We combine fermentation, material science and molecular simulation to create biodegradable and sustainable bio-based ingredients
Sidestreams As Feedstocks
As an approach to sustainability, we convert low-value by-products, residues, or wastes of the Food and Agri industry such as molasses and vegetable peels into high-value-added products to stimulate the transition towards a circular economy. We pre-process complex carbohydrates for optimal microbial growth conditions.
Strain Engineering
We have identified high-yielding strains based on more than 10.000 lab-scale and factorial design-based experiments. To further improve the yield, we are optimizing the genetic makeup of the strains using classical and new genetic engineering techniques.
Fermentation
BIOWEG has developed a patent-pending zero-waste process to produce sustainable microbial cellulose using fermentation. Downstream process development and process automation are introduced to achieve optimal quality and yield.
Molecular Simulations
We perform molecular simulations such as structural and thermodynamic analysis to find innovative product customization. It allows us to obtain information on the rheological, aggregation, and disintegration properties of cellulose fibrils with different functionalization levels.
Surface Chemistry
Bacterial cellulose has unique structural and mechanical properties, and is highly pure compared to other sources of cellulose, thus ideal for surface functionalization. We follow Green Chemistry principles to functionalize the cellulose fibrils, adapting them for various formulation designs.