Activities
powering
Circular Bioengineering
Program 1
Green Cycles of Renewable Materials
Bioeconomy concepts of feedstock utilization generally involve deconstruction of natural materials to a variable degree of completeness, leading to intermediates to be upgraded.
Bioeconomy concepts of feedstock utilization generally involve deconstruction of natural materials to a variable degree of completeness, leading to intermediates to be upgraded. Currently, most of the resulting product streams are used in non-environmentally friendly processes or are utilized as feedstocks in the formation of non-biodegradable materials, such as synthetic polymers.
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We propose the use of natural feedstocks while avoiding irreversible chemical modifications and instead target the production of functional materials designed for recycling via reversible green modifications.
After the service life of these materials, demodification and reversion back to a native or near-native state can then occur, producing biodegradable materials that are easily disposed of or reused, creating a truly circular bioeconomy. In case of products streams or functionalizations not conducive to reversion back to near-native states, these materials will serve as feedstock in green-on-green transformations, i.e., the use of white biotechnology for the further upcycling of such materials.
After the service life of these materials, demodification and reversion back to a native or near-native state can then occur, producing biodegradable materials that are easily disposed of or reused, creating a truly circular bioeconomy. In case of products streams or functionalizations not conducive to reversion back to near-native states, these materials will serve as feedstock in green-on-green transformations, i.e., the use of white biotechnology for the further upcycling of such materials.
Program 2
Self-Sustainable Microbial Systems
Program 2 will set the foundation to shift microbial biotech production from a linear technology, consuming agricultural products as feedstocks, to a self-sustaining technology based on CO2, waste streams, or electricity.
Metabolic modeling will facilitate the design of the most carbon and energy efficient metabolic pathways. Metabolic driving forces and the flexible exchange of pathway modules will be empowered by compartmentation in native or synthetic organelles, and by the development of self-sustainable microbial communities.
Program 3
Biocatalytic processes for sustainable synthesis
Program 3 will address challenges of organic chemistry to enable novel sustainable synthetic routes and to green the way how pharmaceuticals, polymer building blocks, surfactants, aroma compounds etc. are produced.
We focus here on basic research of regio-, chemo- and stereoselective oxidations, as well as photon- and electron-driven bioprocesses. We want to learn what controls and governs regio-, chemo- and stereoselectivity e.g., in oxidative C-C bond formation and how regio- and stereoselectivity of alcohol oxidation evolved when analyzing ancestral enzymes.
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Various libraries of complementary enzymes will be developed to be considered for being incorporated in synthetic routes. Furthermore, we will investigate photoautotrophic organisms that use light to fuel biosynthetic reactions for the production of chemicals. Photobiocatalytic or bioelectrocatalytic processes generate radicals for innovative approaches towards the oxidative depolymerization of polyolefins and other highly recalcitrant polymers with non-hydrolysable bonds. A comprehensive experimental-computational approach to develop functional bioelectrodes that provide oxidoreductases with reduction or oxidation equivalents and co-substrates.
Program 4
Circular Prospects
Program 4 is dedicated to scrutinizing larger-scale sustainability aspects of Circular Bioengineering. It will provide the knowledge basis necessary to forge strategies that prevent negative sustainability impacts.
It will advance the understanding of conditions and scales that determine the sustainability of bioengineering processes, in a comprehensive, holistic approach.
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Methodological advances relate to assessments of potential environmental issues at the output side, mainly focusing on the aquatic environment, as well as on the input side, i.e., to scrutinize comprehensively socio-environmental impacts of production and global distribution of biomass as feedstock. Additionally, at the level of single facilities, the economic feasibility will be scrutinized. Key leitmotif of the Circular Prospects Program will be the precautionary principle.
Outreach & Science communication
The Cluster of Excellence Circular Bioengineering is committed to connecting science with society through a diverse range of outreach measures and science communication activities. These initiatives aim to inspire, educate, and engage the public, stakeholders, and the scientific community, fostering a deeper understanding of sustainability, green chemistry, and circular bioengineering.
Events and interactive workshops
Broad-reaching events, such as the public kick-off of the Excellence Cluster as part of the BOKU Future Conference, provide a platform to present the vision and mission of the COE to a wide audience, including policymakers, industry leaders, and the general public, while emphasizing the importance of Circular Bioengineering in achieving a zero-waste future. The event, titled “NO WASTE: Wie Circular Bioengineering Kreisläufe schließt”, aligns with the goals of the BOKU Future Conference, which aims to promote sustainable development, strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration, and address global challenges.
We also actively participate in renowned public science events such as “Lange Nacht der Forschung” and the European Researchers’ Night. These events feature hands-on workshops and interactive activities that illustrate our research and its significance for sustainability and green chemistry. Events like the Trash Fashion Event have already attracted thousands of participants, showcasing the public’s interest in innovative approaches to science and sustainability. Through events such as the “COE meets industry” series and active participation in the European Summit of Industrial Biotechnology (esib), the COE creates a platform for exchange between science, industry, and society.
We also actively participate in renowned public science events such as “Lange Nacht der Forschung” and the European Researchers’ Night. These events feature hands-on workshops and interactive activities that illustrate our research and its significance for sustainability and green chemistry. Events like the Trash Fashion Event have already attracted thousands of participants, showcasing the public’s interest in innovative approaches to science and sustainability. Through events such as the “COE meets industry” series and active participation in the European Summit of Industrial Biotechnology (esib), the COE creates a platform for exchange between science, industry, and society.
Educational activities
Our educational initiatives focus on inspiring the next generation of scientists. We organize interactive laboratory classes for school pupils aged 7–18, providing them with hands-on experience in scientific research. Digital projects such as the “Did you know?” podcast series and the video project “Towards Green Cycles with …” are designed to make complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging for young audiences.
Exhibitions and science art
Our “Science & Art” projects further bridge the gap between scientific research and creative expression. By working with art-students, artists, and designers, we create exhibits that explore the intersection of science and art, making complex topics more accessible and engaging for diverse audiences.
Social media and digital communication
We leverage social media platforms, including LinkedIn, You Tube and Instagram, to share research findings, promote events, and engage with a global audience. Our digital presence is complemented by a dedicated website, which serves as a hub for information, interaction, and open data infrastructure.
Participatory science and citizen engagement
We aim to involve the public in research through citizen science projects and participatory initiatives. “Networks of Creation” will encourage collaboration and problem-solving on sustainability challenges, rewarding participants for their contributions. These initiatives will foster a sense of community and shared purpose while promoting awareness of Circular Bioengineering.
Media Relations and Public Awareness
We actively collaborate with national and international media outlets to promote our research findings and raise public awareness. Press releases in both German and English highlight new discoveries and developments, while media and outreach training for COE members ensures effective communication with diverse audiences.
Through these initiatives, the Cluster of Excellence Circular Bioengineering strives to create meaningful connections between science and society. By fostering trust, understanding, and collaboration, we aim to empower individuals and communities to actively engage with scientific research and contribute to the development of sustainable solutions for global challenges, ultimately advancing the circular bioeconomy.
Transfer to industry
The Cluster of Excellence Circular Bioengineering is at the forefront of driving the transformation of groundbreaking research into industrial applications, revolutionizing the development and implementation of sustainable technologies. By forging strong partnerships with institutional technology transfer centers and national and international networks, we ensure that innovative ideas and research outcomes are effectively protected, developed, and brought to industry.
We collaborate closely with the Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology (acib), an international network of industry partners specializing in biotechnological applications. Through acib’s “Technology Offer” program, we receive valuable feedback from industry on research outcomes with high potential for application. This partnership enables us to strategically advance the results of our fundamental research for industrial use.
Close cooperation with the technology transfer offices of the participating universities ensures that potentially patentable results are identified and protected. COE researchers are supported through training and mentoring to learn best practices in intellectual property protection and exploitation. Our goal is to ensure fair and transparent processes for scientists at all career stages.
Through these measures, Circular Bioengineering aims to promote the transition from a linear to a circular economy and accelerate the development of sustainable technologies and products. Our partnerships with industry and the targeted utilization of research results contribute to strengthening the bioeconomy in Austria and beyond.