Ninth EcoPlastiC Steering Meeting

The ninth online EcoPlastiC Steering Meeting (SM) was held on March 28, 2025, where partners discussed the final stages of the project.

Within WP4, various extraction methods were assessed by NOVA, where supercritical carbon-dioxide (CO₂) exhibited very promising results. Microscopy analyses revealed that cells were disrupted, exposing PHA granules, suggesting CO₂ could be used as a pre-treatment to enhance PHA accessibility. From the organic solvents, dimethyl carbonate DMC provided the best results, achieving a 43% recovery efficiency with high purity. Moreover, alkali/enzymatic extraction was explored using wet biomass containing 60% PHB. A recovery efficiency of 96% was achieved with high purity and properties similar to chloroform-extracted PHB. The next steps involve continued optimization of enzymatic extraction methods and further characterization of polymers for packaging applications. The IMGGE team is currently optimizing enzymatic extractions using a T. molitor worm protein mix and conducting experiments with other worm types. At AVE, a protocol was followed for a batch phase and two feeding phases fermentation, where TPA was used as a control. Observations indicated that the first 24 h of feeding phases are critical for biomass growth, while no significant increase is observed afterwards.

Within WP5, KTH has been working on the recyclability of single-cell protein (SCP-) and PHA-rich biomasses. Experiments were carried out by re-pressing the materials 6 times, with folding of the film between pressings, which demonstrated that materials retain their flexibility. Experiments of hydrolytic degradation and degradation in soil are ongoing. In parallel, they are preparing several scientific publications. At TUS, films from NOVA were tested and they demonstrated strong mechanical properties. Their work in progress includes research on protein-based adhesives.

Within WP6, IMGGE reported that all target Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for all activities have been achieved, but that partners are planning many more activities before project’s end. The team recently had several successful meetings with the industry representatives.

Representatives from all partner institutions attended the SM:

TUS (Ireland) - Marija Nicevic, Laura Rodriguez Barroso, Bor Shin Chee, Cuneyt Erdinc Tas, Buket Alkan Tas, Necdet Ozcelik, Zeliha Ece Ozcelik,

AVE (Belgium) – Kim Windey (Team Leader), Helena Koninckx

NOVA (Portugal) –Patricia Concordio dos Reis

IMGGE (Serbia) – Jasmina Nikodinovic-Runic (Team Leader), Jelena Simic, Marijana Ponjavic, Milica Ciric

KTH (Sweden) - Anna Svagen Hanner

EcoPlastiC Steering Meetings are held every two months to ensure the constant project progress.