• Celignis Pitch for BBI 2019 Topic
    BBI2019.SO1.D2

Background

This is a topic in the 2019 work programme of the Biomass Based Industries Joint Undertaking which was launched in April 2019. The deadline for submitting proposals to this call is September 4th 2019, with the results expected by the end of the year and projects expected to start in 2020.

Celignis is an SME that was spun-out from an EU research project (the FP7 advanced biofuels project DIBANET) that was written and coordinated by Celignis's founder Daniel Hayes. It has now been five years since the end of that project and over that time Celignis has grown in size and reputation and now occupies a valuable niche as being the premier analytical provider to clients in the biomass sector. We provide a wide range of compositional analysis services and bioprocessing expertise to a diverse array of customers (including SMEs, multinationals, and universities) looking to utilise biomass feedstocks, residues and wastes for the production of biobased products, biofuels, and energy.

But we have not lost sight of the importance of science and in advancing the start of the art. We were born from pioneering research and we are still passionately committed to playing our part in advancing the bioeconomy. As a result we continue to be highly active in European research projects and are particularly excited by the calls presented in the 2019 BBI work programme.


Celignis is a partner in 2 ongoing BBI projects, BIOrescue and UNRAVEL. These are RIA (Research and Innovation Action) projects. Click here to read more about our involvements in these BBI projects. Celignis is also a partner in an Innovation Action (i.e. Demonstration scale) BBI project that is currently in the Grant Agreement stage and is expected to start in September 2019. In addition to these BBI projects, Celignis is also a partner in the Horizon 2020 Coordinating and Supporting Action project ENABLING. As we are a spin-out company from an EU research project we are well-versed in the preparation of proposals and in the implementation of projects.

Below we present a summary of this topic and indicate how Celignis could be a valuable project partner. Click here to see more details on our relevant expertise as well as summaries of how we can contribute to the other topics in the 2019 BBI work programme.


Contributions Celignis Can Make to BBI2019.SO1.D2

  • - Algae analysis for a spectrum of high-value products - We have existing methods for the characterisation of carbohydrates, amino acids, and lipids in samples. We can potentially use our array of advanced analytical equipment to determine other important high-value constituents in algae (e.g. biofunctional molecules, pigments, antioxidants etc).
  • - Analysis of feed streams for heterotrophic or mixotrophic cultivations - such feed for algae production typically comes from industrial or agricultural by-product streams. We can characterise these streams for their nutrient contents and any constituents that could potentially be toxic or inhibitory to algal growth. Coupled with nutrient and heavy metal analyses of the algae themselves we can see how efficiently these streams are being utilised and whether any accumulation of toxins occurs.


  • - Pressurised liquid extraction for algal biomass fractionation, pre-treatment, and downstream processing - We can test an array of different solvents and extraction conditions in order to optimise parameters prior to scaled-up processing activities.
  • - Development of rapid analysis models for various stages of the demonstrated process - We have extensive experience in the development of rapid analysis techniques for determining the composition of the feedstock and the intermediates and products of the process. These models can be based on near infrared spectroscopy, or other spetroscopic analysis methods, coupled with the use of advanced chemometric algorithms which we have developed custom code for in R-Studio as part of our ongoing BBI project BIOrescue. These models can be tested at-line or in-line at the demonstration facility and potentially linked to process control software to allow rapid responsive decisions to be made based on the analytical data obtained.


Specific Challenge of BBI2019.SO1.D2

Due to their high productivity and their potential for avoiding competition with arable lands, microalgae are regarded as a valuable feedstock for biorefining operations. Microalgae are a potential source of molecules for a wide range of novel high-value products in different applications such as energy, fuel, food, feed, pharmaceutical and cosmetics.

However, their current production scale and costs are holding back full-scale commercialisation steps.

The main challenges regard:

  1. efficiency of the cultivation method (in terms of growth rate and product synthesis rate);
  2. harvesting and separation of the microalgal biomass from the culture medium;
  3. pre-treatment of the algal biomass to release its components (mainly lipids, proteins, carbohydrates) for further conversion; and
  4. the further conversion steps themselves


Growth rate and productivity of microalgae are affected by a number of factors such as availability of nutrients in the right amounts and compositions, presence of actinomycetes or other fungi, pH, light intensity and temperature. Open pond systems have relatively low capital costs and high scalability but may feature uneven mixing and nutrition conditions and are vulnerable to contamination and intrusion of alien species. Photobioreactor and closed-loop systems allow to better control growth conditions, but on the other hand require higher capital costs as well as higher maintenance costs.

Harvesting of microalgae is challenging and expensive due to small cell size and relatively low concentration. Several pre-treatment methods are employed, depending on the feedstock and desired products (chemical, enzymatic, physical, involving ionic liquids). The wide variability of microalgal feedstock composition and optimal growth conditions means that there is no one-fits-all solution; cultivation, harvesting and processing must be tailored to each species and targeted product.

The specific challenge is to scale up and lower the costs of microalgae cultivation combined with downstream processing towards commercial valorisation of marketable products.

Scope of
BBI2019.SO1.D2

Demonstrate the efficient and sustainable cultivation, recovery and processing of microalgae and downstream production of high-value chemicals and/or materials including food and feed ingredients.

The scope of this topic excludes energy carriers (such as liquid fuels or hydrogen) as the main products.

Proposals should aim for large-scale continuous cultivation and recovery of microalgae, as well as separation and purification of the targeted products.

Proposals should also aim at reducing inputs for microalgae cultivation such as energy, water, nutrients and CO2 (or other carbon sources in case heterotrophic microalgae are envisaged). Proposals should valorise as many as possible of the valuable compounds contained in the microalgae through a cascading approach.

Proposals should demonstrate that the quality of the obtained products meets the requirements of specific market applications.

The technology readiness level (TRL) at the end of the project should be 6-7. Proposals should clearly state the starting and end TRLs of the key technology or technologies targeted in the project.

Other Topics in the BBI 2019 Work Programme

Click here to see a list of the other BBI topics and how Celignis could be a valuable project partner for them.

The Value Celignis Can Bring to a BBI Project


We believe that we can make valuable contributions to projects covering a large number of the topics in the 2019 BBI work programme, based on our expertise in:

Compositional Analysis

As detailed throughout this website, the Celignis team are highly experienced in a wide array of methods for the compositional analysis of biomass and process intermediates and outputs/residues for lignocellulosic and thermal properties. Our expertise also extends to seaweed and a large variety of functional molecules many of which have large future potential in substituing for the use of fossil fuels in the production of consumer and industrial products.

Chemometrics

In particular regarding the developments of algorithms for the rapid compositional analysis of feedstocks and process outputs. Our expertise in chemometrics is a key part of our involvement in our 3 current BBI projects. However, good chemometric methods and personnel in themselves are not sufficient to produce accurate models and outputs that have real commercial and practical application potentials. The reference data that are used are also of crucial importance. In undertaking detailed compositional analysis in the laboratory and then using these data as inputs to our chemometric tools, Celignis provides full vertical integration regarding advancing the art in rapid biomass analysis and the utilisation of biorefinery data.

Use of Enzymes

We have significant experience in the enzymatic hydrolysis of biomass and the products of biomass pretreatmnent and conversion. We currently provide a range of enzymatic hydrolysis packages that can be used to evaluate the digestibility of biomass and the activities of enzymes. These current techniques can be utilised in BBI projects or we can undertake larger-scale enzymatic hydrolysis experiments. For example, in August 2019 we will be starting a new research project, funded by the Irish government, which involves the development of enzyme cocktails for feedstocks relevant to the anaerobic digestion sector.

enzymatic hydrolysis expertise at Celignis

Biomass Pretreatment

Based on our bioprocessing and compositional expertise, we have a very good understanding of how to optimisebiomass pretreatment processes. For our clients we have analysed hundreds of samples of outputs from biomass pretreatment processes. We have a very strong understanding of the chemistry of biomass and how to evaluate the conversion and valorisation of the main constituents of lignocellulosic biomass (cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin). We target mass-closure in our analysis so that the full mechanisms of conversion can be understood and we have a suite of analytical methods to characterise process liquids for monomers, oligomers, sugar degradation products, and fermentability. Our ongoing BBI project UNRAVEL concerns the development of a pretreatment process and Celignis plays a key role in the project regarding the analysis of the products of pre-treatment and by investigating the influence of extractives in biomass pretreatment. In our BBI project BIOrescue we are also analysing the solid and liquid outputs of biomass pretreatment and are developing rapid analysis models for them using near infrared spectroscopy.

Fermentation Inhibitors

Chemical or enzymatic hydrolysis of biomass releases sugars that can be converted to chemicals and fuels through microbial or biochemical processes. However, because of the recalcitrant nature of biomass, severe pretreatment/hydrolysis conditions are often used to release the sugars which can result in the formation of microbial inhibitors (acids, furfurals, phenolics etc.). These inhibitors may inhibit either microbial growth or fermentation or both. Hence, it is important to test the enzymatic hydrolysate of pretreated biomass for fermentability and, if necessary, design strategies to selectively remove inhibitors from the hydrolysate. Our personnel have experience in improving the fermentation by either selectively adapting the microbes to inhibitors or by the detoxification of the hydrolysate. Inhibition kinetics and limits can also be determined for the selected microbial strain.

Fermentation Optimisation

Microbial conversion of sugars to chemicals and fuels is considered advantageous over chemical processes, but is a challenging area due to the high number of variables involved in the process. Fermentation process development involves: selection of microbes to produce the desired product, screening of microbes, media engineering, process optimisation, scale-up, downstream designing, etc. Screening and optimisation involve hundreds of runs which is labour and time intensive. Know-how in the area of microbiology, bioprocess engineering and design of experiments (DOE) can significantly reduce the number of experimental runs and time involved in the preliminary screening and optimisation process. We have the expertise and knowledge to optimise fermentation processes for high yield and productivity in short-time. Our personnel have proven scientific record in producing enzymes, biofuels, biosurfactants, exopolysaccharides and prebiotics through aerobic and anaerobic fermentation processes.

Anaerobic Digestion

We have 60 reactors for undertaking biomethane potential analysis of feedstocks and process outputs to evaluate their suitability for producing bioga through anaerobic digestion. This could be an important means of valorising residual process streams or, based on our expertise in fermentation, we can tune the process towards high value organic acids production. We also have a range of analysis packages available for evaluating the quality of the digestate from AD and its suitability for a range of applications.

 

Pitches for Specific Topics in the 2019 BBI Call


Below we list a number of the topics in the BBI 2019 work programme in which we think we can play a valuable role. Please click on the link for each topic to see more details on it and on the contributions that Celignis can make.

BBI2019.SO1.D1 – Scale up conversion of lignin into valuable compounds for application in specific market sectors

This topic concerns the demonstration of lignin valorisation technologies. These can involve the processing of lignin to higher value intermediates or to final products. The proposal should also apply the principle of cascading use of biomass so that all the feedstock is utilised efficiently. Celignis can play a key role in this project through our analysis of the feedstocks and process intermediates and outputs. In particular, we can undertake more detailed analysis of the composition and purity of the lignin, for example determining any lignin carbohydrate complexes that may be present and testing approaches for their removal. We can also develop rapid analysis models that can be demonstrated on-site during the project. Click here to read more about the contributions we can make to this topic as well as to get some more information about the call.

BBI2019.SO1.D2 – Produce components for various materials, including for food and feed, from microalgae

This topic examines demonstrating improvements in the art in the cultivation, separation/harvesting, fractionation and pretreatment, and downstream valorisation of algae. Our contributions can be related to detailed analysis of the algal biomass and the feed stream as well as utilising pressurised liquid extraction equipment to optimise conditions for pretreatment and fractionation. We can also develop rapid analysis models to be demonstrated on-site during the project. Click here to read more about the contributions we can make to this topic as well as to get some more information about the call.

BBI2019.SO1.R1 – Use tree species and/or varieties to create new bio-based value chains

In this RIA a wide range of, currently underutilised, tree species and varieties should be screened in order to select those most suitable for the devleopment of new value chains. Celignis personnel have a lot of relevant expertise for this topic. One of our deliverables in the ongoing BBI project BIOrescue involved the selection of candidate underutilised feedstocks in Europe for processing in the biorefining technologies being developed. Additionally, our expertise in the development and application of rapid analysis models means we are well suited for the screening tasks in this call. Through our involvement in ongoing BBI project UNRAVEL we also have experience in the analysis of products and residues from the forestry sector as well as a detailed set of protocols for identifying and quantifying the diverse array of, potentially high value, chemicals in the extractives and in the development of protocols for their fractionation, purification and recovery. Click here to read more about the contributions we can make to this topic as well as to get some more information about the call.

BBI2019.SO1.F1 – Valorise the organic fraction of municipal solid waste through an integrated biorefinery at commercial level

Municipal solid waste (MSW) and the organic fraction of MSW (OFMSW) are available in large quantities but so far no commercial scale facility that uses these feedstocks for the production of (non-biofuel) biobased products has been built. This topic is a flagship action that focuses on the commercial operation (TRL 8) of an OFMSW biorefinery. At Celignis we have a lot of expertise analysing MSW samples and we would be the perfect analytical partner to undertake the high throughput analysis required for an operational commercial-scale facility. We can also undertake seasonal profiling of the feedstock and develop predictive models that relate changes in environmental/supply-side parameters to changes in feedstock composition. Addtionally, we have the in-house capability to test the biodegradability of any biopolymers that may be produced and to evaluate process residues for their suitability for use in combustion and/or anaerobic digestion. Click here to read more about the contributions we can make to this topic as well as to get some more information about the call.

BBI2019.SO2.R2 – Develop breakthrough technologies to improve the cost-effectiveness and sustainability of pre-treatment steps within biorefining operations

Biomass pretreatment is a crucial stage of a biorefinery in that it breaks apart the lignocellosic matrix and produces fractions that are more amenable to subsequent downstream conversion and valorisation. However, the financial, energetic and chemical costs of pretreatment are currently too high. This topic involves the development of technologies that can make biomass pretreatment more cost-competitive. It is a great topic for Celignis due to our involvement in the ongoing BBI projects UNRAVEL, which is focused on optimising biomass pretreatment, and BIOrescue, for which pretreatment is also a crucial node of the biorefining process. As a result of our involvement in these projects, as well as our expertise in analysing process outputs (solid and liquid) from a wide array of biomass pretreatment processes (e.g. liquid hot water, acid/base, steam explosion, organosolv, mechanical, enzymatic etc.) we have highly relevant expertise for this call. Click here to read more about the contributions we can make to this topic as well as to get some more information about the call.

BBI2019.SO2.R3 – Apply microorganisms and/or enzymes to resolve end-of-life issues of plastics

In this topic microorganisms and/or enzymes are used to degrade plastics. At Celignis we can undertake a range of analysis methods to investigate biodegradability using the enzymes/microorganisms developed in the project. These tests can follow OECD guidelines (e.g. OECD301, 302, 306, 310 or equivalent methods) and determine both ready and inherent biodegradability. Click here to read more about the contributions we can make to this topic as well as to get some more information about the call.

BBI2019.SO2.R5 – Convert plant oils and fats into safe high-added-value products for various applications including food and personal care

Here new technologies are sought that can refine plant oils and fats at milder conditions than under current practices. The focus is on oils/fats originating from the side streams of main processes (tallow oil would be a particularly relevant example in Ireland). Our expertise in the use and optimisations of enzymes and our capabilities for undertaking a high throughput of extraction experiments makes us highly suitable for this topic and will allow for the target of milder conditions to be achieved. We can also apply our analytical expertise in the analysis of these fats/oils and their products of conversion as well as for the analysis of the various side streams. Click here to read more about the contributions we can make to this topic as well as to get some more information about the call.

BBI2019.SO2.F2 – Apply technological combinations to valorise all components of biomass feedstock

This flagship project concerns the integration of technologies, previously demonstrated at TRL6/7, to formulate a vertically-integrated commercial-scale biorefinery. The facility should efficiently valorise the main constituents of biomass (i.e cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin for lignocellulosic feedstocks) and produced value-added products that are not used for energy/biofuels. Celignis would be the perfect analytical partner to undertake the high throughput analysis required for an operational commercial-scale facility. We can also undertake seasonal profiling of the feedstock and develop predictive models that relate changes in environmental/supply-side parameters to changes in feedstock composition. Addtionally, we have the in-house capability to test the biodegradability of any biopolymers that may be produced and to evaluate process residues for their suitability for use in combustion and/or anaerobic digestion. Click here to read more about the contributions we can make to this topic as well as to get some more information about the call.

BBI2019.SO2.R7 – Model the composition of bio-based residual streams and its evolution to optimise its management and processing

We are particularly excited by this topic as it covers a number of our key strengths. The call outlines the need to understand, model, and predict the variability in the physico-chemical composition of feedstocks. Such models could allow for the feedstocks to be processed more efficiently and their supply to be more predictable. At Celignis we analyse thousands of biomass samples a year and so have a deep understanding of the importance, variability, and trends in biomass composition. This expertise, coupled with our background in developing advanced chemometric tools to predict, model, and visualise biomass compositional data and the outputs of biomass processing technologies, mean we are particularly suited to this topic and we have a number of exciting approaches in mind regarding the pioneering work that can be done. Click here to read more about the contributions we can make to this topic as well as to get some more information about the call.

BBI2019.SO3.R8 – Develop sustainable bio-based materials for high-volume consumer products

This topic concerns the development of sustainable biobased materials that have superior funtional properties to their fossil-based alternatives whilst also having a lower environmental footprint. We consider that our experience in the application of enzymes and in the fermentation of biomass derived sugars will allow us to effectively contribute to the targeted low-carbon footprint biobased materials. Our analytical expertise can also be of great assistance in testing the products for their composition, carbon use efficiency, and biodegradability. Click here to read more about the contributions we can make to this topic as well as to get some more information about the call.

BBI2019.SO3.R9 – Develop bio-based fibres and/or functional molecules to improve the performance of textile products

In this RIA project new bio-based fibres or bio-based additives for textile applications are to be developed. These processes should lead to products that have improved mechanical and/or physical properties than existing fibres. Additionally, it is mentioned that milder processing conditions would be favoured. As a result, we think that enzymatic approaches to the production of bio-based fibres (e.g. nanocellulose) and bio-based textile additives are most suitable. We have a lot of valuable expertise in the testing and application of enzymes and are excited about contributing our knowledge to projects in this space. Also, our extensive suite of analytical protocols, highly trained analysts, and advanced analytical equipment could provide crucial compositional data that can help to optimise the resource efficiency of the process. Click here to read more about the contributions we can make to this topic as well as to get some more information about the call.

BBI2019.SO3.R10 – Develop bio-based high-performance materials for various and demanding applications

Highly-durable bio-based materials are the target of this topic. These should have high functional qualities for specific market applications that cannot be met by currently available fossil-based products. In this project Celignis personnel can undertake a range of tests to evaluate the end-of-life properties and the durability (e.g. through accelerated ageing tests) of the products. Click here to read more about the contributions we can make to this topic as well as to get some more information about the call.

BBI2019.SO3.D3 – Produce bio-based functional ingredients and additives for high-end markets

The call focuses on demonstrating the efficient production of functional ingredients and additives from sustainably-sourced biomass feedstock streams through new value chains and business models. Celignis's expertise in a wide range of highly relevant analytical techniques (e.g. for oligosaccharides, amino acids, seaweeed, and functional properties) will help to optimise the functional properties of the products and the resource efficiency of the process. Click here to read more about the contributions we can make to this topic as well as to get some more information about the call.

BBI2019.SO3.D4 – Demonstrate bio-based pesticides and/or biostimulant agents for sustainable increase in agricultural productivity

This Innovation Action project concerns the demonstration of the effective production and application of bio-based pesticides and/or biostimulant agents to maintain and increase agricultural productivity. Celignis can play a number of important roles in such a topic, for instance we can: undertake metabolic properties analysis; screen selected microbes for bioactives and biostimulants production; and work on separation and purification of the desired compounds. Click here to read more about the contributions we can make to this topic as well as to get some more information about the call.

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