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

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
The potential of microalgae biorefineries in Belgium and India: An environmental techno-economic assessment
Year: 
2018
Journal: 
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
Thomassen, G; Van Dael, M; Van Passel, S
Continuous production of pectic oligosaccharides from sugar beet pulp in a cross flow continuous enzyme membrane reactor
Year: 
2018
Journal: 
BIOPROCESS AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING
Elst, K; Babbar, N; Van Roy, S; Baldassarre, S; Dejonghe, W; Maesen, M; Sforza, S
A review of sustainability indicators for biobased chemicals
Year: 
2018
Journal: 
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
Van Schoubroeck, S; Van Dael, M; Van Passel, S; Malina, R

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