| Biography | |
|---|---|
 Prof. Lee D. Wilson University of Saskatchewan, Canada |
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| Biography: Self-assembled biopolymer composites were prepared that contain chitosan with enhanced surface area and variable morphology. Spectroscopic (FTIR, UV-vis, and 13C solids NMR)results provide supporting evidence for the self-assembly of chitosan and a second component polymer.Thermal analysis,XRD and SEM provide support that unique composites are formed that differ from physical mixtures. Unique surface chemical properties of the composites are shown by equilibrium swelling,nitrogen gas uptake, and dye-based adsorption studies. Batch equilibrium and one pot dynamic sorption studies with dye probes (cationic/ anionic)illustrate that the uptake properties of the composites are highly variable.Self-assembly of multi-component systems reveal that the composites possess enhanced surface area, variable site accessibility of functional groups, and variable morphology.The structure-function properties of such biopolymer composites display tunable surface properties according to their variable hydrophile-lipophile balance. The unique structure-function properties of the composite systems differ uniquely from single component systems, and reveal the promising potential for advanced technological applications in water treatment, nano medicine and drug delivery. | |
