In the realm of polymer science, the 14th Hellenic Polymer Society International Conference (POLYCONF14) held at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) from November 22-25, 2023, proved to be a showcase of groundbreaking research. BikiarisLab, a leading force in polymer research, made a significant impact with 10 oral presentations and 4 posters, each delving into diverse aspects of sustainable and innovative polymer applications.
Oral Presentations:
1. "Towards sustainability: Exploring the properties of polyesters based on vanillic acid"
Presenter: Eleftheria Xanthopoulou
Eleftheria's presentation centered on the lab's exploration of polyesters derived from vanillic acid, highlighting the potential for sustainable polymer production.
2. "Development of innovative drug carriers based on poly(lactic acid) for the fabrication of electrospun dressings for skin infections"
Presenter: Maria Lazaridou
Mria discussed the lab's strides in developing drug carriers using poly(lactic acid), showcasing potential applications in the field of wound care and infection treatment.
3. "Itaconic acid polyesters as a green and tunable alternative for materials suitable for 3D printing applications"
Presenter: Lazaros Papadopoulos
Lazaros explored the use of itaconic acid polyesters as a sustainable alternative for 3D printing materials, emphasizing the lab's commitment to eco-friendly innovations.
4. "Haemostatic dressings based on chitosan with improved antibacterial activity"
Presenter: Ioanna Koumentakou
This presentation focused on the development of haemostatic dressings using chitosan, highlighting the lab's efforts to enhance antibacterial properties for medical applications. This work is part of the NanoTech4Haemostatic project.
5. "pH-sensitive materials of chitosan/chitosan modified with zwitterions designed for dental implant application"
Presenter: Georgia Michailidou
Georgia delved into the design of pH-sensitive materials for dental implants, showcasing the lab's interdisciplinary approach to polymer applications in healthcare. This work was funded by the I-SMarD project.
6. "Accelerating the market uptake of biobased polymer nanocomposites in Europe"
Presenter: Zoi Terzopoulou
Zoi's presentation addressed the market adoption of biobased polymer nanocomposites in Europe, underlining the lab's commitment to real-world impact and sustainability. This work was part of the BIOMAC project.
7. "Novel biodegradable and pH-sensitive zwitterionic polymers for targeted drug delivery"
Presenter: Evi Christodoulou
Evi discussed the development of novel biodegradable and pH-sensitive zwitterionic polymers, showcasing their potential in targeted drug delivery applications.
8. "Reversibly Cross-Linked HDPE"
Presenter: Alexandra Zamboulis
Alexandra explored the concept of reversibly cross-linked high-density polyethylene (HDPE), offering insights into the lab's efforts to improve recyclability. This work was part of the REDONDO project.
9. "Poly(lactic acid)-co-poly(ethylene azelate) copolyesters with recyclability, enhanced biodegradability, and mechanical performance"
Presenter: Rafail Ioannidis
Rafail presented on the development of copolyesters with a focus on recyclability, enhanced biodegradability, and improved mechanical performance. This work is part of the Sustain-A-Print project.
10. "Unravelling the Effects of UV Aging on Physicochemical Properties of Polyesters and Polyamide: On the Way to Microplastics Formation"
Presenter: Nina-Maria Ainali
Nina explored the effects of UV aging on the physicochemical properties of polyesters and polyamide, contributing to the understanding of microplastics formation.
Poster Presentations:
1. "A novel approach in biodegradable nanocomposites through Biochar addition in poly(butylene succinate) polymeric matrix"
Presenter: Katerina Papadopoulou. This work was part of the BIOMAC project.
2. "Synthesis of PLA-PEG-PLA triblock copolymer microparticles using microfluidics technique as potential drug delivery systems"
Presenter: Nikos Bikiaris
3. "Preparation and characterisation of HDPE/Tannic acid composites"
Presenter: Christina Samiotaki. This work was part of the REDONDO project.
4. "Synthesis and characterisation of Polycaprolactone diol-based polyurethanes"
Presenter: Evangelia Balla
Conclusion:
BikiarisLab's presence at POLYCONF14 was marked by a rich tapestry of research, from sustainable polyesters to innovative drug carriers and advancements in 3D printing materials. The oral and poster presentations collectively showcased the lab's commitment to pioneering solutions that address the pressing challenges in polymer science, contributing to the conference's overarching theme of sustainability and innovation. As the scientific community reflects on the insights shared at POLYCONF14, BikiarisLab stands out as a beacon of ingenuity and dedication to advancing the frontiers of polymer research.