Life-Cycle Analysis
Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), also known as Life Cycle Assessment, is a method used to evaluate the environmental impacts of a product, process, or service throughout its entire life cycle. The life cycle covers all stages, from raw material extraction, manufacturing, distribution, and use, to end-of-life disposal or recycling. In the context of bioprocess development, LCA is a critical tool for several reasons:Product-Centred Bioprocess
Many bioprocess projects arise from the need or aspiration of an organisation to source a biobased chemical to substitute for one of their existing products or for one of the ingredients in their processes. For example, a food manufacturer may wish to develop a bioprocess to produce propionic acid for use as a more sustainable food preservative, replacing the synthetic chemicals that the company currently purchases to preserve the food. As a second example, a fossil-fuel company may wish to develop a bioprocess for the production of a drop-in biobutanol to improve the biofuel content of their product range.Feedstock-Focused Bioprocess
A second category of bioprocess development concerns the aspiration for an organisation to efficiently valorise a particular feedstock. The feedstock can be one that the company is currently processing but for which more a profitable and sustainable end-use is sought. As example of this case would be a sugar-mill operator that currently combusts the sugarcane bagasse residue but is examining other valorisation approaches for this feedstock.Refinement of Existing Bioprocess
Another type of bioprocess development focuses on the improvement of an existing bioprocess. This improvement can target the whole bioprocess or specific nodes in the wider process scheme. The targets for the improvement can be: product yield, OPEX reductions, and improved product quality, among others.New Full-Value-Chain Bioprocess
We can also work on Bioprocess Development for an entirely new bioprocess, covering all stages of the process-scheme. This means we start with the original feedstock and develop all stages involved in processing it and obtaining the targeted product(s). Developing such a comprehensive bioprocess requires considering, and developing approaches for, a number of key aspects, including:1. Understanding Your Requirements
2. Detailed Feedstock Analysis
3. Development of Core Bioprocess
4. Product Recovery & Side-Stream Usage
5. Validation at Higher TRLs
6. Technoeconomic Analysis (TEA)
Pectin from Agricultural Residues
Celignis has undertaken a bioprocess development project for a client looking to obtain pectin from the residues of their core biomass valorisation technology. The extraction of pectin is complex and challenging and requires careful bioprocess development in order to ensure that the product is obtained in high yields and high purities.Bioethanol from Palm Residues
Celignis undertook a bioprocess development project for a client, based in the Middle East, that was targeting the production of bioethanol from the residues of local palm trees. This was a lab-scale vertically-integrated project covering pretreatment, and separate hydrolysis and fermentation (SHF).Biomaterials from Seaweed
Another Bioprocess Development Project undertaken by Celignis concerned the development of a new sustainable process for the extraction, and subsequent modification, of alginate from seaweed. The process developed by Celignis allowed for alginate extraction without the use of harsh chemicals (e.g. bleaches) and also considered the valorisation of process side-streams (e.g. fucoidan, cellulose etc.).Bioactives from Tropical Hardwoods
Celignis undertook detailed analysis of a wide variety of tropical hardwood trees for a client. This involved characterisation of different anatomical fractions (e.g. stem wood, bark, foliage) with a particular focus on the composition of the extractives of these feedstocks. We used our QTOF-LC/MS system to profile the diverse and complex array of bioactive compounds present in the samples. We then evaluated the identified compounds and selected key chemicals that could be of high potential value for sale in different markets. We then undertook a review of these compounds, considering their potential value in various markets, the processes that could be required for their separation and purification, and whether other compounds could also be obtained as part of the extraction/separation process. The final output of the project was a list of top feedstocks and chemicals for future bioprocess development.Sugars from Paper Side-Streams
This project involved the optimisation or process conditions to allow for the production and recovery, in high yields, of monomeric sugars from recycled paper/cardboard streams.Oligomers from Biomass
We have undertaken a number of projects, for different clients, focused on obtaining oligomeric sugars from biomass, or biomass-derived polymers. In some cases there have been specific requirements in terms of the preferred oligomer chain length and the ratio of monomeric to oligomeric sugars in the final liquid output.PhD
Has a deep understanding of all biological and chemical aspects of bioproceses. Has developed Celignis into a renowned provider of bioprocess development services to a global network of clients.
PhD
A dynamic, purpose-driven chemical engineer with expertise in bioprocess development, process design, simulation and techno-economic analysis over several years in the bioeconomy sector.
PhD (Analytical Chemistry)
Dreamer and achiever. Took Celignis from a concept in a research project to being the bioeconomy's premier provider of analytical and bioprocessing expertise.
Global Recognition as Bioprocess Experts
Extraction
Pretreatment
Hydrolysis
Enzymes
Fermentation
Downstream Processing
Lab-Scale Optimisations
TRL Scale-Up
Technoeconomic Analyses
Biobased Chemicals
From Process Refinements to an Entire New Process
Research Collaborations