The Eco-Biotechnology and Drug Development Group published in the journal „Journal of Polymers and the Environment“ a paper entitled „Tuning Properties of Sustainable Castor Oil Based Polyurethanes With Bacterial Biomass as Fillers“.

A new series of eco-friendly polyurethanes (bio-PUs) were created using castor oil and hexamethylenediisocyanate as a crosslinking agent, with no catalysts required. The bio-PUs were reinforced with bacterial biomass from different processes. The resulting materials were tested for various properties such as mechanical strength, transparency, water contact angle, and cytotoxicity. The study revealed that the type and distribution of bacterial biomass significantly influenced the properties of the bio-PUs. All bio-PUs demonstrated shape memory ability and were safe for human cells. This work highlights the potential of using bacterial biomass in creating sustainable plastics, contributing to a circular bioeconomy.

This publication resulted from the project “EcoPlastiC – Eco conversion of lower grade PET and mixed recalcitrant PET plastic waste into high performing biopolymers” funded by the European Commission within the EIC Pathfinder Open call. IMGGE is a partner on this project coordinated by Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest. Coordinator for IMGGE is Dr. Jasmina Nikodinović-Runić.