Content description of the project
In collaboration with the Jerzy Haber Institute of Catalysis and Surface Chemistry (ICSC PAS) in Poland, this project focuses on developing sustainable approaches for biomass valorisation within the circular economy framework. Its main goal is to convert underutilised biomass (e.g. waste fatty acids, glycerol, sugar-rich streams) into biopolymers, particularly polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), using microbial fermentation. The produced PHAs will be depolymerised into (R)-3-hydroxyacids, which will serve as building blocks for the synthesis of natural deep eutectic solvents (DES). These solvents offer tunable physicochemical properties and represent environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional solvents. Special emphasis will be placed on responsive DES (RDES), which can reversibly change their properties under external stimuli (e.g. temperature, pH), enabling improved separation and recyclability. The project also incorporates aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS) as a green downstream processing strategy for efficient extraction of biopolymers and biomolecules, achieving high recovery yields with reduced environmental impact. Research will focus on optimising extraction of PHAs and on protein hydrolysis from wastbe streams such as expired milk or whey, with the potential for simultaneous separation of products. By integrating biorefinery concepts, DES, and ATPS, the project aims to develop innovative, cost-effective, and sustainable technologies for biomass processing and waste reduction.
Partners
Prof Maciej Guzik, PhD DsC, Jerzy Haber Institute of Catalysis and Surface Chemistry Polish Academy of Sciences, https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7999-6645
Dr Robert Karcz, eng., Jerzy Haber Institute of Catalysis and Surface Chemistry Polish Academy of Sciences, https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9780-8214
Dr Joanna Kryściak-Czerwenka, Jerzy Haber Institute of Catalysis and Surface Chemistry Polish Academy of Sciences, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9344-3155
