We use cookies on our website. Some are necessary for the operation of the website. You can also allow cookies for statistical purposes. You can adjust the data protection settings or agree to all cookies directly.
Data Protection Declaration
Imprint
Collaborative project: Complementary chemical-biotechnological process development for the novel production of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) from inulin-accumulating plants - subproject 2: Inulin extraktion, Biocatalysis of FDCA (KEFIP)
Project
Project code: 22010618
Contract period: 01.05.2019
- 30.04.2022
Budget: 305,496 Euro
Purpose of research: Experimental development
Keywords: renewable ressources, inulin, PEF
In light of scarcity of fossil resources, plastics like polyesters and polyamides based on renewable resources are a promising alternative to conventional, oil-based polymers. Their potential is recognized by a growing number of plastic producers and entails appropriate R&D activities. A promising starting material for the production of bio-based polymers is 2,5-Furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), which can be obtained from carbohydrates or carbohydrate-containing biomass, respectively. Polymers that can be made from it, like the polyester Polyethylene furanoate (PEF), are characterized not only by their sustainability, but also by improved properties, e. g. a reduced permeability for oxygen. The aim of the research project KEFIP is the development of a sustainable process for the conversion of inulin-containing chicory roots into FDCA. For that purpose, the inulin, being synthesised during growing and forcing, is firstly extracted, converted into 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural by the means of hydrothermal dehydration and finally oxidized to FDCA by bio- and heterogeneous catalysts, respectively. For the purposes of a resource efficient process, HMF originating from the hydrothermal dehydration shall not be extracted and purified, but used directly for oxidation. Fraunhofer IGB is focussing on the extraction of inulin from chicory root beets. In addition to conventional hot water extraction, the concurrent use of inulinases increasing the yield and release of fructose is also evaluated. On the other hand Fraunhofer IGB is working on the biocatalytic conversion of HMF to FDCA. First, an evaluation of the potential of enzymatic conversion versus whole cell catalytic conversion is carried out. A subsequent optimization of the selected method mainly concerns the process engineering.
Section overview
Subjects
- Biotechnology
- Process engineering
- Renewable Resources
Framework programme
Funding programme
Excutive institution
The Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology (IGB)
Funding institution
Project management agencies
Associated projects: KEFIP
- Collaborative project: Complementary chemical-biotechnological process development for the neoteric production of 2,5-Furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) from inulin-accumulating plants - subproject 1: HMF, inulin analysis, coordination
- Complementary chemical-biotechnological process development for the novel production of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) from inulin-accumulating plants - subproject 3: FDCA chemocatalysis
