BBI2019.SO1.D1 – Scale up conversion of lignin into valuable compounds for application in specific market sectors
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.D1
- Feedstock analysis with a focus on lignin quantification and conversion efficiency - We have expertise in the analysis of the lignin content of thousands of biomass samples. This can help in the selection and profiling of the 'lignin-rich' feedstocks referenced in the call text. Additionally, in our ongoing BBI project UNRAVEL we are giving detailed compositional data at various points in the process flow so that the resource efficiency of each biomass polymer can be determined, allowing for process optimisations to be implemented. This principle can be applied to this topic with particular emphasis on lignin content and the efficiency of its use. The call text specifically states that the developed technologies should achieve a conversion rate of at least 60% (based on the share of lignin carbon in the final product).
- Detailed lignin analysis - we can employ techniques such as thioacidolysis to determine the monomeric composition of lignin and the specific ratios of syringyl, guaiacyl, and hydroxyphenyl units. We can also use Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) to determine the molecular weight distribution of lignin. These analyses can be undertaken at various process nodes of the conversion technology.
- Influence of extractives on lignin yields and purities - We are very familiar, in our routine analysis of thousands of biomass samples, of the influence that extractives can play on the accurate determination of lignin content. Additionally, if these extractives are not removed then they may influence the quality and the composition of the isolated lignin. We are investigating this pseudo-lignin phenomenon as a key part of our involvement in the BBI project UNRAVEL.
- Investigations of lignin-carbohydrate complexes (LCCs) - These are monomneric or oligomeric sugars attached to lignin through either ferulic acid or glucuronic acid. They, along with ash, are the most common impurities in fractionated lignin but are typically much harder to remove than ash. We can identify the sugars in the LCCs produced in the demonstrated technology which will help in selecting the right mix of enzymes to further clean up the lignin.
- 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 spectroscopic 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.D1
Expanding the use of lignin as a feedstock for conversion into chemicals and materials such as fibres, resins and composites, is being researched and developed through the use of several technologies. Some of these technologies are proving themselves at pilot level.The applicability of lignin-based materials is enormous because of their high versatility and variety. Market actors in various sectors are demanding suitable quantities of lignin-based products at specified qualities to test application in their end products. Industry needs to scale up the developed technologies in an industrial setting and prove their technical and economic feasibility in dedicated value chains. While delivering higher quantities of the targeted products, industry also needs to achieve and validate the performance of the products intended to meet market demand. Achieving both quantity and quality as required by the market, will set the basis for an extensive uptake of lignin-based products.
The specific challenge is to demonstrate the efficient and sustainable conversion of lignin into compounds (intermediates and/or final products) that are applicable in a variety of market applications.
Scope of BBI2019.SO1.D1
Scale up proven technologies to convert lignin into compounds for added-value products at suitable quantities and quality for testing and validating their desired performance in specific market sectors.This topic includes any lignin-rich feedstock, provided it can be sourced and converted in a way that is sustainable both from an environmental and an economic perspective. Proposals should apply the principle of the cascading use of biomass to ensure high efficiency of resource use.
Proposals should demonstrate that the developed technologies will achieve a conversion rate of at least 60 %. The conversion rate is defined as the share of carbon contained in the input lignin that is converted into valuable products, thus excluding the potential share of biomass diverted to energy use (even though such energetic usage aims at increasing the overall sustainability of the process).
Proposals should address all requirements for IA - demonstration actions as shown in Table 3 in the Introduction.
The technology readiness level (TRL) at the end of the project should be 6-7. Proposals should clearly state the starting and end TRL of the key technology or technologies targeted in the project.