Department of Chemical Engineering Seminar 2025-Dr. Varvara Sygouni (Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras)

Abstract

Chemical Engineering plays a significant role in the control and optimization of heterogeneous dispersion systems, such as colloids and suspensions. These systems are the main components of products with controlled micro-scale dimensions, such as crystals for targeted drug delivery applications and emulsions for the formulation of cosmetic products.

In this lecture, innovative Chemical Engineering processes developed and applied for the investigation and control of the physicochemical properties of such systems will be presented. The first section focuses on suspension stabilization, which is significant for ensuring homogeneity over extended time periods, as well as on methodologies for the physicochemical characterization of natural muds (with applications in cosmetics).

The second section is focused on the investigation of crystal growth mechanisms as well as dissolution mechanisms in microfluidic systems, using supersaturated solutions. The effect of organic phases and surfactants on crystal nucleation and growth is examined.

Finally, particular emphasis is placed on the role of interfacial phenomena and hydrodynamic conditions in controlling these processes. The effects of solid surface wettability, surface tensions, and flow conditions on crystal formation and dissolution are analyzed, highlighting the potential of Chemical Engineering to predict and mitigate undesirable phenomena.

Speakers Short CV

Varvara Sygouni is a Chemical Engineer, holding an M.Sc. in Process Simulation, Optimization, and Control (2005) and a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering (2007) from the Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras, Greece. She has worked as a researcher in a large number of national, European, and private-funded projects at IFP Energies Nouvelles (France), the Environmental Technology Laboratory (Department of Civil Engineering, University of Patras), as well as the Laboratories of Analytical & Inorganic Chemistry and Transport Phenomena & Physicochemical Hydrodynamics (Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras – FORTH/ICE-HT).

She was the Principal Investigator of the three-year research project “WetμFluid – Effect of Pore Surface Wettability on Mineral Scaling: a μFluidic approach”, funded by the Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation (HFRI). She is a scientific associate of the Directorate of Environment, Climate Resilience and Spatial Planning of the Region of Western Greece, as well as of the Institute of Industrial Systems.

She has taught for more than six years at the University of Patras and the Technological Educational Institute of Patras (now University of the Peloponnese). She has supervised more than 20 undergraduate theses, one completed Ph.D. dissertation (currently one in progress), and 20 Master’s theses at the Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras, and the Hellenic Open University.

Her research activity lies within the field of Chemical Engineering Processes, with applications in colloids and suspensions, with expertise in:

• Crystallization in channels and porous media, investigating the effects of organic components, surfactants, and surface wettability on crystal morphology and growth kinetics, using microfluidic channels and devices.

• Stabilization, rheological behavior, and characterization of colloidal suspensions, including nanoparticle transport and retention in porous materials.

• Recovery and isolation of bioactive compounds (e.g., phenolics and organic acids) from agro-industrial residues using solid-liquid extraction and supercritical CO₂ extraction, adsorption on resins/desorption, and separation using polymeric membranes, from laboratory to pilot scale.

Her research outcomes have been published in international peer-reviewed scientific journals, in a book chapter, and presented at national and international scientific conferences. She has also co-edited the book Transport Processes and Separation Process Principles Fifth Edition (Christie John Geankoplis, A. Allen Hersel, Daniel H. Lepek).