Bioplastics and wax esters from wood through co-culture of bacteria and yeast (WoodBUG)

Lignocellulosic hydrolysate made from forest biomass is an underutilized resource in biotechnological production processes, mainly due to its toxicity for the production hosts. Furthermore, the lignin fraction of the hydrolysates cannot be exploited in e.g. yeast-based processes. Our project aims at improving resource efficiency and sustainability by introducing a novel approach for wood biomass valorization based on the synergy of bacteria and yeast. As an outcome of the project, the production of two value-added products, namely bioplastic materials and wax esters from lignocellulose hydrolysate, is demonstrated. The project ‘Bioplastics and wax esters from wood through co-culture of bacteria and yeast’ is a collaboration between Tampere University and Chalmers University of Technology.

Academy of Finland