VITO explores the potential of lignin/wood, algae and insects for alternative production of drop-in chemicals, through a partial conversion with maximal preservation of existing functionalities as foreseen by nature. In combination with efficient fractionation, this could be an alternative for the classic multistep cracking and production processes in the petrochemical industry. VITO focuses on separation solutions for innovative conversion concepts and enables the introduction of these value chains in the chemical industry landscape. VITO also opens doors to new application areas by developing new high-value molecules.

Projects

Algae4IBD - Health from aquatic resources

IDEA - Implementation and development of economic viable algae-based value chains

Prometheus: assessment of microbial protein sources for food and feed

Lignocost: establishment of a Pan-European Network on the Sustainable Valorization of Lignin

SPICY: sugar-based chemicals and polymers through Innovative chemocatalysis and engineered yeast

Lignin Oxidation technology for versatile lignin dispersants

Publications

Combining medium recirculation with alternating the microalga production strain: a laboratory and pilot scale cultivation test
Year: 
2020
Journal: 
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
Fret, J; Roef, L; Diels, L; Tavernier, S; Vyverman, W; Michiels, M
Simplified determination of the content and average degree of acetylation of chitin in crude black soldier fly larvae samples
Year: 
2020
Journal: 
CARBOHYDRATE RESEARCH
D'Hondt, E; Soetemans, L; Bastiaens, L; Maesen, M; Jespers, V; Van den Bosch, B; Voorspoels, S; Elst, K
Molecular weight-based fractionation of lignin oils by membrane separation technology
Year: 
2020
Journal: 
HOLZFORSCHUNG
Polizzi, V; Servaes, K; Vandezande, P; Kouris, PD; Panaite, AM; Jacobs, G; Hensen, EJM; Boot, MD; Vanbroekhoven, K
Long-term strategies for sustainable biomass imports in European bioenergy markets
Year: 
2019
Journal: 
BIOFUELS BIOPRODUCTS & BIOREFINING-BIOFPR
Pelkmans, L; Van Dael, M; Junginger, M; Fritsche, UR; Diaz-Chavez, R; Nabuurs, GJ; Colmenar, ID; Gonzalez, DS; Rutz, D; Janssen, R
Bio-based Aromatic Amines from Lignin-Derived Monomers
Year: 
2019
Journal: 
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
Blondiaux, E; Bomon, J; Smolen, M; Kaval, N; Lemiere, F; Sergeyev, S; Diels, L; Sels, B; Maes, BUW

Pages