Biobased and Sustainable Polymers (BioTeam)

The BioTeam (Research group "Biobased and Sustainable Polymers") develops innovative renewable polymer materials for specific environmental and/or biomedical applications

With the focus to achieve ambitious “cradle to cradle” systems, the global developed approach integrates a value chain focused on (i) the origin of materials (resources from biomass, plastic waste, etc.), (ii) their production (green chemistry, eco-design) and (iii) their end-of-life (biodegradation, recycling). These different elements are considered asap in the design of the macromolecular architectures (“Safe and Sustainable by Design” approach).

The BioTeam's expertise extends from (bio)synthesis, which can combine green chemistry and biotechnology (“Chem-Biotech” approach), to the characterization and the processing of these polymers. This global approach integrates polymer science and engineering, and sustainable development.

Contacts : Pr. Luc Avérous, Pr. Eric Pollet

The BioTeam's activities integrate fundamental research and applied investigation (notably through the mutual research Lab “Mutaxio”) and range from TRL 1 to 4-5. They are structured into 3 major areas (or axis) of research, in response to current societal and industrial expectations, to try to resolve the sensitive relationship between “polymers” and “the environment”.

• Area 1: Biobased and biodegradable polymer-based materials (Short-term applications)

Axis 1 themes:

• Development of thermoplastic polysaccharides (starch, chitosan, alginate) and multiphase systems through thermomechanical processing.
• Synthesis and development of advanced hydrogels obtained from polysaccharide derivatives (starch, chitosan, alginate),
• Synthesis of (co)polyesters: PLA, PCL, PHAs, PBSA, PBS, PBAT from biomass synthons.
• Biosynthesis by enzymatic catalysis (eROP, polycondensation)

• Area 2: Renewable and sustainable polymer-based materials (Long-term applications)

Axis 2 themes:

• Synthesis and development of bio-based polyurethanes (TPU, PUR, PIR, NIPU), polyamides and polyimines:
  • New linear and cyclic aliphatic macromolecular architectures based on sugar derivatives or oleochemicals (triglycerides, fatty acids, fatty acid dimers, etc.), ...
  • Innovative aromatic macromolecular architectures based on lignins or tannins,
  • Adaptable covalent networks (CAN) and bio-based vitrimers (dynamic, reversible bonds).
• Biorecycling: Controlled enzymatic degradation of sustainable materials at the end of their life cycle.

• Area 3: Specific biobased materials for biomedical applications

Axis 3 themes:

- From biobased polymers, development of:

• Bio-adhesives for surgery,
• Tissue engineering with the development of scaffolds obtained by electrospinning,
• Biosensors,
• Controlled release systems for active ingredients,
• 3D/4D printing for medical applications...

• S. Kalia & L. Avérous. “Biopolymers: Biomedical and Environmental applications”. Wiley & Scrivener Publishing. Publication Juillet 2011. 642 p. (ISBN: 978-0-4706-39238)
• L. Avérous & E. Pollet. « Environmental Silicate Nano-biocomposites ». Springer (London). Publication Mai 2012, 447 p. (ISBN: 978-1-4471-41013)
• P. Halley & L. Avérous. « Starch Polymers. From Genetic Engineering to Green Applications,». Elsevier Limited Publication. Publication Avril 2014, 484 p. (ISBN: 978-0-4445-37317)
• S. Kalia & L. Avérous. « Biodegradable and bio-based polymers for Biomedical and Environmental Applications ». Wiley & Scrivener Publishing. Publication Mars 2016, 350 p. (ISBN: 978-1119117339)

• Martin O., Avérous L. (2001). “Poly(lactic acid): plasticization and properties of biodegradable multiphase systems.” Polymer, Vol 42, Issue 14, pp. 6209-6219. (≈1500 citations)
• Bordes P., Pollet E., Avérous L. (2009) « Nano-biocomposites: Biodegradable polyester/nanoclay systems » Progress in Polymer Science, Vol. 34. pp. 125-155. (≈1000 citations)
• Laurichesse S., Avérous L. (2014) “Chemical modification of lignins: towards biobased polymers” Progress in Polymer Science. Vol. 39, Issue 7, pp. 1266-1290. (≈2000 citations)
• Magnin A., Pollet E., Phalip V., Avérous L. (2020) "Evaluation of biological degradation of polyurethanes" Biotechnology Advances. Vol.39. ID N°107457. (≈300 citations)
• Peyrton J., Avérous L. (2021) "Structure-properties relationships of cellular materials from biobased polyurethane foams" Materials Science & Engineering R. Vol. 145, ID N°100608. (≈200 citations)