15-04-2024
The PROSPLIGN project - PROSPecting natural LIGNin biodiversity towards unlocking value-added bioactive motifs and molecules – is an European funded Research and Innovation Action project awarded €3.4 Million euros and has officially kicked off in Dublin last week.
The project coordinated by kelAda Pharmachem (Ireland) and with a collaborative consortium formed by UCIBIO - NOVA FCT, University of Helsinki (Finland), Fundación MEDINA (Spain), University College Dublin (Ireland), Magfi (Malta) and the Bern University of Applied Sciences (Switzerland) aims to employ state-of-the-art methodologies to identify compounds within lignin and validate its bioactive potential for application in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and fragrances markets.
The research team from the Biomolecular Engineering Lab at UCIBIO - NOVA FCT, led by Cecília Roque, will specifically contribute with developed unique innovative bioinspired olfaction technologies to discover lignin-derived molecules with commercial potential for the fragrances industry.
Lignin is a natural, abundant and sustainable biopolymer component of lignocellulosic biomass, therefore the unlock of this material’s potential by this project will prove that technological and scientific innovation can and should significantly contribute towards a sustainable and green chemistry.
About the PROSPLIGN partners
KelAda Pharmachem
Based in Dublin, the company leverages its expertise in the development of “Green Chemistry” technologies and processes for application in the pharmaceutical and fine chemicals industries. In particular, the company is pioneering the concept of “Bio-Organic Pharming” – a term the company has coined to define the identification, derivatisation and valorisation of pharmacologically active compounds present in traditionally ignored or underutilized sources of biomass and industrial waste streams. The company has participated heavily in EU funded projects over the past decade, and is the coordinator of PROSPLIGN, the core concept of which was born from internal KelAda research.
University of Helsinki - Finland’s oldest university founded in 1640 - is renowned for its academic excellence and cutting-edge research deeply engaged in advancing knowledge. The enzymology related activities in PROSPLIGN are led by an experienced UH team at the forefront of plant biomass modifying enzyme research, focusing on lignin degradation, a longstanding area of expertise within the Department of Microbiology.
Fundación MEDINA is a non-profit research organization leader in the discovery of novel bioactive compounds from microbial natural products (NPs) to be developed as new drugs for top priority therapeutic needs. MEDINA’s is uniquely positioned promote success of PROSPLIGN’s objective to identify and validate undiscovered bioactive molecules derived from lignin.
NOVA University of Lisbon through its School, NOVA School of Science and Technology (NOVA FCT), is one of Portugal's leading colleges in Engineering, Sciences, and Technology, recognized for its innovative character. It is immersed in an entrepreneurial ecosystem characterized by strong ties to the business community and a thriving startup culture. NOVA FCT hosts 16 research centers, namely UCIBIO – Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit. Researchers from the Biomolecular Engineering Lab at UCIBIO, participate in PROSPLIGN project. They developed unique innovative bioinspired olfaction technologies, that will be used in PROSPLIGN to discover and validate lignin-derived molecules with commercial potential for the fragrances industry.
University College Dublin is one of Europe’s leading research-intensive universities with a foundation of high-quality interdisciplinary research, scholarship and innovation. The UCD team will utilise the world-class analytical equipment needed for the characterisation of bioactive molecules identified in PROSPLIGN, will lead Life Cycle Assesment and Safety Assessment activities and statistical analysis activities, involving the utilisation of process modelling, process analytical technology and process intensification techniques.
Magfi ltd ‘Sustainability in Action’ is a boutique advisory firm specialised in supporting innovators (both post seed startups and scale ups) within the biotech, foodtech and cleantech space. Leveraging its distinctive ability to operate both in commercial (B2B) services and within publicly funded projects (B2G), Magfi brings to fruition its team members decade-long experiences operating within the European bioeconomy space in order to help the consortium communicate its results effectively, identify and fine tune the PROSPLIGN KER unique value proposition.
Bern University of Applied Sciences - with its rich history of collaborative research, is exceptionally positioned to proficiently undertake the purification and isolation of small molecules from depolymerized lignin mixtures as envisioned by PROSPLIGN. The leader of BFH’s activities will be an expert team of researchers at the BFH Institute for Building Materials and Biobased Products which brings extensive leadership experience in diverse applied research projects related to PROSPLIGN. The team’s track record includes successfully managing projects involving biomass extraction, lignin-based adhesives, and bioactive wood extractives.
