bioupgrade logo

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
Image

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.


Image

Upcoming events


February 9-10, 2023 Online Plenary

Our in-person plenary meeting is postponed to February from December, and will be held [...] Read more »

Latest news


Starting 2023 with a new publication

Our contributors, Eleni Ioannou and Taru Koitto from Aalto Univeristy in Helsinki has published their work on Loosenin-like proteins. Loosenin-Like Proteins from Phanerochaete carnosa Impact Both Cellulose and Chitin Fiber Networks Monschein M, Ioannou E, [...] Read more »

Bioupgrade collaborators

 
Aalto University
UPM
CIC Nanogune
KTH