The bigger part of all globally used chemicals is currently being produced from fossil resources and not sourced sustainably. Fossil resources are limited and their use has direct impacts on CO₂- and environmental cycles.

It is our aim to open up new routes for the production of biochemicals from renewable feedstocks. Therefore, we process plant-based feedstocks such as agricultural, forest and maritime biomass as well as their byproducts. We devise complete processes, in which the chemical and biotechnological production procedures («upstream») as well as the corresponding purification procedures («downstream») are being developed and aligned. The industrial experience of the research group allows for a target- and application-oriented research and development.

Research and competencies

Biomass

• Sugar-containing process side-streams
• Non-edible biomass (lignocellulose)

Biochemicals

• Precursors: Cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, extractives
• Platform chemicals
• Fine chemicals: Fragrances- und flavours, cosmetics
• Biopolymers

Process development

• Up-stream: Biomass pretreatment, chemical reactions, enzymatic reactions, fermentation
• Down-stream: Distillation, crystallisation, centrifugation, filtration, ultra-filtration
• Optimisation and scale-up
• Cost estimation and life cycle assessment

Available Master’s and Bachelor's Theses

• Pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass for renewable chemicals production
• Pilot-scale steam explosion petreatment of lignocellulosic biomass for renewable chemicals production (collaboration with Bern University of Applied Sciences)
• Pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass for enzymatic cellulose saccharification
• Biotechnological production of renewable cosmetic ingredients (hyaluronic acid) from cellulose
• Use of plant-derived lignin polymers in renewable plastics or plasticisers
• Pilot-scale steam explosion petreatment of lignocellulosic biomass for renewable chemicals production (collaboration with Bern University of Applied Sciences)
• Industry projects

Team