Isosorbide

Researchers take an important step towards the production of fully biobased, rigid polyesters. They present a simple, yet innovative, synthesis strategy to overcome the inherently low reactivity of biobased secondary diols and arrive at polyesters that have very good mechanical- and thermal properties, and at the same time high molecular weights. It enables the production of very strong and durable biobased plastics from building blocks that are already commercially available. In a recent paper in Nature Communications, researchers at the Industrial Sustainable Chemistry group led by Prof. Gert-Jan Gruter take an important step towards the production of fully biobased, rigid polyesters. They present a simple, yet innovative, synthesis strategy to overcome the inherently low reactivity of biobased secondary diols and arrive at polyesters that have very good mechanical- and thermal properties, and at the same time high molecular weights. It enables the production of very strong and durable biobased plastics from building blocks that are already commercially available. The research described in the Nature Communications paper was carried out within the RIBIPOL project funded by the Dutch Research Council NWO with contributions from industry, notably LEGO and Avantium. The toy company supported the project as part of the search for non-fossil alternatives for its plastic bricks. Avantium is interested in bottle- and film applications. First author of the paper is PhD student Daniel Weinland, who graduated on 27 October. In total, 5 PhD students are involved in the RIBIPOL project, of which 2 have defended their thesis recently. In general, polyester plastics are synthesized from small dialcohol and diacid molecules. These monomers are coupled in a condensation reaction, resulting in a long polymer chain of molecular building blocks in an alternating fashion. The macroscopic material properties result both from the number of building blocks that make up the polymer chain, and from the inherent properties of the monomers. In particular their rigidity is key to a firm, strong and durable plastic. In this regard, the glucose-derived dialcohol isosorbide is unique among potential biobased monomers. It has a very rigid molecular structure and is already industrially available. However, isosorbide is rather unreactive, and in the past two decades it has proven quite challenging to obtain useful isosorbide-based polyesters. It was nearly impossible to arrive at sufficiently long polymer chains (to achieve a certain ductility) while incorporating sufficiently high amounts of isosorbide (to arrive at a strong and durable material). Incorporating an aryl alcohol Weinland and his RIBIPOL colleagues have overcome this impasse by incorporating an aryl alcohol in the polymerization process. This leads to in situ formation of reactive aryl esters and a significant enhancement of the end group reactivity during polycondensation, the last stage of polyester synthesis when isosorbides low reactivity inhibits chain growth in traditional melt polyesterification. As a result, high molecular weight materials could be produced with incorporation of high fractions of the biobased, rigid secondary diol, even up to 100 mol%. For the first time high molecular weight poly(isosorbide succinate) could be produced, the polyester obtained from isosorbide and succinic acid. The resulting strong plastics outperform existing plastics like PET in terms of heat resistance, which is for instance relevant for re-use -- think of washing bottles that takes place at 85 °C. The isosorbide-based polymers also show promising barrier and mechanical properties that can outperform common fossil-based materials. The novel polymerisation approach described in the paper is characterized by operational simplicity and the use of standard polyester synthesis equipment. It suits both existing and novel polyester compositions; the researchers foresee exploration of previously inaccessible polyester compositions based on monomers with a low reactivity but also the application of similar methods in other classes of polymers such as polyamides and polycarbonates.

The symptoms of achalasia include chest pain, weight loss, heartburn, regurgitation, nocturnal coughing, dysphagia and postprandial aspiration, among others. Dysphagia is the most common symptom in patients suffering from achalasia. The causes of achalasia are still unknown. Achalasia is associated with abnormalities of oesophageal peristalsis. Achalasia treatment involves the removal of obstructions caused because the lower oesophageal sphincter muscle fails to relax. Drugs such as isosorbide or nifedipine can provide some relief to patients suffering from achalasia. It is estimated that approximately 70% of achalasia cases are more effectively treated by the enlargement of the lower oesophageal sphincter muscle through a procedure known as pneumatic balloon dilation. Achalasia generally affects adults aged between 25 and 60 years. However, it is likely to occur at any age, including childhood. The symptoms of achalasia appear gradually. People suffering from achalasia are expected to be at the risk of developing oesophageal cancer. Request a Sample Report here - North America to Continue Dominating Global Market Geographically, the global achalasia treatment market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), Japan and the Middle East and Africa (MEA). North America is expected to continue to dominate the global achalasia treatment market owing to the presence of prominent key players and favourable reimbursement scenario in the region. The Asia Pacific achalasia treatment market is expected to grow at a maximum CAGR over the forecast period due to the entry of new players in the region and increasing awareness about achalasia treatment. The Middle East & Africa and Latin America regions are expected to hold a minimum market share in the global achalasia treatment market owing to lack of strategies for access to treatments for achalasia. Over the forecast period, achalasia treatment market is expected to witness moderate growth. Approximately 85-90% of achalasia cases can be treated with surgical procedures. During surgical procedures, the muscle fibres in the lower oesophageal sphincter are cut. Among surgical treatment types, the Heller Myotomy segment is expected to lead in the global achalasia treatment market over the forecast period. The hospitals end-user segment is expected to contribute to the maximum market share in the global achalasia treatment market. Achalasia treatment for patients majorly focuses on the improvement of symptoms. Request TOC of Report Here - Current Inadequacy of Healthcare Infra May Impede Market Development Increasing research grants and R&D expenditure form governments is driving the growth of the global achalasia treatment market. Rising government support is encouraging the development of treatment options for achalasia and are expected to change the landscape of achalasia treatment over the forecast period (2018-2028). Furthermore, the presence of a small number of affected people is likely to put a severe strain on the healthcare system. Rare disorders are supported by well-organized patient advocacy organizations such as National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). However, inadequate treatment information about achalasia among healthcare providers is expected to restrain the global achalasia treatment market. In addition, awareness and understanding of rare disorders such as achalasia are often low and several patients are struggling to find adequate information about it. These factors are also expected to hamper the growth of the global achalasia treatment market. Explore Fact.MR’s Lucid Healthcare Coverage Drug Discovery Services Market – Increase in the research and development activities and expenditure, leading pharmaceutical companies moving towards outsourcing are some of the factors resulting in the growth of drug discovery services Fluid Management Market – The rise in incidences of End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) has pushed up demand for dialysis products, thus augmenting the global fluid management market. The market is poised to be leveraged moderately at a CAGR of 5.3% during the forecast period (2020-2025). About Fact.MR Market research and consulting agency with a difference! That’s why 80% of Fortune 1,000 companies trust us for making their most critical decisions. While our experienced consultants employ the latest technologies to extract hard-to-find insights, we believe our USP is the trust clients have on our expertise. Spanning a wide range – from automotive & industry 4.0 to healthcare & retail, our coverage is expansive, but we ensure even the most niche categories are analyzed. Our sales offices in Rockville, United States and Ireland. Headquarter based in Dubai, UAE. Reach out to us with your goals, and we’ll be an able research partner. Contact: US Sales Office: 11140 Rockville Pike Suite 400 Rockville, MD 20852 United States Tel: +1 (628) 251-1583 E: sales@factmr.com Corporate Headquarter: Unit No: AU-01-H Gold Tower (AU), Plot No: JLT-PH1-I3A, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai, United Arab Emirates