11220E500100 College of Engineering Seminar

TOPIC
▸　Fabrication and Potential Applications of Antifouling Porous Membranes

Abstract
❝　Antifouling membranes play a crucial role in numerous applications, from water purification to biomedical devices. In this study, we present a comprehensive investigation on the development of antifouling membranes in our group using polyethylene glycol-based (PEG) and zwitterionic copolymers. Leveraging grafting, coating, and in situ modification techniques, we aim to enhance the membranes' resistance to biofouling by proteins, bacteria, blood cells, etc., and improve their overall performance, particularly in biomedical applications (wound dressing, blood filtration/leukoreduction filters). We employ three different approaches to modify the membranes: grafting (“from” and “onto”), coating, and in situ modification (blending), and have tested various antifouling materials, including PEGylated (based on poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate) and zwitterionic (based on sulfobetaine methacrylate, carboxybetaine methacrylate or phosphobetaine methacrylate) or pseudo-zwitterionic materials. Through this presentation showcasing our group’s studies, we also discuss the advantages and drawbacks of each of these approaches, as well as some molecular designs important to take into account in order to optimize the membranes’ performances.　❞

Keywords
Antifouling membranes, PEGylated copolymers, Zwitterionic copolymers, Grafting, Coating, in situ modification, Biomedical applications

SPEAKER
▸　Prof. Antoine Venault *
▸　Department of Chemical Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University

Short Bio
❝　Antoine Venault graduated from the University of Montpellier (France) in 2010 before moving to Taiwan at the end of 2010 to work as a postdoctor at the R&D Center for Membrane Technology at Chung Yuan Christian University (CYCU). He then became an assistant professor, associate professor and has been a full professor since 2019, all at the department of Chemical Engineering of CYCU. (for more information, please see CV) ❞

HOST
▸　Prof. Jane WANG
▸　Department of Chemical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University

TIME
▸　2024/04/16 (TUE) 13:20 ~ 15:10

VENUE
▸　Classroom 202, Chemical Engineering Building