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Project name:

Bassanite nanoparticles production method

Status: Idea
Creation date: 20-04-2022

Project objectives:

Summary A Spanish university research group has developed a new efficient, simple, selective and no-byproducts method for the synthesis of bassanite nanoparticles which can be used in different sectors such as heritage restoration, construction or biomedicine. The university is looking for companies interested in licensing this patented technology.

Description

Bassanite is a calcium sulphate phase, important due to its applications in bone regeneration processes, targeted drug delivery, or as strengthening material of architectonic and/or archaeological works made from gypsum.

Nevertheless, its selective production is still a challenge. Current methods are too complex, inefficient, or do not get the desired component with the desired properties. It is hard and laborious to obtain pure phases, to control calcium sulphate polymorphism, and the particles size and surface area.

To overcome these obstacles, a Spanish university research group has developed a novel production methodology. In only three steps, it produces small sized bassanite nanoparticles with a large surface area and high reactivity and with no by-products.

The method consists of a solvothermal synthesis that starts with a redox reaction between calcium metal and an aliphatic alcohol to produce calcium alkoxides. These will later react with sulfuric acid in the presence of toluene, resulting in an alcoholic suspension of bassanite nanoparticles. Finally, this solvent mixture evaporates to generate nanoparticles in powder form.

By using this method, it will become possible to meet current needs in the fields of heritage restoration, construction, and biomedicine.

The university is looking for partners from companies related to the development of new materials for construction, restoration, of biomedicine, interested in licensing this technology.

Advantages & innovations • Simple method. It consists of only three steps that take place in accessible conditions. • Selective production. The only calcium sulphate phase obtained is bassanite. • No by-products. With this method, no compounds other than calcium sulphate are produced. • Resulting nanoparticles are small-sized, with a high surface area and reactivity. • High global yield. The general reaction, calculated over the mass of the produced bassanite related to the theoretical mass, is equal or greater than 95%.

Stage of development Under development/lab tested

Contact / source: Detail (europa.eu)

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