Self-Assembling Plant-based Hydrogels Induced by Redox Enzymes

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Celignis is an SME service provider focused on the compositional analysis of biomass for advanced biofuels and biorefinery applications. We are also active in several research projects related to the analysis, pre-treatment, and valorisation of biomass. Celignis is now expanding its horizons to develop innovative solutions for the production of biobased products, such as hydrogels from plant biomass. SAPHIRE “Self-Assembling Plant-based Hydrogels Induced by Redox Enzymes” is a novel process designed to produce environmentally-friendly, 100% plant-based hydrogels for food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. Hydrogels from natural polymers, especially polysaccharides, are non-toxic and biodegradable, unlike synthetic hydrogels. The SAPHIRE process converts polysaccharides from underutilised agricultural residues to high-quality biobased hydrogels that can substitute for synthetic petroleum-based non-biodegradable hydrogels. The production of hydrogels from plant cell wall components using specially-designed enzyme cocktails is the key innovation of the SAPHIRE process. Celignis aims to grow as an actor in the biobased products industry by implementing the disruptive innovating SAPHIRE technology. However, while the laboratory infrastructure and many of the key multidisciplinary skills required for advancing the concept exist at Celignis, the innovation project needs additional research and development, particularly in the area of enzymes and plant cell wall modifications. An Innovation Associate, recruited through the Horizon 2020 INNOSUP programme, will complement the interdisciplinary innovation team of Celignis and fast-track the research to realise the potential of SAPHIRE. The Innovation Associate will benefit from integrating in Celignis’s dynamic and creative entrepreneurship environment and from training programs designed for personal and professional skills development and for setting a clear path to the scale-up and commercialisation of research.