Work Packages

 

The SAMCAPS project is organized in 13 distinct Work Packages (WPs):

 

WP1: Biodegradable polymers library literature and sourcing (Leader CSGI)

Comprehension of the state of the art about biodegradable polymers

  • Literature search on biodegradable polymers for encapsulation technologies
  • Search for available starting biopolymers

WP2: Design/synthesis of new polymers (Leader CSGI)

Design/synthesis and characterization of new polymers for encapsulation purposes

  • Synthesis of new polymers and/or modification of existing polymers
  • Polymer chemical and physical characterization via different spectroscopic techniques, thermal analysis, NMR and rheology
  • Scale-up of the production of lead polymers

WP3: Modelling & correlations of polymers on self-assembly properties (Leader PGBS)

Use modelling and simulations to predict the behavior of polymers in different environments

  • Molecular modeling and simulation of synthesized polymers
  • Modelling and simulation of polymers in aqueous environment and complex detergent formulations 

WP4: Biodegradability assessment (Leader CSGI)

Evaluate the biodegradability of the polymeric materials

  • Knowledge on biodegradability evaluation models, especially on OECD 31B methodology
  • Evaluation of polymers biodegradability under specific temperature, light, pH, humidity, and microbiological conditions

WP5: Preparation and characterization of capsule systems (Leader CSGI)

Preparation and characterization of capsules from biodegradable polymers in model formulations. Understanding the molecular interactions responsible for the mechanism of formation of capsules

  • Preparation of simple model formulations to mimic complex consumer products
  • Preparation of soft matter capsules in model formulations via the self-assembly of polymers
  • Preparation of soft matter capsules in consumer products via the self-assembly of polymers
  • Characterization of capsules surface via SAXS and SANS
  • Characterization of capsules morphologies via optical, electron, and confocal microscopy

WP6: Formulation & prototyping (Leader PGBS)

Training in home care formulations and development of the capsule formation process in liquid detergent and fabric enhancer formulations

  • Knowledge on liquid fabric enhancers and detergent formulations
  • Develop strategies to form capsules in different environments
  • Correlate capsules stability to surfactant nature and content
  • Comprehensive library of methods to introduce capsules in liquid formulations

WP7: Develop understanding on the release of actives (Leader PGBS)

Understanding of key concepts about triggered and time-controlled release of actives. Knowledge on customer satisfaction parameters

  • Understanding the needs of customers relative to the release of actives from laundry products
  • Understanding of adapting the release of the actives depending on the nature of the active and the target substrate
  • Understanding the mechanism of different release triggers
  • Prototyping of home- and beauty care products containing capsules on different substrates
  • File a plan to extend the knowledge on triggered release of actives in fabric care industry to home- and beauty care industry

WP8: Setup of different methods to study the release of actives (Leader CSGI)

Training in and optimization of instrumental methodologies to evaluate active release and leakage

  • Training on different techniques for the evaluation of actives release
  • Optimization of the techniques to study the release of actives in terms of mechanism, kinetics and efficiency of release
  • Exploiting of different release triggers depending on the nature of the capsules at different time scales
  • Monitor active leakage from capsules upon aging
  • Monitor capsule and/or active degradation
  • Monitor active-formulation and capsule-formulation interactions

WP9: Develop improved deposition of particles on different substrates (Leader PGBS)

Training on measuring and enhancing active-loaded capsules adhesion on home- and beauty care surfaces target surfaces

  • Training in targeted delivery of particles on different surfaces
  • Training in measuring and enhancing active deposition on surfaces
  • Development of a protocol to enhance capsule deposition depending on the chemical and physical properties of both capsules and surfaces

WP10: Evaluation of particles deposition on different substrates (Leader CSGI)

Setup methods to characterize the deposition, aging and release of actives on surfaces

  • Training in surfaces characterization and force measurement using AFM
  • Training in measuring dynamical elastic properties of capsules on surfaces using rheology
  • Characterization of capsules deposition on surfaces
  • Characterization of capsules wall properties via FIB-based microscopy techniques

WP11: Evaluation of the capsules in consumer products (Leader PCBS)

Preparation and characterization of capsules from biocompatible polymers in consumer products. Prototyping of consumer products containing capsules on target substrates

  • Optimize the formulation of capsules in consumer products for home- and beauty-care
  • Scale up of lead approach of capsule making
  • Prototyping of home-care products containing capsules on fabrics
  • Prototyping of beauty-care products containing capsules on different substrates
  • Understand the molecular interactions between capsules surface and home- and beauty-care target substrates

WP12: Dissemination and thesis redaction (Leader CSGI)

Publication of the results obtained in the project and PhD awarding

  • Publication of the results obtained
  • Outreach dissemination
  • PhD thesis redaction
  • PhD viva

WP13: Management (Leader CSGI)

Project Management

  • Consortium organization
  • Recruitment
  • Communication with EU
  • Training organization

WP14: Ethics requirements (Leader CSGI)

Ethical aspects of research

  • Compliance with EU ethics regulations