Innovations in food packaging mostly concern food shelf-life and consumer safety by the inhibition or prevention of microbial growth onto food, thanks to the development of antimicrobial active packaging. In particular, bio-based biodegradable polymers and antimicrobial natural compounds generate a growing interest in the sustainability of packaged food. The aim of NanoBAP project is to investigate the potential of electrospun nanofibers in the field of active packaging, through the development of an antimicrobial and antioxidant coating based on biosourced materials for the combined release of multiple natural active compounds from a PLA film. Two strategies based on electrospinning will be fully investigated: from the design and characterisation of physico-chemical properties of the coated films and the release/transfer mechanisms of active compounds up to the evaluation of in vitro and model/simplified food antimicrobial activity. The final innovative proposed packaging solution would be of key importance for the packing of sliced or textured fresh foods. In conclusion, the outcome of this project will generate fully bio-based and biodegradable active films with the potential to substantially mitigate plastic pollution and to reduce food waste. This will make a both scientific and economical step forward to “zero waste” concept.

Iron (Fe) is an essential micronutrient for the development of oceanic biomass, which is one of the main carbon sinks on a global scale. In about 30% of the oceans, the development of this biomass is constrained by an iron deficiency that limits primary production. This deficiency is related to the very low concentrations of soluble Fe (bioaccessible in first approximation) in the surface waters. In order to understand the origin and consequences of these low Fe levels (in the order of ng Fe/L), various models have sought to determine the variability of Fe inputs to the ocean, particularly via aerosols. In the last decade, progress in the measurement of Fe isotopic composition has made it possible to test the sensitivity of these models to spatiotemporal variations in inputs, especially in the case of anthropogenic aerosols, which are known to be highly soluble in cloud water. However, this approach is made difficult by the existence of isotopic fractionation phenomena that would be linked to the dissolution of particles within clouds. Our previous works seem to show that this isotopic effect is linked to the existence of a competition between Fe-ligand complexes in solution and the presence of some similar complexes on the surface of particles. The FAAR project aims to explain these processes through a double approach, both experimental and theoretical. First, it will simulate the dissolution of model Fe aerosol particles in solutions mimicking cloud water, to link the isotopic composition of the soluble Fe to the characteristics of the surface complexes. These model particles are alpha hematite nanoparticles whose crystal growth has been controlled, in order to produce nanoparticles with preferential facets exposed to cloud water. Second, this fractionation will be estimated via quantum chemical methods, based on Ab Initio calculations and compared, in the same way, to the respective stabilities of the surface and solution complexes, in order to conclude on the possibility of extending our simulations to more realistic atmospheric conditions.

The CASiBIO project aims to develop porous Ni(Ru)/SiCxOy catalytic ceramics for dry methane reforming and CO2 methanation reactions, two key reactions in the energy field for which catalyst stability is the main issue.The Polymer Impregnation Pyrolysis (PIP) process is selected to synthesise these objects because it allows for an easy control of the chemical composition (from SiC carbide, to oxycarbide, SiCxOy) and the shaping of the ceramic. To generate the porosity within the material, preforms based on lignocellulosic fibres (LF) will be used. These preforms are selected for their biobased nature, abundance, biodegradability, and ease of chemical modification. We will use paper pulp from the Kraft process, composed of approximately 85% cellulose, which makes it possible to adopt an eco-responsible scientific approach both in the choice of precursors and in the process of shaping the objects. On the surface of these objects, the composition of the SiCxOy support is modulated to optimise heat transfer during catalytic reactions (highly exothermic reaction for methanation; conducted at high temperature for reforming). The project proposes to elucidate the mechanisms of FL - preceramic polymer interactions, and their impact on the final properties of the ceramics. The effect of the method of incorporation of the catalytic elements, Ni(Ru) and dopants (A = ZrO2, CeO2, MgO, TiO2, Al2O3), will also be studied. In this perspective, a coherent and complementary combination of structural and microstructural characterisations (SEM-FIB, EELS-EDS-STEM, X-ray tomography, DRX) and physico-chemical investigations (rheology of precursors, IR, NMR, XPS spectroscopies, porosimetry) is proposed. The geometric modelling of the objects developed, based on fine microstructural characterisations, will allow the 3D visualisation of the fluid simulations carried out in order to evaluate the mass transfers. After optimisation (support and active phases), the Ni(Ru)-A/SiCxOy catalysts will be tested for methanation and methane reforming reactions. The assessment of the catalytic performances will be carried out under conditions close to the real operating conditions, by determining the impact of recurrent poisons (H2S, NH3) and of the reaction duration on the performances of the catalytic ceramics. These data sets will lead to the establishment of the microstructure/catalytic properties relationships of these complex materials. This multidisciplinary project associates 4 research laboratories with complementary skills: (i) the Institute of Research for CERamics (IRCER) for the development and characterisation of porous ceramics from functionalised LFs; (ii) XLIM, ffor the implementation of the modelling and visualisation approach of the objects, as well as for the realization of computer simulations; (iii) the Catalysis and Solid State Chemistry Unit (UCCS) for the optimisation of the catalytic formulation in terms of composition and dispersion; (iv) the Environmental Chemistry and Interactions with the Living Environment Unit (UCEIV) for the measurement of catalytic activity (reforming reaction, methanation) and the determination of the deactivation mechanisms of the catalysts.

The aim of the CDeePL project is to design new biocompatible Porous Liquids (PLs) able of selectively dissolving target molecules. These innovative materials will be obtained by dispersing Cyclodextrin-Metal-Organic Frameworks (CD-MOFs) in Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs). The use of biocompatible starting materials (CD-MOFs and DESs) will enlarge the range of applications of PLs, as smart delivery platforms, within the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic sectors. The originality of our approach lies on the never explored combination of the recognized properties of CDs and MOFs, as hosts, with DESs, as liquid media, to form fluids with permanent porosity. These new hybrid materials will be fully characterized by combining structural techniques, analytical investigations, thermodynamics and computational studies. The ability of these novel PLs to act as delivery platforms will be investigated by evaluating their biocompatibility and stability. They will be then evaluated for their ability to solubilize poorly aqueous soluble (i.e. quercetin, resveratrol, ibuprofen) or volatile (i.e. trans-anethole, sevoflurane) molecules used as model bioactive compounds. The release profile of the solubilized compounds will be further examined. The molecular mechanisms involved in the selective solvation of the bioactive compounds will be also assessed theoretically by state-of-the-art molecular simulations. The findings of this project will encourage the use of the obtained tailorable hybrid materials, toward specific applications, notably those that require biocompatibility.

The project AIRQALI 4 ASMAFRI (hence A4A) will examine the air pollution-asthma relationship in urban West Africa, where different types of air pollution sources (anthropogenic and natural) are combined. A4A will focus on asthma in children in sub-Saharan Africa because: i) This complex chronic inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract is an excellent model for studying the health impacts of air pollution; ii) Sub-Saharan Africa is the low- and middle-income region of the world where asthma prevalence among adolescents (13-14 years) is highest (15.3%); iii) Asthma is under-recognised, under-diagnosed, under-treated, and insufficiently prevented in this region. It is a major noncommunicable disease which remains little studied and not sufficiently considered in public policy priorities in Africa, including Benin. A4A will be based in Cotonou, the economic capital of Benin, which is particularly affected by air pollution. Traffic-related pollution is one of the main contributors to air pollution, especially near some schools in the inner city where NO2 levels are high. Annual average concentrations of PM2.5 are also well above the WHO guideline, as are VOCs (benzene), ultrafine particles associated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). A4A aims to amplify evidence-based decision-making of policy actors on health and air quality issues. The project's research efforts will aim to demonstrate that a less polluted air both indoors and outdoors can help alleviate the burden of asthma in children by reducing asthma exacerbations and improving lung capacity. Because the project is solution oriented, A4A will show that health literacy in children and their families on asthma and the provision of real-time air pollution information promote more protective behaviours, more effective care, and better children’s quality of life. A4A will also provide policy support and technical guidance - locally adapted and meeting country-specific needs – to manage air pollution health risks and set up an air quality warning system. To achieve these goals, we set the following objectives: Implement: • A long-term follow-up (3 years) of a schoolchildren cohort (aged 13-14 years) with diagnosed asthma; and the collection for the first time in Africa of environmental, social, and medical data to better understand the links between air pollution and asthma in children. • A cohort-targeted air pollution warning system, with sensors in schools and living areas. Produce: • Time series at local scale of air pollution exposure to PMs. • Measurements of personal exposure to pollutants as a continuum, in indoors (household, classroom, etc.) and outdoors (during outdoor activities and school-home commuting, etc.). • Unbiased and repeated measurements of lung function, oxidative stress, and airway inflammation in children with asthma. Analyse: • Characterise air pollutants and children’s exposure (indoor and outdoor). Analyse the nature and toxicity of primary contaminants, and measure the external exposure dose, personal exposure (school/commute/home) and their biological effects (biomarkers). • Determine pollutant thresholds in relation to asthma risks. Model the relationship between pollution, weather factors and exacerbation episodes. • Identify the modifiable risk factors by controlling confounding variables. Study the role of environmental factors in asthma and of socio-spatial vulnerability factors on air pollution exposure related to child asthma. Provide: • A demonstrator to model future urban air pollution scenarios and their health impacts. • The development of a self-management care package, including personalized health education and counselling using the project’s datasets. • Training materials to support capacity building for college teachers and health staff to raise awareness about exposure to air pollution and adverse health effects among schoolchildren. • A project for a pre-operational air pollution warning system in Cotonou.