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

Circular bioeconomy approaches for sustainability Preface
Year: 
2020
Journal: 
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
Mohan, SV; Varjani, S; Pant, D; Sauer, M; Chang, JS
Profitable biomethane production from delignified rice straw biomass: the effect of lignin, energy and economic analysis
Year: 
2020
Journal: 
GREEN CHEMISTRY
Kavitha, S; Kannah, RY; Kasthuri, S; Gunasekaran, M; Pugazhendi, A; Rene, ER; Pant, D; Kumar, G; Banu, JR
Aldehyde-Assisted Lignocellulose Fractionation Provides Unique Lignin Oligomers for the Design of Tunable Polyurethane Bioresins
Year: 
2020
Journal: 
BIOMACROMOLECULES
Vendamme, R; de Bueren, JB; Gracia-Vitoria, J; Isnard, F; Mulunda, MM; Ortiz, P; Wadekar, M; Vanbroekhoven, K; Wegmann, C; Buser, R; Heroguel, F; Luterbacher, JS; Eevers, W
Integrated techno-economic assessment of a biorefinery process: The high-end valorization of the lignocellulosic fraction in wood streams
Year: 
2020
Journal: 
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
Tschulkow, M; Compernolle, T; Van den Bosch, S; Van Aelst, J; Storms, I; Van Dael, M; Van den Bossche, G; Sels, B; Van Passel, S

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