Initiative for Biogenic Value Creation and Smart Farming

Lecithin is one of the most commonly used emulsifiers in the food industry. It is usually obtained from sunflowers, rapeseed or soybeans, the availability of which depends heavily on world trade.

To strengthen biogenic value creation, we are investigating the extraction of lecithin from native raw materials and residues from food and agricultural production. We are also investigating the potential lecithin substitution by pectin, both in terms of application and extraction, e.g. from apple pomace or citrus peel.

Polyphenoles are present in many plant residues from food and agricultural production. Their characteristic antioxidative properties make them attractive biobased additives. However, as they are not soluble in oil, their use is limited to aqueous media. In the PoLipen project, we are developing a lipophilization process enabling application in oily substances, such as biobased lubricants. The project also includes the identification of new raw materials as well as the development and characterization of sample products.

The increasing shortage of wood has been throttling the growth of WPC (wood plastic composite), a commonly used material. Lignocellulose, a large amount of which is accumulated in the food industry (e.g., as draff in breweries), offers an alternative.
The aim of the project is to combine lignocellulose with the appropriate biopolyesters for use in the production of toys via injection molding.
This project will help to increase resilience using local raw materials and decrease CO₂ emissions.

Many industrial plant residues contain tannins as secondary plant substances. Tannins are a natural product and feature excellent antioxidative, antimicrobial and UV-stabilizing functions. In the T.E.A.M project, we are testing the use of tannins as an option to extend the shelf life of personal care products. The project also includes residue screening, development of extraction processes, analytical characterization and development of formulations.

Currently, fruit pomace is mainly used by biogas plants and as animal feed. If fruit pomace is fermented with water kefir, a vitamin-rich probiotic is produced which helps boost the intestinal microbiota thanks to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
The probiotic product of the fermentation could be used as a health supplement to restore intestinal flora. By using regional raw products in a holistic and sustainable way, the value of agricultural products increases.

From 2023, fluorescent tubes will have to be phased out and replaced by LED lighting. As light is a major factor in the shelf life of foodstuffs, this changes their optimum shelf life. The LED ZePElin project uses digital storage systems to document the resulting changes in quality, which form the basis for calculating shelf life models depending on the storage conditions. The results then indicate the conditions required for optimum shelf life.

Plant based residues often contain valuable substances such as antioxidants, which could be used in various areas such as coatings, cosmetic products, food and lubricants. The problem is that both the composition and the content of antioxidants can vary greatly, as these are strongly influenced by external factors. The aim of the project is to develop a database-based mixing tool with measurement data of various plant origins that makes it possible to deliver antioxidants of consistent quality.

Using oilseed rape as an example, we investigate the sensor-based assessment of the degree of ripeness with regard to the content of ingredients and functionality. To this end, markers that determine the degree of ripeness are first identified and an algorithm and a sensor prototype are developed. Process models open up new value creation paths in oilseed processing, particularly for chemical and technical applications.

Highly loaded elastohydrodynamic contacts have special lubrication requirements, but the goal is to use biolubricants here as well. The lubricating and load-bearing capacity can be improved by increasing the concentration and reducing the molecular weight of cellulose ethers. This is made possible by enzymatic or alkaline hydrolysis of cellulose-rich raw materials. The addition of water-soluble additives produces highly concentrated polymer solutions.

Seaweed is available in large quantities and could be utilised as a valuable raw material. It contains alginates and phycocolloids that could serve as a basis for functional coatings for fibre-based packaging materials such as paper. The raw materials are collected using sensor-based drone monitoring.
The challenge of the project is to achieve the necessary material properties of the barrier coating, such as adhesion and flexibility, and to enable safe use in contact with food.