Wood Valorisation HUB | Cooperation

We use advanced metabolic modeling for the design of novel cell factories. We develop novel synthetic biology tools for the more efficient engineering of cell factories and use our lab-scale bioreactor platform for the process characterization and optimization. We are developing novel bio-based processes where microbial cell factories are used to convert locally available by-products, such as forestry residues and food Industry side streams into value-added products. We have implemented the Design-Build-Test-Learn cycle of cell factory design and bioprocess optimization.

Isolation and characterization of biomass-modifying microbial strains and enzymes to find new candidates for industrial processes. To this end, we apply metabolome and secretome analysis of extremophilic organisms. 

We also use the expression, purification and characterization of recombinant enzymes with the aim of modifying lignocellulosic biomass. An alternative for biomass depolymerization and potential valorization using lignocellulosic biomass modifying microbial strains and/or enzymes.

Key points in research and development: 

• Development of synthetic biology tools for non-conventional yeasts Rhodotorula toruloides and Yarrowia lipolytica
• 3D printing of living materials
• Enzyme design 
• Valorization of wood waste into high value-added products through biomass fermentation
• High throughput state of the art automated strain screening 
• Extremophilic organisms and/or their enzymes for biomass valorisation (screening of soil bacteria from extreme conditions; enzymes from extremophilic organisms; studies of enzyme structure and function by X-ray crystallography)
• Studies on biomass-modifying extremophilic organisms and/or their enzymes with high industrial potential;

Activity of the workgroup is addressing a critical problem related to transferring plastic industry from fossil-based resources to bio-based by exploiting lignocellulosic biomass, especially cellulose. Relevant areas are packaging industry, car industry, construction industry and high-tech textile industry (electrospinning), producing materials for filtration or electrical energy production and storage.

Development of new functional materials, which are based on lignin-based feedstock. One direction is the use of lignin as a substitute for the phenolic component in aerogels and cryogels based on resorcinol-formaldehyde backbones. In addition to the synthesis and characterization of materials, the focus is also on the development of surface chemical modifications of materials. Development of new generation adhesives to replace phenol-formaldehyde based ones; lignin purification and depolymerization towards platform chemicals. Carbon nanomaterials from biomass.

We conduct physical and chemical testing of polymeric materials, as well as technological tests. We perform basic and applied research in the field of technology and chemistry of polymeric materials and biopolymers and provide product and technology development, piloting and testing services to companies.

The large specific surface area and pore size of aerogels and cryogels define the further use of this material, and different types of lignins offer possibilities for the development of very various types of materials. Aromatic materials of the type enable to successfully obtain also very homogeneous porous carbon.

Higher added value products from lignin (for (bio)medical application, catalysis, construction, hydrid material, and as platform chemicals) are expected to have lower environmental impact and advanced properties to be competitive in the market and be based on the local biomass resources."

For research organisation, we offer collaboration opportunities in comprehensive studies called to develop new methods for chemical modification of lignin targeted to high added-value functional materials or depolymerisation of lignin towards platform phenolic compounds with potential use, in essence, in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals. 

Collaboration with industry and R&D teams for processes optimisation and development to reduce PMI and increase added value for biomass (lignin) valorisation

Key points in research and development: 

• Cellulose chemistry, plant oils, ionic liquids, eutectic solvents, reactive extrusion
• Bioplastics, plastics technology, recycling, composite materials
• Thermoplastic cellulose derivatives to replace fossil-based plastics. Fully bio-based composites of lignocellulosic raw materials
• Reactive extrusion technology. Advanced micro- and nano-fibrous materials for energy storage, energy harvesting and filtration of small particles. Sustainable plastic recycling, composites of waste plastics and secondary mineral or organic raw materials
• Functional materials (Lignin-based organic and carbon aerogels and cryogels, adhesives, carbon fibres, precursors for novel functional materials from chemically modified lignin, lignin depolymerization towards platform chemicals);
• carbon nanomaterials from biomass, lignin depolymerization towards platform chemicals);
• Development of various novel lignin-based functional materials, especially developments based on kraft, DES, organosolv and hydrolysis lignins.

Our research focuses on studies of the load-bearing capacity and stability of wooden structures. 

The topics of research work are the fire resistance of wooden structures, including the behavior of glued joints, covering materials and insulation materials in fire, the development of joints in wooden structures and the reuse of wooden structural materials.

Our researchers deal with the integrity of glue joints in engineered wood (glulam, cross-laminated timber, I-beams) at high temperatures. The researchers have developed a test method for adhesives and calculation methods for fire resistance of engineered wood, taking into account the behavior of the glued joints.

The research group has one of the leading roles in updating the European design standards for fire resistance of wooden structures. The research group has also been active in the preparation of Estonian, European and global professional handbooks and manuals.    

For research organizations, we offer collaboration opportunities in the research on our R&D competences including testing and assessing of structural elements. 

Industry collaboration for product development and assessment of strength and stiffness properties. We also offer expert support on assessing strength and stiffness properties of load-bearing timber structures.

Our research and development also focus on the rational use of Estonian wood resources and thus the development and research of new wood materials. The aim is to improve the properties and durability of wood materials in different environments.  

Key points in research and development: 

• Product development of timber structures: strength and stiffness properties, fire properties, mechanical testing, expert opinions
• Development of fire design methods for engineered wood materials (I-joists, glulam, cross-laminated timber);
• Development of a classification test method for adhesives used in engineered wood structures; 
• Development of the European fire design method for timber frame assemblies;
• Development of the fire design parameters for clay and lime plasters; 
• Development of the Separating Function Method for fire design;
• Development of structural joints in timber structures;
• Strength and stiffness properties of reclaimed timber."
• Development and determination of strength and stiffness properties of wood-based structures for normal temperatures and for fire situation. 
• Testing of timber structures: fire testing (in collaboration with partner institutes)         
• Improvement of the Birch veneer surface properties, adhesion properties and refinement properties.
• Wood and ohter natural fibre based polymercomposite resistance to UV radiation, moisture and temperature.
• Investigation of the durability of wood in the external environment.
• The effect of the cracks on the hygrothermal properties of the cross laminated timber panels.

This working group focuses on research and development of technologies for fractionation of raw materials into pure polymers and analytical chemistry related to plant biomass. To convert any raw material into chemicals with added value as efficiently as possible, it is necessary to understand the chemical composition of this material. The wood analytics focuses largely on the topic of analytical chemistry, so that it is possible to easily determine, for example, the number of different sugars in the biomass based on the raw material, as well as to determine what type of lignin it is and how many chemically active groups are in the given material, which could be used in the development of novel functional materials.

Key points in research and development: 

• Analytical chemistry of biomass and fractionation/valorisation products (development of analytical methods for the determination of minerals, hydrocarbons, functional groups and the study of the structure of biopolymers and materials; biomass fractionation; green and non-destructive analytical methods for biomass characterization)
• Development of specific analysis methods using modern and powerful analysis equipment; Carrying out R&D projects (technology development on a laboratory and semi-industrial scale).
• Development and validation of classical and specific analytical methods for determining the composition and structure of the main components and products of biomass (HPLC-MS, GC-MS, NMR, FTIR, NIR, UV-spectroscopy, AAS, gravimetric and titrimetric analysis); green non-destructive analytical methods based on chemometric modeling
• Analysis services, execution of R&D projects (technology development on a laboratory and semi-industrial scale).
• Collaboration for development and application of specific analytical techniques.