Biopolymer Chemistry

Department of Biotechnology

When simple organic molecules are combined into long chains, we get polymers with totally different properties. The most important biopolymers are DNA and RNA, proteins and polysaccharides. Their building blocs are nucleotides, amino acids and carbohydrates (sugar) respectively.

Illustrasjonsbilde/FOTO

NTNU boasts a most active and committed academic environment which has specialized within polysaccharides from marine giant kelps (alginates) and Crustacean (chitosans), in addition to some plant polysaccharides (including sphagnan) and fish collagen. These have several established areas of application in industry, but new areas such as medicine and pharmacy are continuously growing in importance.

We study the genetics and biosynthesis of biopolymers, as well as their enormous diversity of chemical structures. Our focus is in particular on the connection between structure and polymer properties, how they interact with other molecules, and how they can form solutions and jellies with unique properties. The teaching includes both the basic chemistry and physical properties of biopolymers and methods of characterization.

Early in their studies, our students establish contact with research and development projects through laboratory experiments, project assignments and master’s theses. Further more, the students cooperate with industry, both at national and international levels.

Welcome as a student within a fascinating field where NTNU is the leading university in Norway!