WP1: Mechanical Disruption
Task 1.1: pre-requisites for cavitation
biomass (hardwood chips and straw) chemical characterization, different milling techniquesperformed. surface characterization showed difference in the pore structure.
Task 1.2: optimization of cavitation parameters
The influence of particle size on the sonication pre-treatment was evaluated.
Task 1.3: impact of cavitation on biomass structure
Ultrasound treated samples surface characterization performed. Further pretreatment with ultrasonication and hydrodynamic cavitation in 10 % sodium hydroxide(UNITO).
WP2: Matrix Disintegration
Task 2.1: CO2 Hemicellulose Hydrolysis
subcritical and supercritical carbon dioxide hydrolysis at a high pressure
Task 2.2: High frequency sonochemical disruption
high-frequency transducer was developed for biomass treatment Whand samples were sonicated at 500 kHz.
Task 2.3: Integration of the proposed technologies
ultrasound probe (40 kHz) installed into existing Sc-CO2 extraction unit CO2 (ScCO2) tests were carried out. A specialized transducer design was needed
Task 2.4: Characterization of the lignin-derived fractions
analysis of solid and liquid samples and characterized lignin-derived fractions
WP3: Biocatalysis Design
Task 3.1: Enzymatic Digestibility studies
Samples tested with enzymatic hydrolysis The best soluble sugar yields reached with ultrasonication in sodium hydroxide.
Task 3.2: New enzymes for improved hydrolysis
Three novel fungal beta-glucosidases used for EH.
Task 3.3: Increase of enzyme yields
For increase, homemade enzyme cocktails from Trichoderma reesei 101 strain were used.
WP4: Sugar Recovery
Task4.1: Optimized Hydrolysis
Efforts focused on search for greener pre-treatment conditions.
Task 4.2: Sugar Recovery
NF allows obtaining two aqueous streams: one enriched in xylose and another in glucose.
Task 4.3: sugar suitability for fermentation
enzymatic hydrolysis liquor is fermentable without further purification.
WP5: Value-added products
Task 5.1: energetic valorization solids
pellets analysed
Task 5.2: lignin derived antioxidants
lignins precipitated revealed an antioxidant activity significantly poorer than that in commercial lignins.
Task 5.3:Polymer building blocks
lignin enriched solids were characterized for application as a component of polymeric composites.
Task 5.4:adhesives and resins
valuable phenolic blocks and good yields of bio-oil, up to 42% of the initial lignocellulosic biomass, were obtained .
WP6:Upscaling and Pilot testing
Task 6.1: Upscaling the pretreatment step
An upscaled modular of two 3 kW ultrasonic reactors Vertical reactor.
Task 6.2: Upscaling the hydrolysis step
Enzyme cocktail developed and produced from shake flasks to fed batch fermentation
Task 6.3 : Upscaling of the extraction and valorisation technologies
two sugar streams enriched in xylose and glucose obtained by countercurrent multistage NF cascade
Task 6.4: Biorefinery Integration
integrated system built in partner’s facilities, VTT and after again at TTZ.
Task 6.5: Pilot scale Testing
Pilot scale testing was performed in March 2019 on wheat straw biomass and pre-treatment process evaluation with wheat bran in May-June 2019.
WP7: Process Evaluation
Task 7.1: Cost-benefit Analysis adaptation
Eco- efficiency approach for lignocellulose decomposition processes developed.
Task 7.2: LCA by LDEE approach
Using UMBERTO NXT LCA, the comparative material flows performed and applied “ecoinvent v3” database
WP8:Dissemination Activities
Task 8.1: Scientific Dissemination performed (publication, conferencea, posters)
Task 8.2: Business Dissemination
Bio Market Insights banner produced. Project video was produced, published press release
WP9: Project Management
General coordination, Administrative project coordination, and IPR & innovation management
VTT has submitted 2 patents application on novel beta-glucosidases in June 2018
Results exploitation and dissemination:
business-oriented activities were performed also in the last 6 months of the project during pilot scale tests. A key focus within the marketing strategy was the demonstration of the process itself and push market penetration forward. Contacts with potential clients (biorefineries, bioethanol plants, bio-plastics producer, pharmaceutical industry, etc.) were facilitated during the project by an introduction of the technology in trade fairs and other promotional events by presenting in scientific conferences and scientific articles and via the Bio Based Industries Network. The project also produced a video. US4greenchem marketing value of technologies developed must be made in demo scale, where large industrial-scale process brings costs down and efficiency of process up.
