Within the 2025 project phase, the MPSorb project team fully achieved the planned objectives, focusing on polysaccharide functionalization, characterization of the obtained derivatives, development of sorbent-type materials, and dissemination of scientific results.
➢ Functionalized derivatives of anionic polysaccharides (alginate – ALG, carboxymethylcellulose – CMC) were synthesized via multicomponent Ugi reactions (Ugi-4CR). Optimization of the reaction conditions targeted the medium pH, the COOH:isocyanide molar ratio, and the type of isocyanide, leading to a degree of substitution (DS) of up to 40%. Optimal conditions for ALG and CMC were identified and will be further applied to other polysaccharides such as xanthan gum, pectin, and dextran.
➢ The Ugi-4CR derivatives were analyzed using ¹H NMR spectroscopy, FTIR, conductometric titration, and PDADMAC titration to determine the degree of substitution. Characterization of all derivatives confirmed the successful introduction of alkyl and amide groups onto the polysaccharide chains. Analysis of the micellar behavior in aqueous solutions revealed the influence of pH and concentration on micelle size and zeta potential.
➢ Microspheres based on ALG and ALGMCR were obtained, with controlled size and cross-linking degree achieved by adjusting both the concentration of polysaccharide and CaCl₂ solution. The functionalized sorbents exhibited porous structures with pore sizes ranging from 50 to 150 μm and were preliminarily tested for dye and oil adsorption.
➢ FTIR and SEM-EDX analyses confirmed post-crosslinking structural modifications and the incorporation of amide groups. Sorption tests demonstrated superior performance of ALGMCR compared to non-functionalized ALG: 11.5 mg/g for methylene blue and enhanced oil adsorption, highlighting the effectiveness of functionalization in improving adsorption properties.
➢ Comprehensive documentation on polysaccharides functionalized via Ugi-4CR was prepared, and one PhD student and one Master’s student were trained in synthesis optimization and derivative characterization. Four articles were published in ISI-indexed journals and one full paper was published in conference proceedings, while one additional article was submitted for publication. The results were also disseminated through the participation of project team members in various national and international scientific events (1 invited lecture, 3 oral communications, and 3 poster presentations). | 
