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Welcome


BioUPGRADE unites expertise in functional genomics and material science to deliver breakthrough biotechnologies that sustainably upgrade nature’s main structural biopolymers into high-value and multipurpose materials.

Living organisms drive our planetary carbon cycle via biocatalysts that transform carbon-dioxide into an enormous array of diverse and functional molecules. A significant fraction of this carbon is transformed into structural cell wall polysaccharides, like cellulose, hemicelluloses, and chitin. Thus, these polysaccharides represent the most abundant source of natural polymers on Earth.

Today, most biocatalysts used in bio-based economies degrade structural polysaccharides for use as commodity chemicals and fuels. Instead, BioUPGRADE is driven by the untapped opportunity to channel the selectivity of biocatalysts to create high-value and sustainable bioproducts that maximize the efficient use of renewable bioresources.


Showing samples in test tubes on a lab bench. DNA electrophoresis gel. Sample being loaded on to a rheometer disc. Research scientist viewing a biological sample. Showing the syringe injection of reagents to a sample vessel
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Welcome

BioUPGRADE unites expertise in functional genomics and material science to deliver breakthrough biotechnologies that sustainably upgrade nature’s main structural biopolymers into high-value and multipurpose materials.

Living organisms drive our planetary carbon cycle via biocatalysts that transform carbon-dioxide into an enormous array of diverse and functional molecules. A significant fraction of this carbon is transformed into structural cell wall polysaccharides, like cellulose, hemicelluloses, and chitin. Thus, these polysaccharides represent the most abundant source of natural polymers on Earth.

Today, most biocatalysts used in bio-based economies degrade structural polysaccharides for use as commodity chemicals and fuels. Instead, BioUPGRADE is driven by the untapped opportunity to channel the selectivity of biocatalysts to create high-value and sustainable bioproducts that maximize the efficient use of renewable bioresources.


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BioUPGRADE INtroduction video

Upcoming events


LIGNOBIOTECH 2024 - 7th Symposium on Bi­o­tech­no­logy Ap­plied to Ligno­cel­lu­loses, October 14-17, 2024

Replacing fossil carbon with renewable resources is essential to achieve climate neutrality goals. In this context, lignocellulose which is the second most abundant source of renewable carbon on Earth is the most promising feedstock. Over the years, the [...] Read more »

June 25-26, Plenary meeting, Stockholm Sweden

This year´s plenary meeting will take place in person in the wonderful [...] Read more »

Latest news


New publication in Biotechnology for Biofuels and Bioproducts

Insights into the action of phylogenetically diverse microbial expansins on the structure of cellulose microfibrils has been published by our project partners Majid Haddad Momeni, Salla Hiltunenm Janak Sapkota and Emma R. Master. Microbial expansins with [...] Read more »

Schedule for our panel at ACS SPRING 2024 in New Orleans

The timetable for our panel at Cellulose and Renewables Division title Enzymatic Upgrading of Biopolymers Towards Multipurpose Functional Materials is finalized. Come and meet with us in New [...] Read more »

Bioupgrade collaborators

 
Aalto University
UPM
CIC biogune
KTH