The goal of this research is to develop a sustainable and efficient biorefinery process that converts agricultural waste, such as corn stalks and rice straw, into useful materials like bioplastics and composites. The project focuses on three main areas: breaking down biomass (fractionation), creating lignin nanoparticles (LNPs), and producing crystalline nanocellulose (CNC). By developing new methods for turning agricultural waste into valuable bioproducts, the team aims to contribute to industries like packaging and bioplastics while also advancing green chemistry and providing alternative solutions for processing biomass.

Fractionation

Goal 1 focuses on improving the breakdown of biomass using eco-friendly solvents known as Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs). These solvents are made from natural materials and are considered more sustainable than traditional chemicals. The researchers aim to efficiently separate agricultural waste into key components like cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, and extract polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), which are natural plastics produced by microorganisms. By testing various types of DESs, the team hopes to improve the efficiency of both biomass fractionation and PHA extraction.

Lignin Nanoparticles Creation

Goal 2 explores the use of lignin, a byproduct of biomass, by turning it into lignin nanoparticles (LNPs). These tiny particles can be added to PHAs to enhance their properties, such as increasing their thermal stability, mechanical strength, and resistance to moisture. The team will experiment with adjusting the size and surface of LNPs to make them better suited for blending with PHAs. This will help improve the overall quality and performance of bioplastics, particularly in applications like packaging.

Crystalline Nanocellulose Production

Goal 3 is focused on producing CNC, a strong material that can be used in 3D printing. The team aims to create a more sustainable process for producing CNC by using green solvents. They will test different solvent combinations to produce high-quality CNCs with good yields. To improve their compatibility with PHAs, the CNCs will be modified to become more water-resistant, which will enhance the performance of PHA-based composites, especially in 3D printing.