NoviCo
 

Focus of NoviCo is primary and secondary conversion (lignin separation and depolymerisation, biological hydrolysis of holocellulose) of lignocellulosic biomass to produce fermentable carbohydrate intermediates.

NoviCo will contribute to achieve EU’s ambitious objectives, by providing an innovative technological solution for the sustainable and socially acceptable conversion of low-value lignocellulosic residues, such as thinnings, sawdust into bio-based chemicals and materials precursors.
NoviCo addresses specifically the thematic challenge of the Call "5 – Innovative solutions for efficient and sustainable use of resources" by developing compact, efficient, and environmentally as well as economically sustainable processes for conversion of biomass residues into platform chemicals and high value compounds.

Main objectives of the project are:
 

* Design of ILs that can effectively remove lignin from biomass, specifically from softwood (spruce, pine) and serve as stable electrolytes in electrochemical conversions;
* Improvement of lignin degradation process conditions with white-rot fungi;

* Identification of electrochemical lignin valorisation pathways including kinetic models to mimic the electrochemical conditions including paired electrolysis cells.


Publications funded by the NoviCo project:

Hasanov, Isa; Shanmugam, Sabarathinam; Kikas, Timo (2022). Extraction and isolation of lignin from ash tree (Fraxinus exselsior) with protic ionic liquids (PILs). Chemosphere, 290, 133297. DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.133297.


Project partners:
 



Estonian University of LIfe Sciences