Our first International Conference on Bio-based Polymers and Composites (BiPoCo) was organized in 2012 focusing on the characterization, modification and application of biopolymers. The success of the conference initiated the organization of BiPoCo 2014 in Visegrád and the BiPoCo 2016 meeting in Szeged. The scope of the conference was extended with topics on smart, nano-structured systems for controlled molecular release and particular attention was paid to the biomedical application of polymers. The positive feedback given by the participants of the BiPoCo 2016 meeting encouraged us to organize the conference for the fourth time in 2018 with a renewed scope reflecting the current trends in the synthesis and application of biopolymers.
The topics selected for the conference are as follows:
Renewable building blocks, natural polymers, biopolymers and their composites
Raw materials based on natural resources (triglycerides, lignin, flavonoids, etc.), their application for the synthesis of biopolymers.
Natural polymers and their derivatives (polysaccharides, cellulose, proteins, etc.); modification, functionalization and plasticization.
Microbial production of biopolymers, bio-based and biodegradable polymers (polyesters, polyhydroxyalkanoates, polyamides, polyolefins, etc.) as well as their blends.
Natural fiber reinforcement (WPC, nanocellulose, etc.) and composites with biopolymer matrices; surface modification, coupling, deformation and failure mechanism.
Biomaterials for life science and health care
Smart and functional polymers, stimuli-responsive hydrogels, reinforced hydrogels, self-healing and shape memory of hydrogels; self-assembly, nanoparticles, microparticles.
Surfaces and interfaces: thin films, polymer brushes and membranes.
Controlled drug and gene delivery (oral, nasal, ocular, transdermal, etc.); enzyme immobilization; bioadhesive formulations; injectable soft materials, implants.
Scaffold fabrication, mechanics of scaffolds, cell-scaffold interactions, degradation.
Tissue engineering, electrospinning, production and application of biofibers.
Processing, application
Development and optimization of processing technologies for biopolymers.
Additive manufacturing, digital design of biopolymers, 3D printing, rapid prototyping.
Market of biopolymers, application in packaging, cosmetics, agriculture, automotive industry, electronics, optics, energy, sensors and actuators, waste water treatment, superabsorbents, wound dressings, etc.
Environmental aspects, sustainability, green polymers and composites
Biorefineries, biomass conversion, sustainable production of monomers and polymers from wastes and side streams.
Bioplastics, degradation, biodegradation, biodeterioration and composting.
Recycling, waste management, environmental impact, life cycle analysis and certification.
