New process to prepare nanoparticles with only one natural copolymer, chitin

Kurzfassung

A French University has set up a new process to prepare nanoparticles with only one natural copolymer, chitin. Nanoparticles can be used alone or associated with molecule of interest (on the surface or trapped inside) to improve chitin properties or add new properties. Industrial partners are sought for licence agreements.

Details

Chitin is a natural polymer with interesting intrinsic properties: bacteriostatic, antitumoral, cicatrizing, hemostatic, anticoagulant, biocompatible with human body tissue…
The particles are spherical, stable and size isodispersed (50 nm to 1 µm). They can be tailor-made.
They can be associated with a molecule of interest (on the surface or trapped) in order to improve chitin properties, to add new properties or make vectors (proteins, DNA fragments, antibody, hormones, metallic ions…).

Innovative Aspects:
The process is easily transferable to industry. The method is simple and economical. No co-reactive is required.