţă naţională de chimie – CNChim–2022 Călimăneşti – Căciulata, România.

2. R.I. Baron, G. Biliuta, S. Coseri, 3D cellulosic architectures carrying magnetic nanoparticles, International Chemical Engineering and Material Symposium, SICHEM 2022, 17-18 November 2022, București, România.

3. I.A. Duceac, R.I. Baron, G. Biliuta, S. Coseri, Studies on hydrogels based on periodate-oxidized pullulan for potential biomedical applications, ICMPP – Open door to the future, Scientific communications of young researchers, MacroYouth 2022, 3rd Edition, Iași, November 18, 2022.