Integration of Waste Resource Utilization with Global PHA C2G (Cradle-to-Grave) Platform

• Applicant: Professor Dr.-Ing. Sebastian Riedel
• Subject Area: Biological Process Engineering ; Biomaterials ; Microbial Ecology and Applied Microbiology ; Polymeric and Biogenic Materials and Derived Composites
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 551314136

The overall objective of the research project is to address the pressing global challenge of plastic pollution by developing innovative solutions for the sustainable production and utilization of biodegradable plastics, particularly, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). This project aims to optimize PHA synthesis processes using diverse waste-derived microbes, explore novel blends and composite materials for enhanced properties and expanded applications, and evaluate the biodegradability and environmental toxicity of PHA composite materials. Ultimately, the project seeks to pioneer an optimized cradle-to-grave resource-circulating platform, contributing economically, functionally, and environmentally to the global effort to mitigate plastic pollution. The research will encompass several key components aimed at advancing the synthesis, characterization, and application of PHA and PHA-based composite materials. Initially, the focus will be on optimizing the PHA synthesis process using diverse waste-derived microbes, including methanotrophs and heterotrophs, to enhance production efficiency and tailor PHA unit compositions. This will involve exploring various waste resources such as used cooking oil, agricultural waste, sewage sludge, and biogas, and establishing optimal modification conditions for PHA production. Additionally, techniques for synthesizing PHA with different monomer compositions will be developed, leveraging collaborative efforts between Korean and German research teams. Subsequently, the research will shift towards the production and utilization of PHA/natural polymer blends and composite materials, aiming to enhance material properties and expand applications in packaging and construction. Various processing methods, including solvent casting, melt extrusion, and hot pressing, will be employed to manufacture PHA-based materials with desirable mechanical, barrier, and biodegradability properties. Finally, comprehensive assessments of biodegradability, environmental toxicity, and biocompatibility of PHA composite materials will be conducted to ensure their sustainability and suitability for diverse applications, utilizing advanced analytical techniques and in vitro experiments with model organisms. Through a collaborative effort between BHT and KAIST, this project endeavors to revolutionize the landscape of biodegradable plastics. By optimizing PHA synthesis processes using diverse waste-derived microbes and pioneering novel techniques for tailoring PHA unit compositions, the project aims to push the boundaries of sustainable plastic production.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: South Korea
• Major Instrumentation: Gaschromatograph (GC-FID)
• Instrumentation Group: 1340 Gaschromatographen (außer GC-MS-Kopplung)
• Cooperation Partner: Professor Dr. Jaewook Myung
• Co-Investigator: Professor Dr. Peter Neubauer