Research project MINECO

Study and development of surface functionalization processes of lignocellulosic supports applying enzymatic systems (BIOSURFACEL)

 

The project  aims to study and develop procedures for the biomodification of lignocellulosic supports by means of surface application of biotechnological methods based on the use of enzymes and different natural compounds. These surface enzymatic treatments will confer new properties to the support, providing high added-value products and/or alternative products to the existing synthetic ones by the use of more sustainable and environmentally friendly processes.

 

Entity

Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness

Head

Roncero, M.B.

Code project

CTQ2012-34109.

 

Dates

Start date: 1/2/13

End date: 31/1/16

 

Group linked

CELBIOTECH (Research Group: Engineering and Biotechnological of Lignocellulosic and Paper Materials)

Research project MINECO

Biomodification of wood and nonwood fibres to develop new cellulose based products (BIOFIBRECELL)

 

Plant biomass, the main source of renewable materials on Earth, is a resource of increasing use and technological applications in industry. Cellulose, which represents over 50% of biomass, is widely used for the production of pulp and paper products, and cellulose derivatives for the textile, pharmaceutical and food industries. Most of cellulose comes from wood, but some non-wood fibres are used for high-prize speciality papers and other products. The increasing demand for cellulose based products and the interest for developing sustainable technologies further a detailed study of enzymes that hydrolyze and/or modify plant cell wall polymers. Enzymatic technologies have high potential in the pulp and paper industry to develop biotechnological processes to reduce of energy consumption and environmental impact, and to obtain new cellulose based products.

 

Entity

Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness

Head

Vidal, T.

Code project

CTQ2010-20238-C03-01

Dates

Start date: 1/1/11

End date: 31/12/13

 

Group linked

CELBIOTECH (Research Group: Engineering and Biotechnological of Lignocellulosic and Paper Materials)

Research project AGAUR

Biodegradation of xenobiotics and natural products: basics and applications in clean technologies

 

The research activity of the group is to design and develop priority biotechnology tools and strategies to minimize the environmental impact of industry and human activity, and reduce pollution. The most important objective of the group, who have been central fields of study since the beginning of the group as a Research Group and continue in force for the coming years are:

• Preventing and reducing the generation of pollutants by industrial activity and human
• Biotechnological methods for removing contaminants
• Development of Clean Production Technologies: Sustainable Technologies
• Bioconversió and recovery remains Agroforestry in value-added products
• Optimization technologies and industrial waste recycling
• Environmental technology transfer to government and private sector.

 

 

Entity

AGAUR

Head

Vidal, T.

Code project

AGAUR 2009 SGR 00327

Dates

Start date: 16/12/2008

End date: 15/12/2013

 

Group linked

CELBIOTECH (Research Group: Engineering and Biotechnological of Lignocellulosic and Paper Materials)

Research project MICINN

Functionalisation of lignocellulosic fibres applying laccase mediator systems using natural phenolic compounds (FUNCICEL)

 

 

 

 

 

This project stems from the interest in promoting changes in the paper industry in the light of innovation and sustainability trying to incorporate technologies more friendly with environment. Moreover, we will try to develop novelty products obtained through more sustainable processes based on de Biorefinery concept which use natural and renewable sources. Thus, the general objective of this project is to develop new processes of modification both chemically and enzimatically of the cellulosic fibres of wood and non wood origin, with the final target of modifying or conferring to the fibres new properties, giving raise to novelty paper products with high performances produced from more sustainable processes and at the same time environmental friendly.

 

Entity

Ministry of Science and Innovation (MICINN)

Head

Roncero M.B.

Code project

CTQ2009-12904

Dates

Start date: 01/01/2010

End date: 31/12/2012

 

Group linked

CELBIOTECH (Research Group: Engineering and Biotechnological of Lignocellulosic and Paper Materials)

Research project MEC

Study and development of new processes for ECF and TCF paper recycling by biotechnological means to obtain high quality fibers (BIOFIBER)

 

The project is motivated by the interest of paper industry for paper recovery. This interest is based on two social determinants: need for preserving raw materials, compatible with the increasing use of manufactured products, and need for protecting environment, because of the elimination of industrial and urban wastes. On the other hand, the application of biotechnological techniques in industrial production is considered of great importance because their potential in the improvement of paper recycling process and in the production of products of enhanced quality.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Entity

MEC

Head

Vidal T.

Code project

CTQ2007-68003-C02-01

Dates

Start date: 01/10/2008

End date: 30/09/2011

 

Group linked

CELBIOTECH (Research Group: Engineering and Biotechnological of Lignocellulosic and Paper Materials)

EU Research Project

White Biotechnology for added products from renewable plant polymers: Design of taylor-made biocataysts and new industrial bioprocesses.BIORENEW

 

The general objective of the IP is to obtain a new generation of tailor-made enzymes as an environmental technology to substitute harsh chemicals in industrial processing of plant polymers for added-value products, as well as to develop completely new enzyme-based bioprocesses and bioproducts from these renewable feedstocks.

 

Entity

European Union

Head

Vidal T.

Code project

NMP2-CT-2006-026456

Dates

Start date: 01/01/2006

End date: 31/12/2010

 

Group linked

CELBIOTECH (Research Group: Engineering and Biotechnological of Lignocellulosic and Paper Materials)

Research project MEC

Development of new bleaching processes for paper pulps of high quality and strategic interest using improved enzymatic systems (ENZPULP)

 

The aim of the project stems from the well known environmental problems concerning the pollution due to the chemicals used during paper pulps bleaching. In this sense, benefits derived from the use of biotechnological methods in the industrial processes can be of an utmost importance. Moreover, the project takes into account the growing interest for the use of new non-wood raw materials, to manufacture pulps for papers of high added value, and the use of eucalypt fibres as strategic raw material. The most relevant aspects of this project are: i) design of new enzymatic systems based on the use of ligninolytic oxidoreductases of phenoloxydase type (laccases) and compounds which behave as redox mediators. ii) Application of these new systems to totally-chlorine free (TCF) bleaching.

 

Entity

MEC

Head

Colom J.F.

Code project

CTQ2005-08925-C02-01/PPQ

Dates

Start date: 31/12/2005

End date: 31/12/2008

 

Group linked

CELBIOTECH (Research Group: Engineering and Biotechnological of Lignocellulosic and Paper Materials)

Research project MEC

Treatments in materials and commissioning work mortar based on cement, reinforced with fibers (FIBRACEM)

 

The aim of the project stems from the well known environmental problems concerning the pollution due to the chemicals used during paper pulps bleaching. In this sense, benefits derived from the use of biotechnological methods in the industrial processes can be of an utmost importance. Moreover, the project takes into account the growing interest for the use of new non-wood raw materials, to manufacture pulps for papers of high added value, and the use of eucalypt fibres as strategic raw material. The most relevant aspects of this project are: i) design of new enzymatic systems based on the use of ligninolytic oxidoreductases of phenoloxydase type (laccases) and compounds which behave as redox mediators. ii) Application of these new systems to totally-chlorine free (TCF) bleaching.

 

Entity

MEC

Head

García-Hortal

Code project

BIA2005-05870

Dates

Start date: 31/12/2005

End date: 31/12/2008

 

Group linked

CELBIOTECH (Research Group: Engineering and Biotechnological of Lignocellulosic and Paper Materials)

Research project CIRIT

Biodegradation of xenobiotics and natural products: basics and applications in clean technologies

 

The guidelines for the project are: i) Development of microbial and enzymatic processes to reduce environmental pollution, and biotechnological tools to prevent the generation of pollutants. ii) Establishment of methods for removal of toxic pollutants bioremediation. iii) Use of industrial and urban waste for recycling or for bioconversió in value-added products. iv) Development of sustainable production methods respectful of the environment. v) Provide information technology projects and environmental alternatives to the Government of Catalonia and the Catalan industries.

 

Entity

CIRIT

 

Head

Code project

CIRIT 2005-SGR 00327

Dates

Start date: 1/1/2005

End date: 31/12/2008

 

Group linked

CELBIOTECH (Research Group: Engineering and Biotechnological of Lignocellulosic and Paper Materials)

Research project MEC

Development of new processes for paper recycling

 

The project is motivated by the interest of paper industry for paper recovery. This interest is based on two social determinants: need for preserving raw materials, compatible with the increasing use of manufactured products, and need for protecting environment, because of the elimination of industrial and urban wastes. On the other hand, the application of biotechnological techniques in industrial production is considered of great importance because its potential in the improvement of paper recycling process and in the production of products of enhanced quality. The most relevant aspects of the proposal are: a) Characterization and development of new enzymes- cellulases- and identification of the traits that determine their applicability on paper recycling, b) study of refining and bleaching of recycled fibres with the use of cellulases, analysing their influence on the properties of pulps, paper and effluents, and c) better understanding of performance of cellulases on fibres and of their relation to effects on refining and bleaching of recycled fibres.

 

Entity

MEC

Head

Code project

CTQ2004-07560-C02-01/PPQ

Dates

Start date: 28/12/2004

End date: 27/12/2007

 

Group linked

CELBIOTECH (Research Group: Engineering and Biotechnological of Lignocellulosic and Paper Materials)