Isabella Laurén: Antimicrobial Polysaccharides for Biomedical Applications

Content of the thesis: 

This study highlights the potential of biobased solutions in modern medicine by exploring the use of biobased materials as antibacterial and antiviral agents to combat infections and improve medical materials. The research focuses on chitosan, a substance derived from chitin, which is found in the hard shells of shellfish and insects. Chitosan is known for its antimicrobial properties in acidic environments due to its unique chemical structure. In this work, chitosan was modified with specific chemical groups to improve its antimicrobial effectiveness and to get an insight into its mechanisms of action. 

The chemically modified chitosan is a promising material in various medical applications, including wound healing. The study demonstrates how these antimicrobial materials can be used to create safe, biocompatible gels and films that are even 3D-printable, opening doors for innovative treatments in healthcare. This work provides valuable insight into inherent antimicrobial biobased materials, supporting the urgent need for alternatives to antibiotics due to concerns related to antibacterial resistance.

Opponent: Professor Ander Egede Daugaard, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark

Supervisor: Professor Jukka Niskanen, Aalto University School of Chemical Engineering

Link to electronic thesis: LINK

Link to the remote defence: LINK