Enzymic polymerisation, characterisation and market evaluation of a set of novel bioplastic co-polymers derived from renewable resources

The environmental and social concerns surrounding the use of fossil fuels and food crops make

lignocellulose a challenging but compelling target source of high value chemicals.

Previous and ongoing IB Catalyst studies undertaken by Biome, the Centre for Process Innovation and

the Universities of Leeds, Liverpool and Warwick have demonstrated the feasibility of a bioprocess

from lignocellulose to polyester pre-cursors. This project will seek to use industrial biotechnology

(namely catalysis using enzymes) to convert these precursors into a suite of highly functional

polyesters and understand their properties and lifecycle benefits. It will be undertaken by a

consortium of Biome Technologies Ltd, the Universities of Liverpool and York.

The project has the potential to advance the UK’s knowledge and commercial position in the field of

advanced bio-based materials.