Project description DEENESFRITPL Hydrogels that are naturally good for the environment Discovered more than 50 years ago, hydrogels are widely used in the food industry to absorb moisture released from foods and extend shelf life. Hydrogels are also used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. The EU-funded SAPHIRE project will develop alternative, environmentally friendly, plant based hydrogels from natural polymers. Unlike synthetic hydrogels, these are non-toxic and biodegradable. Specifically, the project will convert polysaccharides from underutilised agricultural residues to high-quality bio-based hydrogels that can substitute for synthetic petroleum-based non biodegradable hydrogels. Show the project objective Hide the project objective Objective Celignis is an SME service provider focused on the compositional analysis of biomass for advanced biofuels and biorefinery applications. We are also active in several research projects related to the analysis, pre-treatment, and valorisation of biomass. Celignis is now expanding its horizons to develop innovative solutions for the production of biobased products, such as hydrogels from plant biomass. SAPHIRE “Self-Assembling Plant-based Hydrogels Induced by Redox Enzymes” is a novel process designed to produce environmentally-friendly, 100% plant-based hydrogels for food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. Hydrogels from natural polymers, especially polysaccharides, are non-toxic and biodegradable, unlike synthetic hydrogels. The SAPHIRE process converts polysaccharides from underutilised agricultural residues to high-quality biobased hydrogels that can substitute for synthetic petroleum-based non-biodegradable hydrogels. The production of hydrogels from plant cell wall components using specially-designed enzyme cocktails is the key innovation of the SAPHIRE process. Celignis aims to grow as an actor in the biobased products industry by implementing the disruptive innovating SAPHIRE technology. However, while the laboratory infrastructure and many of the key multidisciplinary skills required for advancing the concept exist at Celignis, the innovation project needs additional research and development, particularly in the area of enzymes and plant cell wall modifications. An Innovation Associate, recruited through the Horizon 2020 INNOSUP programme, will complement the interdisciplinary innovation team of Celignis and fast-track the research to realise the potential of SAPHIRE. The Innovation Associate will benefit from integrating in Celignis’s dynamic and creative entrepreneurship environment and from training programs designed for personal and professional skills development and for setting a clear path to the scale-up and commercialisation of research. Fields of science social scienceseconomics and businessbusiness and managemententrepreneurshipnatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculescarbohydratesengineering and technologyindustrial biotechnologybiomaterialsbiofuelsnatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteinsenzymesagricultural sciencesagricultural biotechnologybiomass Keywords enzymes redox hydrogels xylan nanocellulose biomass bioproducts lignocellulose biocatalysis Programme(s) H2020-EU.2.3. - INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Innovation In SMEs Main Programme H2020-EU.2.3.2.2. - Enhancing the innovation capacity of SMEs Topic(s) INNOSUP-02-2019-2020 - European SME innovation Associate - pilot Call for proposal H2020-INNOSUP-2018-2020 See other projects for this call Sub call H2020-INNOSUP-2019-02 Funding Scheme CSA - Coordination and support action Coordinator CELIGNIS LIMITED Net EU contribution € 125 973,75 Address UPPER WILLIAM STREET UNIT 4 MILL COURT V94 Limerick Ireland See on map SME The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed. Yes Region Ireland Southern Mid-West Activity type Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 125 973,75
