PROSPLIGN
PROSPLIGN taps into the previously untapped potential of plant bioactive substances by utilising lignin components for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and fragrances.
Factsheet
- Schools involved School of Architecture, Wood and Civil Engineering
- Institute(s) Institute for Building Materials and Biobased Products IBBM
- Research unit(s) Biopolymers and Wood Chemistry group FGBH
- Funding organisation Europäische Union
- Duration (planned) 01.01.2024 - 31.12.2026
- Head of project Prof. Dr. Ingo Mayer
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Project staff
Christopher Holmes
Luis Miguel Olaechea von Sonnenberg
Christina Hinterleitner - Keywords lignin, bioactive_molecules, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, fragrances, sustainability, biodiversity
Situation
Plant biomass is an abundant but underutilised source of natural bioactive compounds. Lignin in particular, the second most abundant biopolymer on earth after cellulose, has so far remained underutilised, although it is produced in large quantities as a by-product of pulp production. Little research has been carried out into technical solutions for utilising this potential. In this context, the PROSPLIGN consortium has developed an innovative utilisation strategy to exploit the bioactive potential of lignin.
Course of action
The project, which will be carried out over a period of three years (2023 to 2026), is divided into eight work packages. PROSPLIGN uses state-of-the-art chemical and enzymatic methods in combination with statistical analysis and high-throughput detection techniques to identify bioactive molecules from lignin. The project involves the investigation of lignin from different biomass and the application of three chemical approaches and ten enzymes to obtain up to 1000 mixtures of lignin-based compounds. These will then be screened by up to 17 different bioactivity assays. Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH) contributes its expertise in the chemical characterisation and processing of lignin, especially in the separation and purification of fragments of the separated lignin, to enable the identification and evaluation of the bioactive substances and to develop manufacturing processes.
Result
PROSPLIGN has the potential to supply bioactive molecules for the pharmaceutical, cosmetics and fragrance industries. The sustainable production of at least two promising compounds per sector opens new avenues to produce bio-based bioactives. Compared to traditional methods, PROSPLIGN avoids animal testing, expensive exploratory measures, and disruptive extractions.
Looking ahead
The PROSPLIGN project contributes to the development of a new generation of bio-based bioactives, unlocking more value from existing sources whose potential has so far remained untapped. This innovative bioprospecting strategy could lead to a more sustainable and ethical use of plant biodiversity.
