Synthetic biology towards developing integrated waste plastic refinery processes

Project team: Leonidas Matsakas (project leader), Paul Christakopoulos, Anjali Purohit, Ulrika Rova

Partners: Yijun Shi, Machine Elements LTU

Duration: 2023-2025

Funded by Kempestiftelserna

The aim of the project is to use synthetic biology tools to develop a novel microbial platform for upcycling of polyolefins from mixed waste plastics into value-added chemicals that can be used as building blocks for recyclable materials. Thus, the project will promote the transition to a circular economy, including circular production and use of plastic. Key to implement this sustainable strategy will be the use of organosolv pretreatment to fractionate mixed plastic wastes, using a solvent-based mild thermochemical process which will be combined with microbial upscaling of polyolefines.