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Resource rEcovery FRom novel Assisted MEtabolism

Project description

Exploiting cellulosic sewage and bacterial metabolism to produce novel bio-based compounds

REFRAME project aims to upgrade wastewater treatment plants into Water Resource Recovery Facilities in which wastewater and sewage sludge are used as raw materials for the production of different bio-based compounds. Wastewater contains important biomolecules whose recovery can support production of other compounds. Among these 'waste' molecules is cellulose, the main constituent of toilet paper. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the REFRAME project will develop a novel approach harnessing bacterial metabolism to valorise cellulosic primary sludge by recovering cellulose and converting it into compounds such as bio-based volatile fatty acids and polyhydroxyalkanoates for energy and feed for animals applications, respectively.

Objective

The new policies issued by the European Commission support the concept of bioeconomy and circular economy to develop a new value chain in the market across the implementation of innovative technologies for the production of bio-based compounds from (bio)waste and wastewater. In this scenario, REFRAME project aims to upgrade wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) into Water Resource Recovery Facilities (WRRF) in which wastewater and sewage sludge are used as raw materials for the production of different bio-based compounds. A bio-based compound is defined as a product that is derived from materials of biological origin. The main objective of REFRAME is to develop a new hybrid biological system assisted by an oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) based control for the combined production and purification processes of targeted bio-based volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). REFRAME will be the platform for chemicals, precursors for bioplastics, and feed ingredients ready for the market. A WWTP becomes a WRRF that attempts to produce valuable and marketable bio-based products, such as cellulose by utilizing the organic matter from the wastewater as raw material. The recovery of cellulosic primary sludge (CPS) could be biologically converted to other bio-based compounds, such as VFAs and PHAs. The project will advance the state of the art of the field by the investigation of a new type of bioprocess and bacterial metabolisms to fill the current lack of the long-term stability, quality, and purity of isolated bio-based compounds (VFAs and PHAs) produced from CPS as raw materials.

The applicant has a proven record of biological processes control, a fundamental skill required for REFRAME. He will thrive in the environment of the University of Verona, department of biotechnology. This project will enrich and broaden the applicant's expertise in this field and fortify his international research career.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Keywords

Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)

Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2021-PF-01

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Coordinator

UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI VERONA
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 215 937,60
Address
VIA DELL ARTIGLIERE 8
37129 Verona
Italy

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Region
Nord-Est Veneto Verona
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

No data

Partners (3)

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