Projects
Taming biodegradation in protease-sensitive hydrogels using dissociative bioorthogonal chemistry Hasselt University
Development of an in-silico time-dependent model that incorporates biodegradation to support the design of patient-specific implants KU Leuven
Bioresorbable devices have several advantages over state-of-the-art bioinert devices, which have been dominating the medical market for multiple decades. Bioresorbable devices break down over time and are absorbed and removed by the body. This can result in an improved clinical and financial outcome by reducing risks associated with the prolonged implantation of bioinert devices and eliminating the need for secondary surgery. Additionally, ...
Remediation of PFAS contaminated soil by a novel combined approach: phytoremediation with hemp followed by biodegradation through Solid State Fermentation of contaminated hemp residues by white rot fungi. Hasselt University
Molecular and ecological features of Ideonella sakaiensis mediated biodegradation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics KU Leuven
Petroleum-based plastics form one of the most significant material in our current economy, but they pose serious concerns for the environment. Petroleum-based plastics adversely accumulate in all ecosystems and microplastics are causing concern for their potential negative impact on marine and human life. One of the most used petroleum-based plastics is Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), that is widely applied for packaging and beverages ...
Programming protein-based hydrogels: towards on-demand biodegradation (Degradati-on/off) Hasselt University
Hydrogenotrophic Driven Biodegradation of Organic Micropollutants Involving Hydrogen Oxidizing Bacteria Ghent University
The occurrence of organic micropollutants (OMPs) at trace concentrations in the aquatic environment has become a growing concern in recent years. Biodegradation is an attractive approach for OMPs removal. Since the low concentrations of OMPs limit the growth of degrading bacteria as the main energy source, resulting in diminishing degradation rates, periodically dosing of assimilable organic carbon (AOCs) is considered in previous studies. ...
Improving biodegradation of an organic micropollutant mixture in dilute freshwaters by means of mixed substrate utilization. KU Leuven
Adequate supply of freshwater of drinking water is an immense growing problem worldwide due to increasing demands and pollution. An increasing problem is the occurrence of organic micro-pollutants (OMPs) in surface and groundwater. OMPs are organic chemicals that occur at trace concentrations (ng/L – μg/L range) with potential ecotoxicological and/or human health effects. OMPs include pesticide residues, pharmaceuticals, (synthetic) hormones, ...
Improving biodegradation of an organic micropollutant mixture in dilute freshwaters by means of mixed substrate utilization KU Leuven
Adequate supply of freshwater for drinking water is an immense growing problem worldwide due to increasing demands and pollution. An increasing problem is the occurrence of organic micropollutants (OMPs) in surface and groundwater. OMPs are organic chemicals that occur at trace concentrations (ng/L – μg/L range) with potential ecotoxicological and/or human health effects. OMPs include pesticide residues, pharmaceuticals, (synthetic) hormones, ...
Developing a New Generation of Biosafe Composites for Tooth Restoration – Focus on Biocompatibility, Toxicity and Biodegradation KU Leuven
Resin composite is currently the most used material in dentistry, enabling minimally invasive and nearly invisible tooth restoration. Besides nano-dust issues, there are also particular safety concerns regarding the potential release of the endocrine disruptor ‘bisphenol A’ (BPA). BPA can be present in composites as production contaminant and/or degradation product, originating from BPA-based monomers, such as BisGMA. The latter serves as a ...