Polysaccharide-based microspheres such as cellulose beads are spherical particles with diameters in the micro- to millimeter scale, which are used in many advanced applications ranging from chromatography and solid supported synthesis to controlled drug release. Over the last 15-20 years, various procedures for the preparation of cellulose beads have been reported, including the use of different solvents, shaping techniques, and technical devices for large batch production. In this work we present our recent research using topochemical engineering to design biobeads and biohybrid beads for applications in drug delivery, tissue engineering and water treatment. The concept of topochemical assembly was used to design and prepare beads with highly engineered pore sizes and biointerfaces. Hybridization with lignin and synthetic polymers was used to modify biointerfaces. Biobeads with controlled pores were applied in drug crystallization and amorphous solid state of drug was obtained. Hybrid chitosan-cellulose beads were designed for tissue engineering and improvement of osteoblasts cell-adhesion was observed. Hybrid beads with lignin and synthetic polymers were designed for water treatment and gave promising results for removal of hydrophilic pollutants and metals. Topochemical assembly of biobeads  and biohybrid beads is presented and discussed as a promising route to design advanced polysaccharide-based materials.

Polysaccharide-based microspheres for advanced applications in healthcare

2019 Spring National Meeting

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