SCITEC-CNR: Advancing Enzymatic Valorization and Green Chemistry

The Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), specifically the Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche “Giulio Natta” (SCITEC-CNR), is a cornerstone of the INBIOWAL project. As Italy’s premier research institution, CNR brings unparalleled expertise in enzymatic valorization, biocatalysis, and green chemistry. SCITEC-CNR’s work focuses on converting lipids from oil industry waste into high-value products, supporting the project’s mission of sustainable waste valorization.

Role in INBIOWAL

SCITEC-CNR leads the research in Biocatalytic Lipid Transformation, focusing on Work Package 6 (WP6). Their primary contributions include:

  • Developing enzymatic processes to transform waste lipids into functional compounds, such as hydroxy fatty acids (HFAs) and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA).
  • Optimizing biocatalytic methods for lipid conversion to enhance efficiency, scalability, and industrial applicability.
  • Collaborating with academic and industrial partners to bridge the gap between research innovation and market-driven solutions.

Through their leadership in WP6, SCITEC-CNR ensures that INBIOWAL’s scientific advancements in lipid transformation align with the needs of industries like food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.

Research Excellence and Achievements

Institutional Expertise

  • SCITEC-CNR is a leading center for green chemistry and sustainable technologies, with decades of experience in biocatalysis and enzymatic transformation.
  • The institute has played a significant role in numerous European research programs, including Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe, focusing on sustainability and innovation.

Innovations in Biocatalysis

  • SCITEC-CNR has developed cutting-edge enzymatic processes for the valorization of industrial waste streams.
  • Their pioneering work includes the production of high-value fatty acids and phospholipids using eco-friendly methods.

Commitment to Sustainability

  • With a focus on replacing traditional chemical processes with enzymatic alternatives, SCITEC-CNR’s research contributes to reducing environmental impact and promoting green chemistry practices.

Key Contributions to INBIOWAL

SCITEC-CNR plays a pivotal role in INBIOWAL by focusing on enzymatic processes for the biovalorization of lipids derived from oil industry by-products. Through cutting-edge research and innovative methodologies, SCITEC-CNR drives advancements in lipid transformation technologies that support industrial applications, particularly in the food and pharmaceutical sectors.

The research at SCITEC-CNR will involve the isolation and enzymatic transformation of fatty acids, executed in collaboration with researchers from UPWr as part of the INBIOWAL mobility program. Two long-term internships—one for a researcher and another for a student—will enhance collaboration and knowledge exchange (Task 2). Specific focus areas at SCITEC-CNR include:

  • Functional Phospholipids: Developing phospholipids modified with hydroxy fatty acid residues or conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers to enhance their physicochemical properties and functional applications.
  • Enzymatic Hydration of Fatty Acids: Utilizing hydratases to produce hydroxy fatty acids (HFAs), which exhibit improved industrial functionality.
  • CLA Production: Isomerizing linoleic acid to obtain CLA, which will then be concentrated using urea. CLA will be used either for enzymatic acidolysis reactions with phospholipids or as a substrate for producing hydroxy fatty acids.
  • Process Characterization: Analyzing the physicochemical properties of the resulting products to ensure they meet the functional demands for food and pharmaceutical applications.

SCITEC-CNR will also host one research and networking workshop and one dedicated webinar (Task 1). These events will disseminate knowledge on enzymatic lipid transformation and foster interdisciplinary collaboration among INBIOWAL partners.

Infrastructure and Expertise

1. Advanced Laboratories:

  • SCITEC-CNR boasts state-of-the-art facilities for enzymatic research, including high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC), and continuous-flow reactors.
  • The institute is equipped for scaling up enzymatic transformations, bridging the gap between laboratory research and industrial applications.

2. Expert Research Teams:

  • SCITEC-CNR’s multidisciplinary teams specialize in biocatalysis, green chemistry, and process engineering, ensuring a comprehensive approach to waste valorization.
  • The institute collaborates closely with industrial partners to align research outcomes with market demands.

3. Track Record in High-Impact Research:

  • SCITEC-CNR has contributed to over 500 peer-reviewed publications, many of which focus on enzymatic transformations and sustainable technologies.
  • Their work has been instrumental in advancing biocatalysis as a viable alternative to traditional chemical methods.

Engagement with Industry

SCITEC-CNR’s strong focus on industrial collaboration ensures that their research translates into practical applications:

  • Customized Solutions for Industry: Developing scalable enzymatic processes tailored to the needs of food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.
  • Technology Transfer: Collaborating with industrial stakeholders to integrate biocatalysis into existing workflows, improving efficiency and sustainability.
  • Academia-to-Business (A2B) Activities: Hosting workshops and networking events to foster partnerships between researchers and industry representatives.

Contribution to BIOREF4FUTURE

As a key player in establishing BIOREF4FUTURE, SCITEC-CNR contributes its expertise in enzymatic transformations to create a hub for innovation in waste valorization. The institute’s role includes:

  • Supporting the development of scalable processes for lipid transformation, bridging research and industrial applications.
  • Collaborating with industry partners to commercialize enzymatic technologies.
  • Contributing to the center’s vision of fostering spin-offs and startups specializing in green chemistry and biotechnology.

Global Collaboration and Training

SCITEC-CNR plays a significant role in nurturing the next generation of researchers within INBIOWAL:

  • Mobility Programs: Hosting long-term internships for researchers and students from partner institutions, facilitating knowledge transfer and skill development.
  • Workshops and Training Sessions: Sharing expertise in enzymatic lipid valorization and green chemistry with international participants.