Innovating Wood Chemistry for a Sustainable Future
The Core Laboratory for Wood Chemistry and Bioprocessing was established as a part of the Estonian Centre for Synthetic Biology, at the University of Tartu in 2018, to create a synergistic platform for advancing technologies within the two increasingly important fields of wood chemistry and bioprocessing.
Objective
The main aim of the Core Facility for Wood Chemistry and Bioprocessing is to address global challenges in biosustainability by developing novel and sustainable processes for the production of chemicals and fuels through the integration of technologies from wood chemistry and bioprocessing. This combination also aims to contribute towards breakthroughs of fully consolidated bioprocesses as our activities cover the important steps from feedstock pre-treatment to bio-conversion of renewable feedstocks into products. The greater objective of the Laboratory is to offer professional help with the R&D projects and biomass analysis for Estonian companies focused on wood valorization.
Biosustainability
The world needs to address multiple challenges regarding biosustainability. For example, wood is an attractive renewable and sustainable feedstock for either chemical or bio-manufacturing of various chemicals and fuels. Such sustainable processes could eventually replace the currently dominating fossil-based industries and thus contribute towards higher biosustainability and potentially for mitigating climate change.
Activites
The state-of-the-art laboratories at the University of Tartu that form the Core Facility for Wood Chemistry and Bioprocessing carry out both fundamental and applied research in wood chemistry, polymer chemistry, synthetic biology, gas fermentation etc., each contributing a unique expertise towards the synergistic platform of wood chemistry and bioprocessing. The research groups also actively collaborate with leading industry (e.g. Graanul Invest, LanzaTech, CH-Polymers, etc.) to realise the full potential of their research activities and increase the level of industry R&D. The Core Facility also provides numerous services and access to the state-of-the-art laboratories.
Latest news
- The Institute of Bioengineering has been established at the University of TartuOn 1 January, the Institute of Bioengineering was established at the University of Tartu, with Professor Mart Loog serving as Acting Director. The institute is part of the Faculty of Science and Technology, with premises… Read more: The Institute of Bioengineering has been established at the University of Tartu
- Cooperation with industry: Dr. Rait Kivi will work at Imavere demo plant for wood-based bio-materials as part of the collaboration between our laboratory and Graanul BiotechDr. Rait Kivi from ECB Wood Chemistry and Bioprocessing Laboratory has started a part-time job at Graanul Biotech OÜ wood sugar pilot factory located at Imavere, Estonia. The cooperation aims to optimize the production and… Read more: Cooperation with industry: Dr. Rait Kivi will work at Imavere demo plant for wood-based bio-materials as part of the collaboration between our laboratory and Graanul Biotech
- Prof. Mart Loog along with prof. Jaan Kers and architect Sille Pihlak discussed the future of wood biotech industry in Estonia and worldwideProf. Mart Loog, prof. Jaan Kers and architect Sille Pihlak discussed wood biotech industry perspectives and challenges on Vikerraadio station. They brought different examples what wood biotech industry may provide to society, discussed how to… Read more: Prof. Mart Loog along with prof. Jaan Kers and architect Sille Pihlak discussed the future of wood biotech industry in Estonia and worldwide