Page 13 - tech fest 2025 ב״ש חוברת תקצירים

Production and Characterization of TiO2 Complexes with Sulfated Polysaccharide from Red Microalgae
ChE-B-01
Roy Klein; roycl@ac.sce.ac.il
Advisors: Dr. Yoram Shotland1, Prof. Shosh Arad2
1SCE - Shamoon College of Engineering, Be’er-Sheva
2Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Ben-Gurion University, Be’er-Sheva
Red marine microalgal cells are encapsulated within a sulfated polysaccharide (PS), the external part of which dissolves and accumulates in the growth medium. The PS has various bioactivities, e.g., antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-irritating. Due to its negative charge and anion exchange capacities, the PS can form metal complexes (e.g., Cu-PS, Zn-PS and Ti-PS) with synergistic properties. TiO2 particles are stable, non-toxic, biocompatible and UV-absorbing. The goal of this research was to produce TiO2-PS complexes and characterize them. PS (0.7%) was produced and mixed with TiO2 particles [30nm coated (Si, Al), 5-50nm non-coated]. Increasing TiO2 concentrations resulted in higher viscosities, absorption and ζ-potential of the TiO2-PS complexes. Moreover, contact angle measurements indicated the complexes’ hydrophilicity and lipophilicity. Ultimately, TiO2-PS shows potential as a novel biomaterial for industrial use.
Keywords: biomaterials, complexes, microalgae, particles, sulfated polysaccharide, TiO2
Can Monovalent Copper Neutralize PHI6 Virus Infection? Tested as a Model System for Coronavirus
ChE-B-02
Opal Saline Peretz Shmilovich; opalshmi@gmail.com
Advisor: Dr. Yoram Shotland
SCE - Shamoon College of Engineering, Be’er-Sheva
Bacteriophage phi6, an enveloped RNA virus infecting Pseudomonas syringae, structurally resembles SARS-CoV-2 and serves as a model for viral sensitivity to varied treatments. Since the host bacterium is highly sensitive to monovalent copper, to assess its effect on the virus alone, Cu+ was first exposed to the phages and then removed before infection. PD-10 chromatography demonstrated selective retention of Cu+, while phi6 was eluted without significant delay. Cu+ exposure appears to disrupt the viral envelope, alter protein conformation and reduces protein content in later fractions, suggesting decreased infectivity. These effects may result from Cu+-induced oxidative damage. The project poster presents the latest findings on the effect of monovalent copper on the infectivity of phi6 viruses and the implication for corona viruses.
Keywords: antimicrobial metals, bacteriophage phi6, monovalent copper (Cu+), oxidative stress, SARS- CoV-2 model, viral envelope, viral stability
Book of Abstracts | 2025
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