Microbial biorefinery platform converting pectin side streams into biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoates
An integrated microbial biorefinery platform converts pectin production side streams into fermentable sugars that feed microbial production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) — biodegradable bio-based polymers that can replace fossil-based plastics. Demonstrated from laboratory to pilot scale using fruit-processing residues and lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysates, it supports resource efficiency and offers a realistic pathway toward integration into existing pectin production operations.
Overview
This integrated microbial biorefinery platform converts underutilized pectin production side streams into high-value polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), biodegradable bio-based polymers that offer a renewable alternative to fossil-based plastics. The residual lignocellulosic biomass from pectin production is processed to generate fermentable sugar streams, which serve as carbon sources for microbial PHA production. The resulting polymers are suitable for applications ranging from sustainable packaging to high-value biomedical materials, while the process supports resource efficiency and can be integrated into existing pectin production operations.
Technical specifications
The platform is built on an established microbial bioconversion process for valorizing agro-industrial side streams. Key steps include:
- Characterizing side streams to assess their composition, variability, and suitability for microbial bioconversion
- Processing residual biomass to generate fermentable sugar streams and evaluating their suitability for PHA production
- Optimizing microbial PHA production in controlled bioreactor cultivations to maximize polymer yield, productivity, and quality
- Characterizing the produced PHAs to confirm their physicochemical properties and suitability for end-use applications
- Demonstrating industrial feasibility through pilot-scale bioreactor validation and assessing integration into existing pectin production operations
The process has already demonstrated PHA production from industrial fruit-processing residues and lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysates at laboratory and pilot scale.
Technology readiness level
The microbial platform has been validated from laboratory to pilot scale using industrial fruit-processing residues and lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysates, supported by peer-reviewed publications, pilot-scale validation, and long-standing industrial collaborations. This established track record reduces technical risk for adapting the platform to pectin side streams. The current phase involves systematic validation — side-stream characterization, fermentation optimization, polymer characterization, and pilot-scale demonstration — to confirm a realistic pathway toward industrial implementation.
About Universidade NOVA de Lisboa
NOVA University Lisbon is a comprehensive public research institution spanning multiple campuses across the Lisbon metro area, combining selective excellence with an applied, collaborative ethos. Industry engages through co‑located laboratories at FCT NOVA and a science and technology park adjacent to the Caparica campus, alongside structured corporate partnership programs. Clinical translation is enabled by NOVA Medical School’s integration with Lisbon’s hospital network and clinical academic consortia, providing access to patient populations and real‑world settings. Research is supported by competitive European and Portuguese national funding, including Horizon Europe and the Foundation for Science and Technology, complemented by industry‑sponsored work. University‑wide innovation offices and school‑level TTOs provide IP, licensing, and startup support as a clear entry point for corporate R&D.
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