woodbiotech
wood. rethought. remade.
About us
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. The aim of the laboratory is to offer a cutting edge research and development platform for collaboration projects and analytical services for Estonian companies working on wood chemistry, biomass valorization, and circular bioeconomy. The core facility integrates the expertise of multiple state-of-the-art laboratories (e.g. wood chemistry, polymer chemistry, bioprocessing, synthetic biology, gas fermentation) at the University of Tartu with the goal to address global challenges in biosustainability and replace fossil based chemistry with biosustainable production of chemicals and materials. Our blend of expertise allows us to foster the development of novel technologies based on interdisciplinary approaches stemmed from wood chemistry, organic synthesis, fermentation technologies, synthetic biology of microbial cell factories and bioprocessing. One special focus is on valorization of wood industry waste streams using newly emerging gas fermentation technologies.
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.
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