Group of Environmental Engineering and Microbiology. GEMMA

Y&P

Y&P - Sustainable production of bioproducts from cyanobacteria treating waste streams

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Description

This project aims to select, develop, and maintain stable PHA-producing cyanobacterial microbiomes by monitoring, controlling, and adjusting for dynamic cultivation factors. Using a two-phase system (growth + accumulation), the project targets >70% dry cell weight (dcw) PHA content and >100 mg PHA/L/day productivity, leveraging photosynthetic CO₂ fixation for bioplastic production.

Objectives

  • Develop a robust and defined strategy for boosting PHA yield and content in biomass.
  • Implement real-time PHA quantification methods.
  • Simulate and optimize semi-continuous and two-step reactor systems for bioplastic synthesis.

Impact

This project directly addresses circular bioeconomy goals by:
- Producing bioplastics from CO₂ using sunlight and cyanobacteria.
- Offering a low-carbon alternative to fossil-based plastics.
- Enabling continuous PHA production through anoxic glycogen conversion.
- Creating employment opportunities by hiring technical personnel.

Funded by: Ayuda EUR2024-153544 financiada por MICIU/AEI /10.13039/501100011033

Duration: January 2025 – December 2026