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

Food wastes from agrifood industry as possible sources of proteins: A detailed molecular view on the composition of the nitrogen fraction, amino acid profile and racemisation degree of 39 food waste streams
Year: 
2019
Journal: 
FOOD CHEMISTRY
Prandi, B; Faccini, A; Lambertini, F; Bencivenni, M; Jorba, M; Van Droogenbroek, B; Bruggeman, G; Schober, J; Petrusan, J; Elst, K; Sforza, S
The future of biomass and bioenergy deployment and trade: a synthesis of 15 years IEA Bioenergy Task 40 on sustainable bioenergy trade
Year: 
2019
Journal: 
BIOFUELS BIOPRODUCTS & BIOREFINING-BIOFPR
Junginger, HM; Mai-Moulin, T; Daioglou, V; Fritsche, U; Guisson, R; Hennig, C; Thran, D; Heinimo, J; Hess, JR; Lamers, P; Li, CL; Kwant, K; Olsson, O; Proskurina, S; Ranta, T; Schipfer, F; Wild, M
Sourcing overseas biomass for EU ambitions: assessing net sustainable export potential from various sourcing countries
Year: 
2019
Journal: 
BIOFUELS BIOPRODUCTS & BIOREFINING-BIOFPR
Mai-Moulin, T; Visser, L; Fingerman, KR; Elbersen, W; Elbersen, B; Nabuurs, GJ; Fritsche, UR; Colmenar, ID; Rutz, D; Diaz-Chavez, RA; Roozen, A; Weck, M; Iriarte, L; Pelkmans, L; Gonzalez, DS; Janssen, R; Junginger, M
Thermosetting Polymers from Lignin Model Compounds and Depolymerized Lignins
Year: 
2018
Journal: 
TOPICS IN CURRENT CHEMISTRY
Feghali, E; Torr, KM; van de Pas, DJ; Ortiz, P; Vanbroekhoven, K; Eevers, W; Vendamme, R
Effect of the electric supply interruption on a microbial electrosynthesis system converting inorganic carbon into acetate
Year: 
2018
Journal: 
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
Rojas, MDA; Zaiat, M; Gonzalez, ER; De Wever, H; Pant, D

Pages