Τhe following results can be considered beyond the state-of-the-art and in line with the initial Project targeted goals and impact:
1. The testing of ne multicatalytic enzymes.
2. The performance of a special class of bacteria for the design of syngas fermentation
3. The new catalysts and process models for the analysis of direct hydrogenation of lignin.
4. Improving design of biorefinery knowledge model (BiOnto ontology).
5. Development of an ontology for waste streams property characterization.
6. Methods for scaling up biorefineries had been developed, including scaling up approaches for estimating capital and production cost.
7. Sustainability assessment metrics for biorefineries had been developed, including the implementation of machine learning techniques for models’ development.
8. Innovative approaches for syngas valorization have been investigated through industrial synthesis gas fermentation into fuels and chemicals.
9. Production of bio-adhesives through the integration of microalgae cultivation with WWTPs’ processes has been performed.
10. The efficiency of process models for chemo-catalytic transformation of glycerol to various chemicals (lactic acid, 1,2- and 1,3-propanediol, allyl alcohol, epichlorohydrin, acrylic acid, glycerol carbonate), had been tested.
11. Baseline scenarios had been developed for lignin extraction/utilization processes, direct hydrogenation of lignin, unsaturated fatty acids cleavage processing and citrus peel transformation into pectin.
RENESENG II main output was the formation of a knowledge baseline for the documentation and expansion of bio-systems engineering concept which can be practically implemented through the valorization of approximately all types of biowaste streams (municipal, industrial and agricultural). From this perspective, RENESENG II has strengthen the potential of these industries in terms of expanding the portfolio of products which are contributing at the transition from linear to circular economy models of business development. This transition brings forward major socio-economic benefits as new and innovative products can be competitive against conventional ones and furthermore, more sustainable in terms of their environmental performance. In this framework, the use of ‘green’ and/or ‘greener’ products, besides the creation of business opportunities, it is cultivating the environmental consciousness of the public by switching their preferences towards the selection of products which are not harming the environment.
