Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGBFunctional, bio-based materials are in demand as film-forming agents for functional coatings, as delivery systems for active and functional ingredients, or as sustainable alternatives to synthetic polymers. At Fraunhofer IGB, we use chemical modifications to tailor the properties of biopolymers – whether gelatin, collagen, chitosan, or inulin – to meet the specific requirements of each application. This allows us to modify properties such as viscosity, solubility, or even the charge of the biopolymer in a targeted manner. In addition, we scale up the modification to the 10-liter scale to produce sample quantities of consistent quality on a kilogram scale, purify and dry the product, and conduct initial application tests in our laboratories.
© Fraunhofer IGB
© Fraunhofer IGB
© Fraunhofer IGB
Modified Biopolymers
Challenge: Optimizing the application-specific properties of biopolymers
Functional, bio-based materials are becoming increasingly important in many applications – for example, as film-forming agents for functional coatings, as delivery systems for active and functional ingredients, or as sustainable alternatives to synthetic polymers.
At the same time, the natural variability of many biopolymers poses a challenge for reproducible formulations. For many applications, the properties of biopolymers must also be specifically tailored.
Furthermore, research and industry require larger sample quantities of modified biopolymers for their own application testing. To achieve this, it is necessary that modifications can be implemented not only on a laboratory scale but also in larger quantities, with reproducible results and consistent quality.
Our solution: Tailor-made biopolymers using chemical modification
At Fraunhofer IGB, we specifically customize biopolymers – such as proteins like gelatine and collagen, as well as chitosan or inulin – by means of chemical modification to suit different requirements depending on the area of application. By introducing a wide range of chemical groups (e.g., methacrylate groups, thiol groups, and benzophenones), we can thus specifically modify material properties, for example, the viscosity, solubility or charge of the biopolymer in a targeted manner. This enables processes to be tailored more sustainably and efficiently.
Scale-up of the modification to the kilogram scale
The processes we have developed for this purpose enable the standardized and reproducible functionalization of biopolymers. Through stepwise scale-up under defined conditions, we create a robust foundation for comparable material properties and reliable product development. By producing also larger sample quantities of functionalized biopolymers, we specifically address the gap between laboratory research and application.
Application-specific modification of biopolymers for coatings, encapsulation and 3D printing
By introducing crosslinkable or hydrophobic groups we create more stable and insoluble systems, for example for drug delivery applications (encapsulation of active ingredients with modified inulin) or for functional coatings (water-repellent layers on textiles with modified chitosan).
The modification of biopolymers is also of interest for printing or 3D printing processes, as this enables, among other things, the viscosity to be adjusted independently of temperature.
Adjustment of parameters for variable modification degree
In order to achieve optimal conversion and variable degrees of modification of the biopolymers, various parameters can be adjusted as required during modification, such as the temperature, the pH by using a buffer or a titrator, or the dosage of the reagents. Furthermore, we use the possibility of modification under inert gas or vacuum (for oxygen-sensitive reagents) or also under UV exclusion (for light-sensitive reagents).
Example: Modification reactions involving gelatin
| Type of modification | Introduced / emerging functional group | Advantages/function |
| Methacrylation | Methacrylate groups (–COO–C(CH3)=CH2) |
|
| Acrylation | Acrylate groups (–COO–CH=CH2) | Similar to methacrylation:
|
| Amination (EDC/NHS-mediated) | Additional primary amines (–NH₂) via amide bonds |
|
| Thiolation | Thiol groups (–SH) |
|
| Acetylation | Acetyl groups (–COCH3) |
|
Downstream processing of modified biopolymers
Purification of modified biopolymers
Various purification methods, such as dialysis or tangential flow filtration, further assure rapid elimination of unwanted substances in the product.
Drying
Low-temperature drying processes such as freeze-drying or spray-drying ensure gentle drying of the modified biopolymers and enable the product to be obtained in various forms, e.g. as a powder.
Scale-up of chemical modification
The modifications can be carried out in different scales, from a few grams up to 100 grams, depending on the biopolymer.
Functionalized gelatin: automated production and sample preparation up to the kilogram scale
Specifically for the scalable production of modified gelatin, our institute is equipped with an automated reactor system with volume capacities of 1, 5, and 10 liters, which allows us to scale chemical modifications up to the kilogram range.
Automated processes for consistent material properties
Depending on the specific process, up to one kilogram of functionalized gelatin can be produced per batch. Standardized and automated process control ensures that material properties remain reproducible across different scales and that scaling effects can be reliably evaluated.
Comparable functionalizations under defined process conditions
Different chemical functionalizations are carried out at Fraunhofer IGB under comparable, standardized process conditions. This allows the effects of various modifications to be specifically investigated and directly compared with one another. Differences in the resulting material properties can thus be clearly attributed to the respective chemical modification and are not attributable to varying manufacturing conditions.
Production of sample quantities on a 100-gram to kilogram scale
The produced materials are available as samples and enable companies and research partners to test material properties, evaluate applications, or conduct feasibility studies. On this basis, reliable conclusions regarding material and process behavior can be drawn at an early stage without the need to establish in-house development or scaling processes.
Reliable data foundation for evaluation and transfer
All relevant process parameters are systematically recorded and documented. This structured data foundation creates a reliable and comparable basis for evaluating the produced materials. This increases the transparency and traceability of the processes and supports well-founded decisions in the further development and transfer process.
Transferability to other bio-based polymers
The process concepts used are not limited to gelatin but are fundamentally transferable to other bio-based polymers as well. In this way, Fraunhofer IGB underscores its expertise in scalable process and synthesis development for bio-based materials and creates a robust foundation for the development of customized materials for various fields of application.
Applications and uses of modified biopolymers
Drug delivery and encapsulation
By attaching crosslinkable or hydrophobic groups, more stable and insoluble systems can be created, among other things. For example, modified inulin can be used in drug delivery systems for the encapsulation of active ingredients, or modified chitosan can be used in the production of functional water-repellent layers on textiles.
3D printing processes
The modification of biopolymers is also of interest for printing and 3D printing processes, as it allows, among other things, the viscosity to be adjusted independently of temperature.
Overview on application areas
- Active ingredient release
- Encapsulation of active ingredients
- Coatings for medical devices
- Coatings for textiles
- Inks and formulations for bioprinting
- Biosensorics
- Diagnostics
- Beauty and cosmetics
Tabbed contents
Range of services and collaboration
Services at a glance
- Selection of the appropriate specific modification reactions
- Implementation of the modification reactions
- Scaling up and production of sample quantities
- Initial application testing in our laboratory
Collaboration
We customize bio-based polymers to meet the specific needs of your applications.
Please feel free to contact us if you
- require hydrogels, carrier materials, or structuring components for your biomedical or biotechnological systems.
- develop in-vitro test systems and cell-based models that require defined, reproducibly manufacturable materials with controlled surface or material properties.
- require functional materials and coatings where targeted interactions, barrier properties, or adhesion properties are needed for biotechnological, chemical, or medical applications.
What we can do for you
We are happy to advise you on all questions regarding the modification of gelatin and other biopolymers for your application – from selecting the appropriate biopolymer to conducting analyses – and we also perform initial feasibility studies on the application of the modified polymers in our laboratories.
For large-scale projects, we are also happy to assist in the search for public funding (federal, state, EU) and will work with you to submit a project proposal to the funding agency.
Contact us!
Do you have further questions or a concern not listed here? Please feel free to reach out to us to discuss this in a conversation. We look forward to your call or email and would be happy to schedule an initial, no-obligation consultation.
Equipment
Equipment
- Automated reactor systems with volumes of 1, 5, and 10 liters for scaling up chemical modification and producing sample quantities of consistent quality
- Polymer analysis
- Tangential flow system and freeze dryers for downstream processing of modified biopolymers
