Projects
Anti-fouling and cell-interactive anti-fouling plasma polymer coatings for cochlear implants Ghent University
A cochlear implant provides a sense of sound to people with severe-to-profound hearing loss. A
complication of these implants is infection, which often leads to implant explantation. A frequently
investigated strategy to avoid infection is preventing adhesion of bacteria on the implant, which is
mostly done by attaching polymeric chains to the implant surface. This technique however has
limitations: (1) it is a costly, ...
New model-based concepts for nano-engineered polymer composites. KU Leuven
Star-shaped polymer based antibody-drug conjugates Ghent University
Polymers loaded with anti-cancer drugs represent excellent tools for cancer treatment. During this project star-shaped drug delivery systems will be developed consisting of an antibody "core", which will be site-specifially modified with biocompatible polymer arms covalently preloaded with anticancer drugs. This system will be rapidly accumulated in the tumor tissue, where the drug will be released in a controlled way.
Exploration of Triggered Triazolinedione-based Reactions in Polymer Synthesis Ghent University
In this research project, the recently developed TAD chemistry will be explored in depth concerning the use of temperature and light as a spatial and temporal controlled trigger in polymer synthesis. In order to investigate this to a maximum extent, a close collaboration has been established with the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, a leading institute in the field of light triggered reactions.
Nanostructured Polymer Photovoltaic devices for efficient solar Spectrum harvesting (PolySpec) Hasselt University
Fast scanning chip calorimetry combined with time resolved X-ray diffraction: a new view on polymer crystallization and melting KU Leuven
In the last decades, different fast scanning calorimetry (FSC) techniques have been developed, able to operate at scanning rates up to 40000 °C/s and higher. To allow for such rates, sub microgram samples are required. Relating calorimetric events to structural changes in minute amounts of material is a major challenge in high speed calorimetry. To be able to characterize materials under FSC conditions, we developed a unique setup, combining ...
Segmented polymer networks and polyelectrolyte complexes: synthesis, characterisation and their use in membrane processes Ghent University
Via polyelectrolyte complexes and segmented polymer networks (SPN), fundamental insights with regard to the transport in solvent resistent nanofiltration membranes (SRNF) will be found. This will form the starting point for the development of more performant SRNF-membranes. The SPNs will also serve to incorporate catalysts. Finally, relationships between the catalytic or separation characteristics of the membranes and the morphology of the ...
Innovative polymer scaffold for artificial meniscus replacement: from ‘zero-design’ to premium functional implantable device. Ghent University
This project is the second stage of a large research project aiming at the development of a 3D printed, personalized tissue engineered meniscal replacement that would provide a natural and durable solution to meniscal injury whilst preserving articular cartilage. In this StarTT proposal, we would like to investigate the biomechanical and tribological characteristics of a proprietary polymer scaffold developed at PBM UGent, its suturability ...
Unravelling the multiple dynamics in supramolecular interpenetrating polymer networks using rheology and dielectric spectroscopy KU Leuven
Supramolecular chemistry has opened up an impressive toolbox for the development of novel polymeric systems. Whether exploited to create self-assembled architectures in dilute solutions, or to serve as non-permanent crosslinks in more concentrated polymer networks or hydrogels, supramolecular interactions induce superior, often stimuli-responsive properties. For biomedical applications such as drug delivery and tissue engineering, the ...