Speaker
Descrizione
Citrus processing waste (CPW) represents a widely available biomass feedstock that can be converted, through the CytroCav process developed by researchers at Italy’s National Research Council, into two innovative bioproducts: IntegroPectin, a highly bioactive pectin–flavonoid bioconjugate, and CytroCell, a novel form of nanocellulose [1]. Citrus IntegroPectin is a highly water-soluble pectin-flavonoid bioconjugate of exceptional bioactivity [2]. The pectic backbone provides a hydrated, polyanionic and film-forming matrix able to interact with ions, proteins, oxide surfaces and small molecules. The naturally associated flavonoids and phenolics add antioxidant and redox-sensitive functions that are absent in conventional purified pectin [2]. Hence, citrus IntegroPectin might be used as a redox-active soft interface for microfluidic electrochemical sensors in which IntegroPectin thin coatings of controlled thickness, adhesion, hydration, and permeability would act as the functional interface between the liquid sample and the electronic transducer. Pectin-based films are mechanically weak. Hence, we will use CytroCell@IntegroPectin composite films adding to the IntegroPectin a small amount of CytroCell nanocellulose which translates into exceptional improvement of the mechanical properties of the composite films [3]. A first demonstrator could be an impedimetric or voltammetric chip showing that the IntegroPectin coating provides a stable and measurable response under controlled flow, rather than a fully validated diagnostic device. This choice is also supported by recent microfluidic studies on pectin-based systems, where miniaturized flow platforms improve reproducibility and control over material formation [4]. Key questions that will be addressed include biofouling and mechanical and electrochemical stability of IntegroPectin-based sensors.
Acknowledgements: Chimica verde, materiali avanzati e processi per l’economia circolare, l’industria 5.0 e la sostenibilità (DCM.AD001.288)
References
[1] Ciriminna, R.; Angellotti, G.; Li Petri, G.; Meneguzzo, F.; Riccucci, C.; Di Carlo, G.; Pagliaro, M. Cavitation as a zero-waste circular economy process to convert citrus processing waste into biopolymers in high demand. Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts 2024, 9, 486–494.
[2] Ciriminna, R.; Di Liberto, V.; Albanese, L.; Li Petri, G.; Valenza, C.; Angellotti, G.; Meneguzzo, F.; Pagliaro, M. Citrus IntegroPectin: A Family of Bioconjugates with Large Therapeutic Potential. ChemFoodChem 2025, 1, e202500014.
[3] Scurria A, Pagliaro M, et al. CytroCell Micronized Cellulose Enhances the Structural and Thermal Properties of IntegroPectin Cross-Linked Films. ACS Applied Bio Materials 2022; 5(10), 4942–4947.
[4] Silva, P. B. V.; Fabi, J. P. Overview of Pectin-Derived Microparticles through Microfluidic Technology. Fluids 2024, 9, 184.
| Giovane Ricercatore (under 40) | Yes |
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