Published: 03/11/2024
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The team came up with a clever way to make PLA using leftovers from making beer.
Gannon University proudly announces the publication of a research paper by its esteemed faculty and students in the distinguished academic journal "Polymers" in February. The paper, titled "Synthesis of Poly-Lactic Acid by Ring Open Polymerization from Beer Spent Grain for Drug Delivery," dives into innovative methods for creating biodegradable plastics used in medicine.
Authored by Snehal R. Vakati, Gary Vanderlaan, Matthew D. Gacura, Xiaoxu Ji, Longyan Chen, and Davide Piovesan, the research focuses on creating a special kind of plastic called poly-lactic acid (PLA), which is ideal for medical use like drug delivery systems and tissue engineering scaffolds because it breaks down in the body without harming it.
The team came up with a clever way to make PLA using leftovers from making beer. They turned these leftovers, called Brewer’s spent grain (BSG), into a lactic acid through the fermentation process. Then, they used a special method to turn this acid into the cost-effective plastic that they needed.
They also tested how well this plastic could carry medicine. They filled the plastic with a medicine called trimethoprim (TMP) and checked if it could kill harmful bacteria like E. coli. The results were promising, showing that this new process could produce a plastic that could help fight infections in the future.
This research not only helps us understand how to make better plastics for medicine but also shows Gannon University's dedication to teamwork and discovery of solutions to enhance lives.
The publication of this research paper in "Polymers" highlights the caliber of scholarship and expertise within Gannon University's academic community, further solidifying its reputation as a leading institution for research and innovation.
Gannon University extends its congratulations to the faculty and students involved in this remarkable achievement and looks forward to further advancements in the field of biomaterials and drug delivery.
Click here to learn more about Gannon’s biomedical engineering program.