| Programme | Horizon Europe, FNR-16-2020 |
| Category | Research and Innovation Action (RIA) |
| Status | Active |
| Period | 2021 - 2025 |
| Partners | 13 |
| Budget | €6.04m |
| Links | Cordis, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook |
Current Research Projects at Celignis
Background
We believe that, in the bioeconomy, if you stand still you end up being left behind. Celignis was born
from pioneering research and we are still passionately committed to playing our part in advancing the bioeconomy.
As a result we are currently active in a number of important research projects looking to advance the state of the art in the utilisation of biomass for the production of biobased products, fuels, and energy. These projects are funded by a number of schemes, including the EU's Horizon Europe programme, the Circular Bioeconomy Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE-JU), and local national programmes.
As a result we are currently active in a number of important research projects looking to advance the state of the art in the utilisation of biomass for the production of biobased products, fuels, and energy. These projects are funded by a number of schemes, including the EU's Horizon Europe programme, the Circular Bioeconomy Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE-JU), and local national programmes.
Current Research Projects at Celignis
"Mining Microbes and Developing Advanced Production Platforms for Novel Enzymes To Rapidly Unleash Xylans Potential In a Scope Of Products For the Consumer Market"
Enxylascope is a project, thought and written by Celignis, with multiple focus areas to achieve consumer products free of liquid plastics derived from fossil fuel resources.
The project has several novel elements, with a strong commercial focus. The novelty starts with the discovery of novel xylan side chain acting enzymes and extends to their application to develop novel xylan based products.
Celignis is involved in the isolation of natural isolates that have the ability to produce multiple sidechain-acting enzymes of interest by adaptive culture enrichment process. Additionally, Celignis is the leader of WP4, being responsible for the extraction of water-soluble xylan and its conversion it to water insoluble forms with high water holding capacity using the enzymes developed in the project. The target is that the modified xylan is used as an alternative for liquid plastics that are used as rheology modifiers in personal care and cosmetics products.
Celignis is also undertakeing the full-length techno-economic analysis (TEA) of the process.
Get more info...EnXylaScope
Celignis is involved in the isolation of natural isolates that have the ability to produce multiple sidechain-acting enzymes of interest by adaptive culture enrichment process. Additionally, Celignis is the leader of WP4, being responsible for the extraction of water-soluble xylan and its conversion it to water insoluble forms with high water holding capacity using the enzymes developed in the project. The target is that the modified xylan is used as an alternative for liquid plastics that are used as rheology modifiers in personal care and cosmetics products.
Celignis is also undertakeing the full-length techno-economic analysis (TEA) of the process.
Get more info...EnXylaScope
"Scaled-up Production of Next-Generation Carbohydrate-Derived Building Blocks to Enhance the Competitiveness of a Sustainable European Chemicals Industry"
BIONEER, is an Innovation Action project funded by the CBE-JU, under topic HORIZON-JU-CBE-2023-IA-06 (Selective, Sustainable Production Routes Towards Bio-Based Alternatives To Fossil-Based Chemical Building Blocks). This project will start in June 2024 with Celignis, an SME partner and full industry BIC member, playing a leading role in the scaled-up (1 m3) production of platform chemicals.
Get more info...BIONEER
"Boosting Upstream and Downstream Processes to Maximize Yield of PHB Production and 2,3-butanediol"
PROMOFER, is an Innovation Action project funded by the CBE-JU, under topic HORIZON-JU-CBE-2023-IA-03 (Improve Fermentation Processes (Including Downstream Purification) To Final Bio-Based Products). This project started in June 2024 with Celignis, an SME partner and full industry BIC member, playing a pivotal role in the project. Our core activities include undertaking the pre-treatment and hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass at scaled-up (TRL7, 1 m3) volumes. The resulting sugars are then provided to other partners for downstream fermentations.
Get more info...PROMOFER
"Smart Modular Mobile Biorefining of Manure to Zero-Waste Maximising Resource and Nutrient Recovery for Feed and Fertiliser Bioingredients in Rural Areas"
MANUREFINERY, is an Innovation Action project funded by the CBE-JU, under topic HORIZON-JU-CBE-2023-IA-01 (Small Scale Biorefining In Rural Areas). This project will start in September 2024 with Celignis, an SME partner and full industry BIC member, involved in the analysis of feedstocks and products of the process. We are also contributing towards the technoeconomic analysis (TEA) of the technologies.
Get more info...MANUREFINERY
"Innovative Biotech Routes for Efficient Bio-based Solvent Production Promoting a Safe and Sustainable European Industry"
| Programme | CBE-JU, Horizon Europe, HORIZON-JU-CBE-2024-IA-03 |
| Category | Innovation Action (IA) |
| Status | Active |
| Period | 2025 - 2029 |
| Partners | 17 |
| Budget | €9.20m |
| Link | Cordis |
Concens the development of an integrated biorefinery to make a portfolio of bio-based solvents from 2G sugars and furans obtained from spent coffee grounds and woody biomass. Celignis's activities include (i) Design and optimisation of a high-cell-density, two-stage Clostridial process for butanol from hydrolysates; (ii) in-situ solvent recovery via membrane/ extractive set-ups; (iii) enzymatic hydrolysis of both feedstocks.
Get more info...SOLRESS
"Valorisation and Eco-Design of Post-Consumer Wood Waste into Sustainable Bio-Based Products"
| Programme | CBE-JU, Horizon Europe, HORIZON-JU-CBE-2024-RIA-01 |
| Category | Research and Innovation Action (RIA) |
| Status | Active |
| Period | 2025 - 2028 |
| Partners | 11 |
| Budget | €3.50m |
| Links | Cordis, CBE-JU |
WoodVALOR valorises contaminated/post-consumer wood waste (WW) via: (i) thermal conversion to biochar; and (ii) fractionation followed by conversions to paints & coatings ingredients. Celignis is involved in Chemo-enzymatic fractionation of decontaminated wood (DW) to sequentially extract/purify lignin and hemicellulose, and in developing hemicellulose-based emulsifiers/stabilizers and binder monomers for industrial formulations. Additionally, Celignis is involved in metals/mineral recovery from decontamination wastewater using biochar produced in the project.
Get more info...WoodVALOR
"LIGNin-based arOmatic FUNnelling to high-value biochemicals and biomaterials production"
LIGNOFUN funnels lignin streams into high-value aromatics. Celignis leads WP4, putting crude low molecular weight (LMW) lignin through integrated membrane and solvent fractionation into fractions for bioactivity screening (antioxidant, UV-absorbance, antimicrobial, emulsion stabilization), followed by enzymatic/chemical grafting (e.g., sugars, fatty acids) to tune solubility/surface functionality and stability.
Get more info...LIGNOFUN
"Re-designing the Construction Sector: Sustainable and Functional Bio-based Construction Products and Building Elements"
Develop and demonstrate bio-based construction products (e.g., wall panels, flooring tiles, sandwich structures). Celignis leads materials development: chemo-enzymatic extraction and fractionation of lignin/xylan/cellulose from agri/forest residues, followed by advanced chemical modification of xylan and lignin (mixed-molecule grafting, acylation and silylation) to tailor hydrophobicity, flow/rheology (via DP control), mechanical strength, and fire resistance for injection-moulding/3D-printing.
Get more info...BIOS MATER
Celignis Pitches for Involvement in Collaborative Research Projects
We believe that we can make valuable contributions to biomass and bioeconomy research and demonstration projects, based on our expertise in:
Extraction of Hemicellulose Polysaccharides
To date much of the innovations related to the valorisation of lignocellulosic feedstocks has focused on the cellulose and lignin fractions.
In most technologies hemicellulose is broken down in the process to either monomeric sugars (e.g. xylose) or their derivatives (e.g.
furfural). However, hemicelluloses, when retained in the polymeric form, can have outstanding physical and chemical properties which make
them suitable for incorporation in an array of consumer products, replacing less-sustainable product components and so allowing for greener market options for the consumer.
Celignis is the technical lead in the €6m Horizon Europe project EnXylaScope which focuses on the efficient extraction of xylan, the most abundant hemicellulose polysaccharide, and its subsequent modification to confer properties that make it suitable as an ingredient in a scope of consumer products. In the CBE/BBI project PERFECOAT Celignis is also working on extraction of xylan, from different feedstocks, so that it can ultimately be used as a binder in paints and coatings. We consider that integrating efficient methods for extracting hemicellulose polymers within the wider biorefinery process scheme will allow for higher-value products and a more sustainable and profitable process.
Our expertise in hemicellulose extraction is therefore relevant to a number of topics within the CBE-JU 2023 Work Programme, in particular:
Celignis is the technical lead in the €6m Horizon Europe project EnXylaScope which focuses on the efficient extraction of xylan, the most abundant hemicellulose polysaccharide, and its subsequent modification to confer properties that make it suitable as an ingredient in a scope of consumer products. In the CBE/BBI project PERFECOAT Celignis is also working on extraction of xylan, from different feedstocks, so that it can ultimately be used as a binder in paints and coatings. We consider that integrating efficient methods for extracting hemicellulose polymers within the wider biorefinery process scheme will allow for higher-value products and a more sustainable and profitable process.
Our expertise in hemicellulose extraction is therefore relevant to a number of topics within the CBE-JU 2023 Work Programme, in particular:
- HORIZON-JU-CBE-2023-R-01 (Phyto-Management; Curing Soil with Industrial Crops, Utilising Contaminated and Saline Land for Industrial Crop Productions);
- HORIZON-JU-CBE-2023-R-03 (Robust and Optimised Industrial Biotech and Chemical/Industrial Biotech Processes);
- HORIZON-JU-CBE-2023-R-04 (Development of Novel, High-Performance Bio-Based Polymers and Co-Polymers);
- HORIZON-JU-CBE-2023-IA-01 (Small-Scale Biorefining in Rural Areas);
- HORIZON-JU-CBE-2023-IA-06 (Selective, Sustainable Production Routes Towards Bio-Based Alternatives to Fossil-Based Chemical Building Blocks); and
- HORIZON-JU-CBE-2023-IA-07 (High Performance, Circular-by Design, Bio-Based Composites).
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Modification of Polysaccharides
An efficient extraction process is only one component in developing value-added products
from polysaccharides. In many cases further treatment of the
polymer is required in order to confer the physical and chemical properties that are required for the desired
application/market. Such properties that can be influences with these modifications include the
the rheology and water-resistance of the polymers.
At Celignis we also have extensive experience in such modifications using both enzymatic and chemical approaches. For example, in the Horizon Europe project EnXylaScope we are active in the discovery and application of enzymes for the debranching of xylan and for its subsequent modification for additional functionalities. In the CBE/BBI project PERFECOAT the focus is on the chemical modification of xylan in order to enhance its properties for application as a binder in paints and coatings.
In PERFECOAT we are also working on the extraction and modification of chitosan, from prawn shells, whilst we have also internally worked on processes focused on the extraction and modification of pectin. Additionally, as outlined in the video below, we have developed processes for the modification of seaweed-derived alginate to confer the desired physicochemical properties.
The ability to selectively and cost-effectively modify polymers is a key component of many topics in the CBE-JU 2023 Work Programme, in particular:
At Celignis we also have extensive experience in such modifications using both enzymatic and chemical approaches. For example, in the Horizon Europe project EnXylaScope we are active in the discovery and application of enzymes for the debranching of xylan and for its subsequent modification for additional functionalities. In the CBE/BBI project PERFECOAT the focus is on the chemical modification of xylan in order to enhance its properties for application as a binder in paints and coatings.
In PERFECOAT we are also working on the extraction and modification of chitosan, from prawn shells, whilst we have also internally worked on processes focused on the extraction and modification of pectin. Additionally, as outlined in the video below, we have developed processes for the modification of seaweed-derived alginate to confer the desired physicochemical properties.
The ability to selectively and cost-effectively modify polymers is a key component of many topics in the CBE-JU 2023 Work Programme, in particular:
- HORIZON-JU-CBE-2023-R-03 (Robust and Optimised Industrial Biotech and Chemical/Industrial Biotech Processes);
- HORIZON-JU-CBE-2023-R-04 (Development of Novel, High-Performance Bio-Based Polymers and Co-Polymers);
- HORIZON-JU-CBE-2023-IA-02 (Production of Safe, Sustainable, and Efficient Bio-Based Fertilisers to Improve Soil Health and Quality);
- HORIZON-JU-CBE-2023-IA-06 (Selective, Sustainable Production Routes Towards Bio-Based Alternatives to Fossil-Based Chemical Building Blocks); and
- HORIZON-JU-CBE-2023-IA-07 (High Performance, Circular-by Design, Bio-Based Composites).
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Identification, Extraction, and Purification of High Value Chemicals in Biomass
The CBE-JU recognises that biomass valorisation can involve much more than the processing of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Non-structural components of
the plant can also be of value, in some cases being worth thousands of Euros per kilogramme. There are numerous examples of such high value constituents, with the most prominent recent example being the
extraction, isolation, and purification of cannabinoids (in particular CBD and CBG) from hemp, which has developed into a multi-billion Euro industry.
At Celignis, we can play important roles at all stages in the valorisation of such compounds, starting from their identification and ending in their purification and the testing and modification of their functional and chemical properties. For identification, we firstly get a crude extract from the feedstock, obtained via various approaches, including pressurised liquid extraction. This extract is then profiled using our top-range QTOF-LC/MS system (Agilent iFunnel 6550), which can identify constituents to the femtogram-level, and the spectra and chromatograms reviewed by Sajna, our Bioanalysis Developer. If necessary, we can collect the relevant fractions from the LC system and confirm the identification using a number of different chemical and spectroscopic techniques. We then determine which constituents warrant extraction and then work on optimising a targeted extraction method. This method considers not only the yield of the target compound(s) but also the chemical and energy costs of the process and the implications for the downstream processing and valorisation of the solid residue, evaluated by Oscar, our technoeconomics analysis (TEA) expert. We subsequently work on the isolation and purification of the targeted compound(s) from this extract, again considering the commercial and scale-up implications.
Celignis undertook such an approach in the CBE/BBI project UNRAVEL where the extractives of 25 feedstocks were profiled using QTOF-LC/MS. We identified betulin in birch bark as the most attractive compound and subsequently worked on developing an optimised extraction protocol and an isolation/purification process scheme that offered several advantages, in terms of sustainability and safety, over the current art. Click here for a news article on this work. We are also using employing our compositional analysis and purification expertise in the Horizon Europe project SteamBioAfrica where we evaluate and process the liquid condensate obtained from the steam torrefaction process and consider market applications for its constituents, fractions, and derivatives.
Our high-value-chemicals expertise is of particular value for improving the competitiveness of a biorefinery process, through employing the principle of the cascading use of biomass. For example, a relatively minor component of biomass can substantially improve the financial viability of a technology if it can be sold at a high price. As a result, such an approach can make important contributions to a number of the 2023 topics, such as:
At Celignis, we can play important roles at all stages in the valorisation of such compounds, starting from their identification and ending in their purification and the testing and modification of their functional and chemical properties. For identification, we firstly get a crude extract from the feedstock, obtained via various approaches, including pressurised liquid extraction. This extract is then profiled using our top-range QTOF-LC/MS system (Agilent iFunnel 6550), which can identify constituents to the femtogram-level, and the spectra and chromatograms reviewed by Sajna, our Bioanalysis Developer. If necessary, we can collect the relevant fractions from the LC system and confirm the identification using a number of different chemical and spectroscopic techniques. We then determine which constituents warrant extraction and then work on optimising a targeted extraction method. This method considers not only the yield of the target compound(s) but also the chemical and energy costs of the process and the implications for the downstream processing and valorisation of the solid residue, evaluated by Oscar, our technoeconomics analysis (TEA) expert. We subsequently work on the isolation and purification of the targeted compound(s) from this extract, again considering the commercial and scale-up implications.
Celignis undertook such an approach in the CBE/BBI project UNRAVEL where the extractives of 25 feedstocks were profiled using QTOF-LC/MS. We identified betulin in birch bark as the most attractive compound and subsequently worked on developing an optimised extraction protocol and an isolation/purification process scheme that offered several advantages, in terms of sustainability and safety, over the current art. Click here for a news article on this work. We are also using employing our compositional analysis and purification expertise in the Horizon Europe project SteamBioAfrica where we evaluate and process the liquid condensate obtained from the steam torrefaction process and consider market applications for its constituents, fractions, and derivatives.
Our high-value-chemicals expertise is of particular value for improving the competitiveness of a biorefinery process, through employing the principle of the cascading use of biomass. For example, a relatively minor component of biomass can substantially improve the financial viability of a technology if it can be sold at a high price. As a result, such an approach can make important contributions to a number of the 2023 topics, such as:
- HORIZON-JU-CBE-2023-R-01 (Phyto-Management; Curing Soil with Industrial Crops, Utilising Contaminated and Saline Land for Industrial Crop Productions);
- HORIZON-JU-CBE-2023-R-02 (Optimised Forest-Based Value Chains for High-Value Applications and Improved Forest Management);
- HORIZON-JU-CBE-2023-IA-01 (Small-Scale Biorefining in Rural Areas); and
- HORIZON-JU-CBE-2023-IAFlag-01 (Optimised and Integrated Wood-Based Value Chains).
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Real-Time Analysis of Feedstocks and Process Outputs
We have extensive expertise in the development of algorithms and models for rapidly
predicting the composition of samples using their near infrared
spectra. This allows the time for analysis (for detailed lignocellulosic compositional paramaters) to be reduced
from weeks to seconds. To date we have tens of thousands of biomass samples in our proprietary models for lignocellulosic composition and we have also developed custom models for feedstocks and
pretreatment/bioprocess outputs in the
CBE-JU/BBI-JU RIA projects BIOrescue and UNRAVEL. In BIOrescue
we developed custom software, employing
a browser interface for the user, that allowed us to tailor the model-generation and composition-prediction experience to the requirements of our lab personnel and in-house chemometricians.
This software also employed advanced chemometric techniques that we proved, in project deliverables, to deliver improved accuracies in prediction over the conventional PLS approaches.
This software is constantly being improved and, in the ongoing CBE-JU/BBI-JU Innovation Action (TRL7) project VAMOS we are deploying an upgraded version of it at the demo-scale biorefinery being built and operated by project partner Fiberight. This has allowed us to extend the reach of our predictive models beyond our own laboratories and into the global biorefinery landscape. We see many opportunities, within the current CBE-JU topics, to apply and refine this at-line analysis system to other IA (demo) projects as well as for Flagship projects. In addition, we also plan for the deployment of in-line analyses, using Celignis-developed models, using the latest state-of-the-art and cost-effective hardware on the market.
While there are numerous options currently on the market for NIR hardware, there is no robust solution currently available for the at-line/in-line analysis of lignocellulosic feedstocks and process outputs/residues. This is due to the complexity of such analysis, the difficulties often faced in getting precise and representative data, and the widely varying outputs of different biomass processing technologies. At Celignis, however, we have years of expertise in getting precise lignocellulosic data and in using these data as inputs to our chemometric tools. As a result Celignis provides full vertical integration regarding advancing the art in rapid biomass analysis and the utilisation of biorefinery data.
Our abilities to develop on-site rapid analysis solutions are applicable to many of the Innovation Action and Flagship topics of the 2023 CBE-JU Work Programme, including:
This software is constantly being improved and, in the ongoing CBE-JU/BBI-JU Innovation Action (TRL7) project VAMOS we are deploying an upgraded version of it at the demo-scale biorefinery being built and operated by project partner Fiberight. This has allowed us to extend the reach of our predictive models beyond our own laboratories and into the global biorefinery landscape. We see many opportunities, within the current CBE-JU topics, to apply and refine this at-line analysis system to other IA (demo) projects as well as for Flagship projects. In addition, we also plan for the deployment of in-line analyses, using Celignis-developed models, using the latest state-of-the-art and cost-effective hardware on the market.
While there are numerous options currently on the market for NIR hardware, there is no robust solution currently available for the at-line/in-line analysis of lignocellulosic feedstocks and process outputs/residues. This is due to the complexity of such analysis, the difficulties often faced in getting precise and representative data, and the widely varying outputs of different biomass processing technologies. At Celignis, however, we have years of expertise in getting precise lignocellulosic data and in using these data as inputs to our chemometric tools. As a result Celignis provides full vertical integration regarding advancing the art in rapid biomass analysis and the utilisation of biorefinery data.
Our abilities to develop on-site rapid analysis solutions are applicable to many of the Innovation Action and Flagship topics of the 2023 CBE-JU Work Programme, including:
- HORIZON-JU-CBE-2023-IA-01 (Small-Scale Biorefining in Rural Areas);
- HORIZON-JU-CBE-2023-IA-03 (Improve Fermentation Processes (Including Downstream Purification) to Final Bio-Based Products);
- HORIZON-JU-CBE-2023-IAFlag-01 (Optimised and Integrated Wood-Based Value Chains);
- HORIZON-JU-CBE-2023-IAFlag-02 (Expansion and/or Retro-fitting of Biorefineries towards Higher-Value Bio-Based Chemicals and Intermediates); and
- HORIZON-JU-CBE-2023-IAFlag-04 (Valorisation of Aquatic Biomass Waste and Residues).
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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, algae, and a large variety of
functional molecules many of which have large
future potential in substituting for the use of fossil fuels in the production of consumer and industrial products.
We have an wide array of equipment that allow us to obtain the required compositional data, including an extensive chromatography laboratory that includes state-of-the-art equipment, such as our QTOF-LC/MS system.
Our in depth understanding of the steps involved in the processing of biomass also allow us to bring forward suggestions to other partners in the consortium, based on the analytical data we obtain, on how the project's technologies can be improved.
Our expertise in compositional analysis, and in the understanding and process implications of compositional data, is relevant to all of the topics of the 2023 CBE-JU Work Programme.
We have an wide array of equipment that allow us to obtain the required compositional data, including an extensive chromatography laboratory that includes state-of-the-art equipment, such as our QTOF-LC/MS system.
Our in depth understanding of the steps involved in the processing of biomass also allow us to bring forward suggestions to other partners in the consortium, based on the analytical data we obtain, on how the project's technologies can be improved.
Our expertise in compositional analysis, and in the understanding and process implications of compositional data, is relevant to all of the topics of the 2023 CBE-JU Work Programme.
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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.
With our CIO Lalitha and our Bioanalysis Developer Sajna 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.
Celignis also has numerous bioreactors, ranging from 1 litre to 100 litres capacity, that allow us to undertake an extensive DoE approach in optimising fermentations.
Our expertise in fermentation is particularly relevant to the following topics of the 2023 CBE-JU Work Programme:
With our CIO Lalitha and our Bioanalysis Developer Sajna 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.
Celignis also has numerous bioreactors, ranging from 1 litre to 100 litres capacity, that allow us to undertake an extensive DoE approach in optimising fermentations.
Our expertise in fermentation is particularly relevant to the following topics of the 2023 CBE-JU Work Programme:
- HORIZON-JU-CBE-2023-R-03 (Robust and Optimised Industrial Biotech and Chemical/Industrial Biotech Processes);
- HORIZON-JU-CBE-2023-IA-03 (Improve Fermentation Processes (Including Downstream Purification) to Final Bio-Based Products);
- HORIZON-JU-CBE-2023-IA-05 (Development of Scalable, Safe Bio-Based Surfactants with an Improved Sustainability Profile);
- HORIZON-JU-CBE-2023-IA-06 (Selective, Sustainable Production Routes Towards Bio-Based Alternatives to Fossil-Based Chemical Building Blocks); and
- HORIZON-JU-CBE-2023-S-01 (EU-Wide Network of Pilot Plants and Testing Facilities, Improving SMEs and Start-Ups' Access to Scale-Up).
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Discovery and Use of Enzymes
Our team has years of experience in discovery and use of enzymes for deconstruction of lignocellulosic biomass and, with Celignis participation in
EU projects like EnXylaScope, this experience is expanded to enzymes useful
for modification of the xylan fraction of lignocellulosic biomass.
The discovery of enzymes needs rapid analysis methods and, by understanding the action of enzymes and the changes that occur in the substrate, the Celignis team can develop simple high-throughput screening methods for the discovery of enzymes. This is currently being undertaking in EnXylaScope for xylan side-chain acting enzymes.
Celignis is also discovering enzymes and designing enzyme cocktails for lignocellulose deconstruction aiming at production of monomeric and oligomeric sugars and for generating clean lignin for lignin valorisation purposes. We are also isolating the microbes that have the ability to produce a cocktail of enzymes for increasing the productivity and yields of biogas from complex recalcitrant streams such as late cut grass, wheat straw and garden waste.
Celignis follows traditional methods in enzyme screening allowing the isolation of natural enzyme producers which means that enzyme cocktails developed by Celignis are non-recombinant in nature. The enzymes discovered are studied for various characteristics such as nature of protein (Molecular weight, hydrophobicity); kinetics (reaction and inhibition); optimum reaction conditions etc. Celignis has a collection of close to 100 strains capable of producing a range of enzymes that act on a variety of substrates.
Our expertise in enzymes is particularly relevant to the following topics of the 2023 CBE-JU Work Programme:
The discovery of enzymes needs rapid analysis methods and, by understanding the action of enzymes and the changes that occur in the substrate, the Celignis team can develop simple high-throughput screening methods for the discovery of enzymes. This is currently being undertaking in EnXylaScope for xylan side-chain acting enzymes.
Celignis is also discovering enzymes and designing enzyme cocktails for lignocellulose deconstruction aiming at production of monomeric and oligomeric sugars and for generating clean lignin for lignin valorisation purposes. We are also isolating the microbes that have the ability to produce a cocktail of enzymes for increasing the productivity and yields of biogas from complex recalcitrant streams such as late cut grass, wheat straw and garden waste.
Celignis follows traditional methods in enzyme screening allowing the isolation of natural enzyme producers which means that enzyme cocktails developed by Celignis are non-recombinant in nature. The enzymes discovered are studied for various characteristics such as nature of protein (Molecular weight, hydrophobicity); kinetics (reaction and inhibition); optimum reaction conditions etc. Celignis has a collection of close to 100 strains capable of producing a range of enzymes that act on a variety of substrates.
Our expertise in enzymes is particularly relevant to the following topics of the 2023 CBE-JU Work Programme:
- HORIZON-JU-CBE-2023-R-03 (Robust and Optimised Industrial Biotech and Chemical/Industrial Biotech Processes); HORIZON-JU-CBE-2023-IA-03 (Improve Fermentation Processes (Including Downstream Purification) to Final Bio-Based Products); and HORIZON-JU-CBE-2023-IA-05 (Development of Scalable, Safe Bio-Based Surfactants with an Improved Sustainability Profile).
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Process Flow Diagrams and Techno-Economic Analysis of the Process
Bioprocesses are complicated, with several upstream and downstream process unit operations to achieve the final product.
Celignis's process engineering team has several years of expertise in performing techno-economic analyses (TEA) for the conversion of
biomass to biofuels and chemicals. Celignis performs techno-economic analysis from the process concept design and uses it for economic optimisation of the process
together with the yield optimisation. This process is done iteratively during the course of the project to achieve the process optimised for conversion efficiencies
and economics. Our process engineers develop TEAs for multiple scenarios of the same process and perform sensitivity analyses to identify the major contributors
of the operation's cost to allow development of economically-viable processes without sacrificing the process yields.
Celignis is developing PFDs and performing TEA for the Horizon Europe project EnXylaScope, where the analysis is being performed for enzyme production, extraction of xylans, and use of enzymes for the modification of xylans.
Our TEA expertise is relevant to all RIA and Innovation Action topics in the 2023 CBE-JU Work Programme.
Celignis is developing PFDs and performing TEA for the Horizon Europe project EnXylaScope, where the analysis is being performed for enzyme production, extraction of xylans, and use of enzymes for the modification of xylans.
Our TEA expertise is relevant to all RIA and Innovation Action topics in the 2023 CBE-JU Work Programme.
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Biomass Pretreatment and Fractionation
Based on our bioprocessing and compositional expertise, we have a very good understanding of
how to optimise biomass 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 CBE 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 completed BBI project BIOrescue we also analysed the solid and liquid outputs of biomass pretreatment and
developed rapid analysis models for them using near infrared spectroscopy.
Our pre-treatment/fractionation expertise is particularly relevant to the following topics of the 2023 CBE-JU Work Programme:
Our pre-treatment/fractionation expertise is particularly relevant to the following topics of the 2023 CBE-JU Work Programme:
- HORIZON-JU-CBE-2023-R-01 (Phyto-Management; Curing Soil with Industrial Crops, Utilising Contaminated and Saline Land for Industrial Crop Productions); and
- HORIZON-JU-CBE-2023-IA-01 (Small-Scale Biorefining in Rural Areas).
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Anaerobic Digestion and Fermentation
We have years of experience in various types of anaerobic fermentation and anaerobic digestion
for the production of chemicals and fuels. The team has
knowledge and experience in isolation and handling of
Clostridial strains and clostridial fermentations for the production of hydrogen, organic acids and solvents. Celignis's CIO Lalitha Gottumukkala has published several articles
in the area of Clostridial fermentation, especially for biobutanol. Celignis’s AD
expert Kwame has optimised the process for sequential production of bioethanol and biogas from paper sludge as
part of his Process Engineering Research Masters in Stellenbosch University, South Africa and has published articles on the same.
Celignis is using this expertise in the development of an advanced anaerobic digestion process design (STEAME) that allows high volumetric productivity and yields. This is being done as part of a nationally-funded project (Irish Research Council). In this process, the thermophilic nature of archaea is taken advantage of together with the ability of Clostridia to digest complex feedstocks. In STEAME Celignis is using expertise in biomass pretreatment together with microbial and enzyme expertise to enhance the anaerobic digestion of late-cut grass, wheat straw and other complex-recalcitrant agricultural residues.
Celignis also provides services for biomethane potential (BMP) determination; anaerobic toxicity assays; specific hydrolytic, acidogenic and methanogenic potential using its 90 1L anaerobic digestion reactors. Celignis has also the reactor set-up for continuous anaerobic digestion and sequential continuous anaerobic digestion that allows two stage and multi-stage digestion. Additionally, the Celignis team also has strong expertise in the valorisation and treatment of food industry effluent streams and is providing consultancy for three years for the operation of high-rate digesters that process 60 m3/h of dairy industry waste streams. This expertise is of particular value in EU projects where zero-pollution is the process target.
Our AD experience is particularly relevant to the following topics of the 2023 CBE-JU Work Programme:
Celignis is using this expertise in the development of an advanced anaerobic digestion process design (STEAME) that allows high volumetric productivity and yields. This is being done as part of a nationally-funded project (Irish Research Council). In this process, the thermophilic nature of archaea is taken advantage of together with the ability of Clostridia to digest complex feedstocks. In STEAME Celignis is using expertise in biomass pretreatment together with microbial and enzyme expertise to enhance the anaerobic digestion of late-cut grass, wheat straw and other complex-recalcitrant agricultural residues.
Celignis also provides services for biomethane potential (BMP) determination; anaerobic toxicity assays; specific hydrolytic, acidogenic and methanogenic potential using its 90 1L anaerobic digestion reactors. Celignis has also the reactor set-up for continuous anaerobic digestion and sequential continuous anaerobic digestion that allows two stage and multi-stage digestion. Additionally, the Celignis team also has strong expertise in the valorisation and treatment of food industry effluent streams and is providing consultancy for three years for the operation of high-rate digesters that process 60 m3/h of dairy industry waste streams. This expertise is of particular value in EU projects where zero-pollution is the process target.
Our AD experience is particularly relevant to the following topics of the 2023 CBE-JU Work Programme:
- HORIZON-JU-CBE-2023-R-05 (Pre-Normative Research to Develop Standards for Biodegradability of Bio-Based Products in Controlled and Open Environments);
- HORIZON-JU-CBE-2023-IA-03 (Improve Fermentation Processes (Including Downstream Purification) to Final Bio-Based Products); and
- HORIZON-JU-CBE-2023-S-01 (EU-Wide Network of Pilot Plants and Testing Facilities, Improving SMEs and Start-Ups' Access to Scale-Up).
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Successful Proposal Writing and Proposal Evaluation
Dan Hayes wrote the €3.7m, 14 partner, EU project DIBANET from which Celignis spun-out of whilst, more recently,
Lalitha Gottumukkala wrote the €6m, 13 partner, Horizon Europe project EnXylaScope, which
started in 2021. Celignis personnel have also been successful as the primary authors of proposals for the EU's INNOSUP and Marie-Curie programmes, as well as for a number of nationally
funded projects (e.g. the STEAME project).
In addition, both Lalitha and Dan have, for a number of years, been Expert Evaluators for proposals submitted to the BBI-JU (the precursor to the CBE-JU). As a result we have a good understanding of what makes a good proposal and what will improve the chances of a project being funded, hence we can give valued advice to proposal coordinators regarding the direction and focus of a proposal.
In addition, both Lalitha and Dan have, for a number of years, been Expert Evaluators for proposals submitted to the BBI-JU (the precursor to the CBE-JU). As a result we have a good understanding of what makes a good proposal and what will improve the chances of a project being funded, hence we can give valued advice to proposal coordinators regarding the direction and focus of a proposal.
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Go Back to Research Projects page.
January 24th 2024
€1.5m Funding Success in CBE-JU
Celignis is a Partner in 3 Successful Proposals for EU Funding
We are pleased to announce that three of the proposals involving Celignis, submitted to the CBE-JU programme for funding collaborative biomass research in Europe, were successful. These projects will provide an additional funding of €1.5m to Celignis and build on our achievements in other CBE and EU projects. In particular, the projects are all at enhanced TRLs (6/7) and will use our existing Celignis Bioprocess infrastructure and will also fund further development of our bioprocessing capacities and the Bioprocess Development Services we offer our clients.
Details on the funded projects are provided below:
BIONEER - This project was funded under CBE-JU topic IA-06 and focuses on the TRL 6/7 production of biobased platform chemicals. Celignis's activities in the project focus on scaling up the work undertaken in our ongoing CBE-JU RIA project PERFECOAT and the Cluster 6 Horizon Europe project EnxylaScope.
PROMOFER - This project was funded under CBE-JU topic IA-03 and focuses on scaling up improved fermentation processes. Celignis's activities in the project are focused on the TRL7 (1m3 reactor) production of fermentable carbohydrates from lignocellulosic feedstocks.
MANUREFINERY - This project was funded under CBE-JU topic IA-01 and focuses on demonstrating small scale biorefining in rural areas. Celignis will be responsible for undertaking technoeconomic analyses of the integrated processes for valorising agricultural side-streams.
Celignis is a Full Industry Member of the Biobased Industries Consortium (BIC), which helps to steer the focus of research for the CBE-JU programme. On Feb 8th Celignis's Dan Hayes, Lalitha Gottumukkala, and Oscar Bedzo will be attending a BIC networking event in Brussels where we will discuss collaborations in the research programme topics recently announced for 2024.
June 22nd 2022
CBE-JU Call Opens - See our Pitches for Proposals
We detail the important contributions that Celignis can make in the 2022 topics
Today the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE-JU) released their
annual work programme and budget for 2022. There is an indicative budget of 120 million Euros which
will fund a total of 12 topics, comprising 5 Research and Innovation Actions (RIAs), 1 Coordinating and Supporting Action (CSA), 4 Demonstration-Scale projects, and 2 Flagships.
Celignis is a partner in 3 ongoing CBE projects: UNRAVEL and PERFECOAT are RIA (Research and Innovation Action) projects, whilst VAMOS is an Innovation Action project. Additionally, Celignis was a partner in the BIOrescue RIA project which was completed in 2019. Click here to read more about our involvements in these projects. They were funded as part of the Biomass Based Industries Joint Undertaking (BBI-JU) programme. The BBI-JU was the precursor to the CBE-JU for which 2022 will be the first year of operation.
We believe that we can make valuable contributions to projects covering a large number of the topics in the 2022 CBE work programme. These contributions are summarised here and there are also individual Celignis webpages for each of the call topics.
If you are preparing a CBE proposal this year and would like to engage with the Celignis team during the proposal preparation period then feel free to contact us and we will be happy to discuss in more detail how we can potentially contribute to the proposal and consortium. Celignis's Lalitha and Dan have years of experience putting together and writing proposals for EU funding and have also both worked as Expert Evaluators for the BBI-JU and so are very familiar with what is required for an excellent proposal and improved chances of being funded.
Celignis is a partner in 3 ongoing CBE projects: UNRAVEL and PERFECOAT are RIA (Research and Innovation Action) projects, whilst VAMOS is an Innovation Action project. Additionally, Celignis was a partner in the BIOrescue RIA project which was completed in 2019. Click here to read more about our involvements in these projects. They were funded as part of the Biomass Based Industries Joint Undertaking (BBI-JU) programme. The BBI-JU was the precursor to the CBE-JU for which 2022 will be the first year of operation.
We believe that we can make valuable contributions to projects covering a large number of the topics in the 2022 CBE work programme. These contributions are summarised here and there are also individual Celignis webpages for each of the call topics.
If you are preparing a CBE proposal this year and would like to engage with the Celignis team during the proposal preparation period then feel free to contact us and we will be happy to discuss in more detail how we can potentially contribute to the proposal and consortium. Celignis's Lalitha and Dan have years of experience putting together and writing proposals for EU funding and have also both worked as Expert Evaluators for the BBI-JU and so are very familiar with what is required for an excellent proposal and improved chances of being funded.
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April 27th 2022
Intro Video to EnXylaScope Launched
It explains the background to the project and its targets for xylan extraction and modification
An introductory video to the EnXylaScope project (funded by Horizon Europe and technically led by Celignis) has been released. It has been prepared by our fellow consortium partner Loba and details the rationale for the project and the technical advances that the project will make, leading to an efficient and commercially-viable process for the extraction of xylan and its modification so that it can be incorporated into a range of consumer products.
Click here to learn more about the project and Celignis's central contributions to it and here to view the video on YouTube.
Click here to learn more about the project and Celignis's central contributions to it and here to view the video on YouTube.
December 10th 2021
Lalitha Presenting the EnXylaScope Project at CLIB Forum Event
There will also be presentations from the other projects funded in EnXylaScope's call
EnXylaScope is one of four research projects that were funded in the Horizon 2020 call FNR-16-2020 (Enzymes for more environment-friendly consumer products). Today a remote networking event is being held (CLIB HiPerln 2.0 Forum - Catalysing Alliances for Greener Products) at which representatives from each of the projects will present and discuss opportunities for collaboration. Celignis's Lalitha will be representing the EnXylaScope project and is looking forward to discussing the exciting opportunities for enzyme development and xylan valorisation offered by the project. Click here to read more about the event and to register.
September 14th 2021
ALGALVANISE - Astaxanthin Extracted from Microalgae!
High value constituent successfully extracted
Below is included an image of the solvent extract, containing the valuable pigment astaxanthin, obtained from microalgae that has been cultured and grown in our ALGALVANISE project. This output demonstrates successful achievement of a primary objective of Lalitha's project, that high value compounds can be obtained from algae that utilise waste streams from the anaerobic digestion sector as a nutrient and growth source.
September 1st 2021
Offical Start of the SteamBioAfrica Project
This project will use encroaching invasive bush species in southern Africa as feedstocks for the production of sustainable fuel
Today represents Day 1 of the SteamBioAfrica project. It is an €11.7m, four-year, Innovation Action project funded by the EU's Horizon Europe programme. The tagline of the project is "Innovative Large-Scale Production of Affordable Clean Burning Solid Biofuel and Water in Southern Africa: Transforming Bush Encroachment from a Problem into a Secure and Sustainable Energy Source".
The project will address the problems experienced with bush encroachment in a number of southern African countries by using this biomass as a feedstock for a steam torrefaction process, developed in SteamBio (an earlier EU-funded project). Their are two main outputs of this process, a solid material which has improved properties, with regards to its use as a clean-burning fuel, over the original biomass, and a liquid condensate containing volatile components removed from the biomass during torrefaction.
Celignis will be an important analytical partner in the project, undertaking detailed compositional analyses of the feedstocks and process outputs as well as providing guidance and SOPs to the local partners for routine analyses (e.g. for proximate, ultimate, and calorific value analysis). Additionally, Celignis is the main partner responsible for the analysis of the liquid condensate fraction and for the evaluation of suitable applications and markets for it. This is expected to be a complex mixture of degradation products, particularly those coming from the extractives and hemciellulose fractions of the biomass. The profiling of this liquid stream will involve use of our extensive range of chromatography equipment, particularly our Agilent iFunnel 6550 QTOF-LC/MS device. Following this detailed analysis we will then consider which components within the liquid are of value and will consider applications for these (either in crude or refined forms) and will work on techniques for separation and purification. This aspect will follow a similar approach to our work in the UNRAVEL project (funded by the BBI-JU programme of Horizon 2020) where we identified betulin in birch bark as a high value chemical that warranted extraction and purification and then worked on developing a commercially-relevant approach to enable this.
Click here to read more about the SteamBioAfrica project and our involvement in it.
The project will address the problems experienced with bush encroachment in a number of southern African countries by using this biomass as a feedstock for a steam torrefaction process, developed in SteamBio (an earlier EU-funded project). Their are two main outputs of this process, a solid material which has improved properties, with regards to its use as a clean-burning fuel, over the original biomass, and a liquid condensate containing volatile components removed from the biomass during torrefaction.
Celignis will be an important analytical partner in the project, undertaking detailed compositional analyses of the feedstocks and process outputs as well as providing guidance and SOPs to the local partners for routine analyses (e.g. for proximate, ultimate, and calorific value analysis). Additionally, Celignis is the main partner responsible for the analysis of the liquid condensate fraction and for the evaluation of suitable applications and markets for it. This is expected to be a complex mixture of degradation products, particularly those coming from the extractives and hemciellulose fractions of the biomass. The profiling of this liquid stream will involve use of our extensive range of chromatography equipment, particularly our Agilent iFunnel 6550 QTOF-LC/MS device. Following this detailed analysis we will then consider which components within the liquid are of value and will consider applications for these (either in crude or refined forms) and will work on techniques for separation and purification. This aspect will follow a similar approach to our work in the UNRAVEL project (funded by the BBI-JU programme of Horizon 2020) where we identified betulin in birch bark as a high value chemical that warranted extraction and purification and then worked on developing a commercially-relevant approach to enable this.
Click here to read more about the SteamBioAfrica project and our involvement in it.
June 19th 2021
ALGALVANISE - Algae Flocculation with Chitosan
We are pleased to report that we have succesfully achieved another project target!
The image below shows the successful flocculation of algae by using chitosan. This was one of the key objectives of the ALGALVANISE project that involve's Celignis's Lalitha.
Traditionally, algal harvesting costs can comprise around 30% of the total operating costs of lage plants, hence reducing these will have a major positive effect on algal cultivation economics. Modern separators use 0.4 kWh/m3, a high energy requirement given average algal biomass concentration is only 1g/L. For separation to give a positive energy balance the energy required for harvesting needs to be reduced to 0.1 kWh/m3. ALGALVANISE targets such a low energy system through the use of coagulation/flocculation methods with the use of chitosan being one of these approaches.
Further work will be undertaken to optimise the process in order to find the minimum chitosan dosage to enhance bacterial flocculation in terms of yield and quality of the biomass without using any alkali agents.
Traditionally, algal harvesting costs can comprise around 30% of the total operating costs of lage plants, hence reducing these will have a major positive effect on algal cultivation economics. Modern separators use 0.4 kWh/m3, a high energy requirement given average algal biomass concentration is only 1g/L. For separation to give a positive energy balance the energy required for harvesting needs to be reduced to 0.1 kWh/m3. ALGALVANISE targets such a low energy system through the use of coagulation/flocculation methods with the use of chitosan being one of these approaches.
Further work will be undertaken to optimise the process in order to find the minimum chitosan dosage to enhance bacterial flocculation in terms of yield and quality of the biomass without using any alkali agents.
June 1st 2021
BIO4Africa Project Officially Starts
The project focuses on the deployment of several biomass processing technologies in a number of African countries
Today marks the first official day of the BIO4Africa project. It is a four-year €9m RIA (Research and Innovation Action) project, funded by the EU's Horizon Europe programme involving 25 partners from the EU and Africa. It focuses on the demonstration of sustainable, circular solutions and business models, suitable for African countries, based on the valorisation of a variety of local feedstocks.
Celignis is an important partner in the project, having a key role early-on with regards to the compositional analysis and evaluation of a wide variety of different local feedstocks. These data will allow decisions to be made with regards to which feedstocks are suitable for which technologies leading to a subset of feedstocks being selected for processing. The technologies that will be deployed in the project include: pyrolysis (for the production of biochar); hydrothermal carbonisation; and a green-biorefinery (the GRASSA process, which has previously been demonstrated in Ireland in the Biorefinery Glas project).
After the most appropriate feedstocks have been selected for each technology, samples will be sent to the European technology providers where initial tests will be undertaken in order to understand how these feedstocks behave, allowing for fine-tuning and process modifications to improve process efficiencies for each feedstock. Following these trials arrangements will be made for the equipment to be shipped to Africa where the technologies will be deployed at a number of locations, processing locally-available biomass. Celignis will also play an important role in the project at these stages, being responsible for the analysis of the outputs (e.g. biochar, HTC char, press-cake, etc.) of the various technologies.
Click here to read more about the project and Celignis's involvement in it.
Celignis is an important partner in the project, having a key role early-on with regards to the compositional analysis and evaluation of a wide variety of different local feedstocks. These data will allow decisions to be made with regards to which feedstocks are suitable for which technologies leading to a subset of feedstocks being selected for processing. The technologies that will be deployed in the project include: pyrolysis (for the production of biochar); hydrothermal carbonisation; and a green-biorefinery (the GRASSA process, which has previously been demonstrated in Ireland in the Biorefinery Glas project).
After the most appropriate feedstocks have been selected for each technology, samples will be sent to the European technology providers where initial tests will be undertaken in order to understand how these feedstocks behave, allowing for fine-tuning and process modifications to improve process efficiencies for each feedstock. Following these trials arrangements will be made for the equipment to be shipped to Africa where the technologies will be deployed at a number of locations, processing locally-available biomass. Celignis will also play an important role in the project at these stages, being responsible for the analysis of the outputs (e.g. biochar, HTC char, press-cake, etc.) of the various technologies.
Click here to read more about the project and Celignis's involvement in it.
May 18th 2021
Kick-Off Meeting for the EnXylaScope Project
Celignis is the Technical Coordinator of this Horizon Europe project
Today we were happy to take part in the kick-off meeting for our EnXylaScope project. There were fruitful discussions between the project's partners on the work to be undertaken in the various work packages and on how the scientific and technical progress will be guided by the clear commercial opportunities presented by xylan as a polymer and the range of markets for which it can be an important component in consumer products. The discovery and application of novel enzymes to facilitate this is a key component of the proejct.
Click here to read more about the project and the important contributions that Celignis is making towards it.
Click here to read more about the project and the important contributions that Celignis is making towards it.
April 29th 2021
Success for Celignis at the Irish Lab Awards 2021
We won in the “Innovation of the Year” and the “Laboratory Staff Member of the Year” categories
We are happy to announce that Celignis received two awards in the 2021 Irish Lab Awards. These awards are detailed below:
Innovation of the Year Award - for our technological developments for polysaccharide extraction and modification and our advances in the provision of Bioprocess Development Services for clients.
Laboratory Staff Member of the Year Award - For Laitha, our Chief Innovation Officer, recognising the massive constributions she has made to the company in the last year in terms of innovations, enhanced services to our clients, and business development.
Click here to see the list of finalists and awardees in each category.
Innovation of the Year Award - for our technological developments for polysaccharide extraction and modification and our advances in the provision of Bioprocess Development Services for clients.
Laboratory Staff Member of the Year Award - For Laitha, our Chief Innovation Officer, recognising the massive constributions she has made to the company in the last year in terms of innovations, enhanced services to our clients, and business development.
Click here to see the list of finalists and awardees in each category.
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September 28th 2020
ALGALVANISE - Filamentous Microalgae Isolated
Check out a video of our algae strain isolated in the project
Below is a short video of the microscope-view (10X) of a filamentous microalgae strain that we have isolated as part of the ALGALVANISE project involving Celignis's Lalitha.
April 1st 2020
Kick-off of ALGALVANISE PROJECT
We are happy to announe the start of our innovative new Marie-Curie Project
ALGALVANISE is an exciting new project, funded by the European Union's Marie-Curie programme, involving Celignis's Lalitha. It will advance the state of-
the art by developing two novel concepts:
1) enzyme-assisted enhanced algal cultivation; and
2) combinatorial bioflocculation using bacteria and biopolymers.
These two processes are targeted towards efficient nutrient recovery by algae from the digestate produced by anaerobic digestors and harvesting high-quality algal biomass to produce high-value functional ingredients.
We will update you, over the coming months and years, regarding the progress of this exciting project.
1) enzyme-assisted enhanced algal cultivation; and
2) combinatorial bioflocculation using bacteria and biopolymers.
These two processes are targeted towards efficient nutrient recovery by algae from the digestate produced by anaerobic digestors and harvesting high-quality algal biomass to produce high-value functional ingredients.
We will update you, over the coming months and years, regarding the progress of this exciting project.
December 4th 2019
Celignis Personnel Representing UNRAVEL Project at BBI-JU Stakeholder Forum
Come join us at the project's exhibition stand at this Brussels event
Celignis's Lalitha and Dan are, together with Andre Zomeren (from coordinator TNO), today representing the BBI project UNRAVEL at the BBI JU Stakeholder Forum 2019 being held at the Egg Congress and Meeting Center in Brussels. This event provides BBI projects' partners the opportunity to meet each other, and the wider public, to facilitate collaboration opportunities and commercial progress of the technologies being developed.
We are happy to discuss with you the advances made by partner TNO on the project's FABIOLA pretreatment/fractionation progress and by Celignis on the characterisation and removal of extractives, targeting recovery and purification of an identified high value component, and on the rapid analysis models developed by Celignis for the inputs and outputs of the process. We will also be happy to discuss the important work in the project being done by other partners.
We are located at Stand 5C so come say hello!
Click here to read more about the UNRAVEL project.
We are happy to discuss with you the advances made by partner TNO on the project's FABIOLA pretreatment/fractionation progress and by Celignis on the characterisation and removal of extractives, targeting recovery and purification of an identified high value component, and on the rapid analysis models developed by Celignis for the inputs and outputs of the process. We will also be happy to discuss the important work in the project being done by other partners.
We are located at Stand 5C so come say hello!
Click here to read more about the UNRAVEL project.
October 16th 2019
Celignis Demonstration at BBI Project ICT-Biochain Event
We welcomed visitors to our labs for a demonstration of the technical ICT innovations for biomass developed at Celignis
ICT-BIOCHAIN is a BBI-JU (Horizon 2020) project that targets the identification of opportunities for ICT to increase the efficiency of biomass supply chains for the bio-based industry.
On the 16th of October, as part of Bioeconomy Ireland Week 2019 the project's Irish partners hosted a Knowledge Transfer Demonstration Day where companies with novel ICT, IoT and Industry 4.0 solutions for the bio-based sector demonstrated their technologies in a real operating environment.
Celignis was one of those demonstrating companies and we welcomed visitors to our labs where we provided a demonstration of our Near-Infrared Spectroscopy rapid biomass analysis models, using proprietary software, as well as our provision of biomethane potential (BMP) data for the anaerobic digestion sector.
Click here to read more about the event.
On the 16th of October, as part of Bioeconomy Ireland Week 2019 the project's Irish partners hosted a Knowledge Transfer Demonstration Day where companies with novel ICT, IoT and Industry 4.0 solutions for the bio-based sector demonstrated their technologies in a real operating environment.
Celignis was one of those demonstrating companies and we welcomed visitors to our labs where we provided a demonstration of our Near-Infrared Spectroscopy rapid biomass analysis models, using proprietary software, as well as our provision of biomethane potential (BMP) data for the anaerobic digestion sector.
Click here to read more about the event.
September 1st 2019
BBI-JU Project VAMOS Officially Starts
This Innovation Action project will involve the construction and operation of a TRL7 biorefinery in the UK, based on the Fiberight process and using Celignis's rapid analysis models for process control
Today marks the first day of the BBI-JU project VAMOS. It is a €13.7m Innovation Action (IA) project, funded as part of the EU's Horizon 2020 research programme, that involves 11 partners.
The project is based on the Fiberight process for the valorisation of municipal solid waste. In particular, VAMOS will focus on using the separated paper-waste fraction as a substrate for conversion to sugars which are then subsequently fermented to lactic acid.
The process involves a number of stages, including pretreatment, hydrolysis, and fermentation. At each stage there will be an input and a number of output streams. For example, the enzymatic hydrolysis process will produce a liquid fraction containing the hydrolysed sugars and a solid fraction containing the non-hydrolysed portion of the biomass.
Celignis plays a key role in the project with regards to the analysis of the solid fractions at a number of stages in the process. Our initial work focuses on the development of rapid analysis models, using near infrared spectroscopy equipment located in our labs, that allow the composition of the material to be predicted based solely on the NIR spectra collected from it. This allows the analysis time to be reduced from weeks to seconds.
Developing these models requires that we first analyse, via standard chemical approaches, a wide variety of samples, covering the variability expected from the process. Once a suitably large dataset has been built then the first iterations of the models can be developed. This is an approach we have successfully demonstrated to date in other BBI projects (BIOrescue and UNRAVEL) at the RIA (up to TRL-5) level for both feedstocks and process outputs.
Excitingly, VAMOS gives Celignis the opportunity to demonstrate its NIR models at a higher TRL level (TRL-7). As part of this, later on in the project, once the demo-scale biorefinery has been built and is operational, we will install similar NIR equipment within the demo plant (which is expected to be located in the UK) and set up customised software that will allow plant operators, with no technical expertise in NIR or chemometrics, to routinely analyse the inputs and outputs of the process.
We will then work with plant operators over the course of a year, devleoping incremental improvements in the accuracy of the models and in the performance of the customised software. This work is expected to lead to the development of an integrated software package and commercial proposition for replicating this approach at other biorefineries, operating at demonstration or commercial scales.
Click here to read more about the project and Celignis's involvement in it.
The project is based on the Fiberight process for the valorisation of municipal solid waste. In particular, VAMOS will focus on using the separated paper-waste fraction as a substrate for conversion to sugars which are then subsequently fermented to lactic acid.
The process involves a number of stages, including pretreatment, hydrolysis, and fermentation. At each stage there will be an input and a number of output streams. For example, the enzymatic hydrolysis process will produce a liquid fraction containing the hydrolysed sugars and a solid fraction containing the non-hydrolysed portion of the biomass.
Celignis plays a key role in the project with regards to the analysis of the solid fractions at a number of stages in the process. Our initial work focuses on the development of rapid analysis models, using near infrared spectroscopy equipment located in our labs, that allow the composition of the material to be predicted based solely on the NIR spectra collected from it. This allows the analysis time to be reduced from weeks to seconds.
Developing these models requires that we first analyse, via standard chemical approaches, a wide variety of samples, covering the variability expected from the process. Once a suitably large dataset has been built then the first iterations of the models can be developed. This is an approach we have successfully demonstrated to date in other BBI projects (BIOrescue and UNRAVEL) at the RIA (up to TRL-5) level for both feedstocks and process outputs.
Excitingly, VAMOS gives Celignis the opportunity to demonstrate its NIR models at a higher TRL level (TRL-7). As part of this, later on in the project, once the demo-scale biorefinery has been built and is operational, we will install similar NIR equipment within the demo plant (which is expected to be located in the UK) and set up customised software that will allow plant operators, with no technical expertise in NIR or chemometrics, to routinely analyse the inputs and outputs of the process.
We will then work with plant operators over the course of a year, devleoping incremental improvements in the accuracy of the models and in the performance of the customised software. This work is expected to lead to the development of an integrated software package and commercial proposition for replicating this approach at other biorefineries, operating at demonstration or commercial scales.
Click here to read more about the project and Celignis's involvement in it.
May 28th 2019
We're Hosting a Review Meeting of H2020 Project ENABLING
The 2 day event will see all 16 partners of the ENABLING project discuss the progress to date.
This two-day event will see all 16 project partners discuss the progress made in the first 18 months of our Horizon 2020 project ENABLING and make plans for the activities to be undertaken in the second half of the project.
The focus of the project is on supporting the spreading of best practices and innovation in the provision (production, pre-processing) of biomass for the Bio-Based Industry (BBI).
Click here for more information on ENABLING.
The focus of the project is on supporting the spreading of best practices and innovation in the provision (production, pre-processing) of biomass for the Bio-Based Industry (BBI).
Click here for more information on ENABLING.
February 28th 2019
Celignis Presentation at BIOrescue Networking Event
The event is being held at the Max-Planck Institute in Mainz, Germany
Today a workshop, entitled 'Building sustainable value chains for the bio-based industry', is being held at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research in Mainz, Germany.
The event is being organised as part of our Biomass Based Industries Joint Undertaking project BIOrescue.
Click here to see the agenda for the workshop and here to register.
Dan's presentation can be downloaded here.
The event is being organised as part of our Biomass Based Industries Joint Undertaking project BIOrescue.
Click here to see the agenda for the workshop and here to register.
Dan's presentation can be downloaded here.
February 5th 2019
Celignis Hosting the Month 9 Review Meeting of BBI Project UNRAVEL
We are delighted to welcome the 9 other project partners to Limerick.
Over the next two days Celignis will be hosting the other 9 project partners of the Biomass Based Industries Joint Undertaking project UNRAVEL in Limerick for the month 9 review meeting.
UNRAVEL addresses topic 2017.R2 of the 2017 BBI Work Programme - "Innovative technologies for the pre-treatment and serparation of lignocellulosic feedstock and complex composition streams into valuable fractions while maintaining key characteristics".
Celignis is leader of Work Package 2 which concerns the detailed analysis of selected feedstocks, with a particular focus on extractives composition, and the optimisation of a pre-extraction process that could improve the yields and product qualities in subsequent pre-treatment. Intial studies have shown that this pre-extraction is particularly effective in increasing the homogeneity of the feedstock composition and the purity of biorefinery products.
Click here to read more about our involvement in UNRAVEL.
UNRAVEL addresses topic 2017.R2 of the 2017 BBI Work Programme - "Innovative technologies for the pre-treatment and serparation of lignocellulosic feedstock and complex composition streams into valuable fractions while maintaining key characteristics".
Celignis is leader of Work Package 2 which concerns the detailed analysis of selected feedstocks, with a particular focus on extractives composition, and the optimisation of a pre-extraction process that could improve the yields and product qualities in subsequent pre-treatment. Intial studies have shown that this pre-extraction is particularly effective in increasing the homogeneity of the feedstock composition and the purity of biorefinery products.
Click here to read more about our involvement in UNRAVEL.
June 12th 2018
Our New BBI Project Kicks Off!
UNRAVEL partners met in The Netherlands to launch the project.
The headquarters of project partners ECN (now part of TNO) was the venue for the kick-off of new research project UNRAVEL. This project is funded by the Biomass Based Industries Joint Undertaking and will run from June 2018 until May 2022.
The project addresses topic 2017.R2 of the 2017 BBI Work Programme - "Innovative technologies for the pre-treatment and serparation of lignocellulosic feedstock and complex composition streams into valuable fractions while maintaining key characteristics". Celignis is leader of Work Package 2 which concerns the detailed analysis of selected feedstocks, with a particular focus on extractives composition, and the optimisation of a pre-extraction process that could improve the yields and product qualities in subsequent pre-treatment.
The kick-off meeting took place between June 12-13 in Petten, The Netherlands and involved all 10 project partners.
Click here for more information on the project and Celignis's involvement.
The project addresses topic 2017.R2 of the 2017 BBI Work Programme - "Innovative technologies for the pre-treatment and serparation of lignocellulosic feedstock and complex composition streams into valuable fractions while maintaining key characteristics". Celignis is leader of Work Package 2 which concerns the detailed analysis of selected feedstocks, with a particular focus on extractives composition, and the optimisation of a pre-extraction process that could improve the yields and product qualities in subsequent pre-treatment.
The kick-off meeting took place between June 12-13 in Petten, The Netherlands and involved all 10 project partners.
Click here for more information on the project and Celignis's involvement.
September 28th 2016
Kick-Off Meeting for BIOrescue Project
We are in Pamplona, Spain for the launch of our BBI Horizon 2020 project.
Our Director Daniel Hayes and biomass analyst Daniel Hickey are in Pamplona, Spain for the kick-off meeting of "BIOrescue" a collaborative research project funded by the European Union's Biomass Based Industries scheme.
We will be involved in project-related discussions with the 10 other BIOrescue partipant organisations at the Second Generation Biofuel Centre of CENER, the coordinator of the project.
Click here to see the press-release for this kick-off meeting.
We will be involved in project-related discussions with the 10 other BIOrescue partipant organisations at the Second Generation Biofuel Centre of CENER, the coordinator of the project.
Click here to see the press-release for this kick-off meeting.
