FuturoLEAF | Leaf-inspired nanocellulose frameworks for next generation photosynthetic cell factories

Summary
FuturoLEAF envisions to exploit know-how in nanocellulose materials and cell biology to revolutionize the field of industrial algal biotechnology by conceptually renewing tailored solid-state cell factories. FuturoLEAF introduces algal-based biocatalysts with functional architecture formulated from nanocellulose building blocks and designed on the principles of plant leaf anatomy and function. Knowledge of bio-based materials science and photosynthesis will be integrated with achievements of synthetic biology and biomolecular engineering to conceive the new technology efficient in capturing CO2 and producing solar-driven biofuels and chemicals. The FuturoLEAF biocatalysts will gain high production efficiency by tailoring nanocellulose matrix performance with utilisation of its highly specific water interactions, resulting in tunable porosity and transport properties. Directed self-assembly as a tool to locate and attach photosynthetic cells in the matrix by their native interaction potential will further improve the performance. The system will maximise light utilization and CO2 capturing by providing controllable influx/efflux of moisture, gases, nutrients, products and substrates, leading to next generation photosynthetic cell factories with high catalytic turn-over time. In addition, the solid-state nature of the system will enable effortless logistical transportation of cell factories without having to move large amounts of water in contrast to current suspension cultures. The FuturoLEAF architecture will be tested under changing environment in a fixedbed high-cell density photobioreactor, which is designed for simulating behaviour of the plant with gas-to-liquid interphase production environment. The proof of the concept will involve evaluation of the approach at TRL3 level in a photobioreactor functioning in continuous mode. FuturoLEAF proposes a significant step away from dependency of fossil sources, towards sustainable energy and chemicals production.
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More information & hyperlinks
Web resources: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/899576
Start date: 01-09-2020
End date: 31-12-2023
Total budget - Public funding: 2 949 432,50 Euro - 2 949 432,00 Euro
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Original description

FuturoLEAF envisions to exploit know-how in nanocellulose materials and cell biology to revolutionize the field of industrial algal biotechnology by conceptually renewing tailored solid-state cell factories. FuturoLEAF introduces algal-based biocatalysts with functional architecture formulated from nanocellulose building blocks and designed on the principles of plant leaf anatomy and function. Knowledge of bio-based materials science and photosynthesis will be integrated with achievements of synthetic biology and biomolecular engineering to conceive the new technology efficient in capturing CO2 and producing solar-driven biofuels and chemicals. The FuturoLEAF biocatalysts will gain high production efficiency by tailoring nanocellulose matrix performance with utilisation of its highly specific water interactions, resulting in tunable porosity and transport properties. Directed self-assembly as a tool to locate and attach photosynthetic cells in the matrix by their native interaction potential will further improve the performance. The system will maximise light utilization and CO2 capturing by providing controllable influx/efflux of moisture, gases, nutrients, products and substrates, leading to next generation photosynthetic cell factories with high catalytic turn-over time. In addition, the solid-state nature of the system will enable effortless logistical transportation of cell factories without having to move large amounts of water in contrast to current suspension cultures. The FuturoLEAF architecture will be tested under changing environment in a fixedbed high-cell density photobioreactor, which is designed for simulating behaviour of the plant with gas-to-liquid interphase production environment. The proof of the concept will involve evaluation of the approach at TRL3 level in a photobioreactor functioning in continuous mode. FuturoLEAF proposes a significant step away from dependency of fossil sources, towards sustainable energy and chemicals production.

Status

SIGNED

Call topic

FETOPEN-01-2018-2019-2020

Update Date

27-04-2024
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Horizon 2020
H2020-EU.1. EXCELLENT SCIENCE
H2020-EU.1.2. EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Future and Emerging Technologies (FET)
H2020-EU.1.2.1. FET Open
H2020-FETOPEN-2018-2020
FETOPEN-01-2018-2019-2020 FET-Open Challenging Current Thinking