A tandem project of Dr. Martina Delbianco (MPl of Colloids and Interfaces) and Jun.-Prof. Stefanie Duvigneau (MPI for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems).
About
Our research aims to develop a sustainable method for producing tailor-made polysaccharides from industrial waste, using a combination of bacterial fermentation and enzymatic polymerization to create high-quality biopolymers with defined chemical structures.
Persons
- PI: Dr. Martina Delbianco (Group Leader Carbohydrate Materials @ MPI of Colloids and Interfaces, Department of Biomolecular Systems)
- PI: Jun.-Prof. Stefanie Duvigneau (Group Leader @ MPI for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems)
- PD: Francesco Palmieri (MPI of Colloids and Interfaces, Department of Biomolecular Systems)
Project summary
This project aims to develop a novel approach for the production of tailor-made polysaccharides from waste materials. By integrating bacterial fermentation and enzymatic polymerization, we seek to create high-quality biopolymers with precisely defined chemical structures.
Our approach builds on the strengths of two complementary expertise areas: the synthesis of well-defined oligosaccharides and the production of polymers through bacterial fermentation. By combining these methods, we aim to overcome the limitations of current approaches, which often rely on energy-intensive chemical synthesis and result in polymers with heterogeneous compositions.
The project’s primary goal is to develop a model-based production process that maximizes yield and quality while minimizing environmental impact. To achieve this, we will investigate the effects of various process parameters on the production of oligosaccharides from waste sources and their polymerization into high value products. The resulting biopolymers will be characterized in terms of chemical structure and physical properties.
The successful development of this approach will enable the efficient conversion of industrial waste into high-value, well-defined polysaccharides, thereby providing a novel platform for the production of advanced biomaterials and contributing to a more sustainable and resource-efficient future.
