Quero Group

Green techniques are used to transform renewable materials into advanced products while preserving their inherent structure. Sustainable methods like enzymatic hydrolysis and supercritical fluid extraction maintain the biomass's complex architecture, enabling the development of innovative materials with tailored properties for applications such as biocomposites and bio-based polymers. This approach aligns with circular economy principles, enhancing both environmental sustainability and material functionality. We also implement analytical chemistry methods for the analysis of different biomass resources (plant, algae, fungi and bacterial cell wall).

We implement the use of cutting-edge integrated fungal biotechnology to ensure the sustainable use of side-streams and recalcitrant residues from biorefinery of lignocellulosic biomass, as an example paper industry. Liquid side-streams from biomass treatments could be used as liquid media to support fungal growth influencing the composition and structure of fungal cell wall. This will provide a future alternative for mycelia cultivation in food, biomedical or material applications. Moreover, a hybrid fungal:lignocellulose network generated by solid-state fermentation, can create composites as renewable and biodegradable materials as alternative to synthetic polyester, for example. Through our engagement in the WWSC we are providing novel alternative for forestry based materials.

Our research group focuses on converting industrial side-streams into bio-based alternatives for diverse applications. We develop sustainable products like algae-based food and cosmetic ingredients, marine collagen for biomedical uses, and biobased foams and films for packaging. By valorizing by-products from various industries, we create high-value materials that promote resource efficiency and sustainability, aligning with circular economy principles. This approach reduces waste and replaces conventional materials with innovative, eco-friendly solutions across food, cosmetics, biomedical, and packaging sectors.

Our processes aim to generate high-value applications spanning multiple sectors, starting with biomedical uses such as marine collagen for tissue engineering and wound healing, and extending to cosmetic innovations like algae-based active ingredients for skincare. In the food and feed industries, we develop nutrient-rich and functional additives from biomass, enhancing sustainability in these markets. Transitioning to bulk materials, our efforts include the creation of biobased foams, films, and composites for eco-friendly packaging, as well as functional fibers designed for advanced applications like active/intelligent food packaging or biodegradable medical devices. This holistic approach ensures the efficient valorization of resources into versatile, high-performance products aligned with circular economy principles.

CIRCALGAE (HEU)

CIRCular valorisation of industrial ALGAE waste streams into high-value products to foster future sustainable blue biorefineries in Europe.

Algae biomass is a treasure in the water, while capturing CO2 vast amounts of biomass are generated. However, this treasure is not being used to the fullest. The EU-funded CIRCALGAE project aims to develop a ground-breaking exploitation system where the algae industrial waste streams will be further valorised, in a more sustainable and circular approach. Through a set of simple, water-based technologies, the project focuses on introducing an integrated biorefinery concept and delivering novel macro- and microalgae ingredients to the food, feed and cosmetic sector. Bringing together a team of key algae cross-sectoral actors, CIRCALGAE aspires to revolutionise the blue bioeconomy and scale up the sustainable use of living aquatic resources.

The project started on October 2022, it will last 4 years and gathers 22 partners from 11 different European countries. Dr. Amparo Jiménez Quero (CHALMERS) is the project coordinator. To know more visit the project website.

SISTERS (H2020)

CHALMERS is taking part in the EU funded Horizon 2020 project SISTERS. SISTERS aims to reduce food loss and food waste in the main different stages of the Food Value Chain in Europe through innovations targeted to each link of the value chain: new tools to primary producers for promoting direct and Short Chain sales (farmers); new technological innovations in packaging for processors and retailers; and awareness campaigns for retailers and consumers on food loss and food waste.

With the support of the European Commission, SISTERS will be a key EU project addressing the problem in a holistic way, reducing FLW by 27.4% and CO2 emissions by around 20% in the case studies. Our role within the project will be to extract valuable compounds from food lost (with antioxidant, antimicrobial and/or material properties) to be add in the food packaging improving sustainabilty and circularity in the food value chain. 

The project started on November 2021, it will last 4.5 years and gathers 18 partners from 8 different European countries. To know more visit our SISTERS website.

PHAntastic 

The PHAntastic project is facilitating the sustainable transition of the agricultural sector by addressing the environmental impacts of agrochemicals and plastic pollution. By developing delivery systems based on PHAs, a type of bio-based, biodegradable polymers, the project replaces non-biodegradable plastics and synthetic agrochemicals with eco-friendly mulch films and growth foams. Through demonstrations on horticultural crops and trees in Northern and Southern Europe, these proposed solutions, containing active bioproducts such as amino acids and microelements, have the potential to reduce fertilizer and pesticide use, while decreasing microplastic pollution and promoting soil health. Comprising 15 partners from 7 countries, this 4-year (2024-2028) €7.4 million Horizon project contributes to a secure food supply chain and less impactful agriculture, boosting the sustainability, autonomy and competitiveness of vital EU value chains. To know more visit the PHAntastic project website.

FOODIMAR 

FOODIMAR stands for sustainable climate-Friendly quality fOOD Ingredients from MArine side-stReams and our vision is to revolutionize the fisheries and aquaculture industries by transforming side-stream biomass into high-value, sustainable products. By leveraging innovative technologies and sustainable practices, FOODIMAR aims to reduce waste, enhance resource efficiency, and contribute to a resilient and environmentally friendly food system. The project envisions a future where aquatic resources are utilized to their fullest potential, creating economic opportunities while addressing environmental challenges. It is a 3-year-long project funded under 1st Call of the Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership 2023 – The way forward: a thriving sustainable blue economy for a brighter future. FOODIMAR project started in May, 2024. To know more visit the FOODIMAR project website.

• Martin Larroque (Exchange Master student 2024)