COCKESTER
Production of esters cocktails by coupling biotechnological and chemical processes for the valorisation of residual biomass
Context
Dark fermentation—which corresponds to the initial, acidogenic stages of methanisation—is principally employed for the production of biohydrogen, yet also yields a mixture of light alcohols and carboxylic acids as valuable metabolites. At present, no industrial‑scale process has been established to valorise this dilute effluent of soluble organic compounds.
Objectives
The project aims to demonstrate the feasibility of valorising agricultural biomass through a fermentation process followed by an eco-compatible transformation process.
Expected results
This project aims to valorise the pool of organic acids present in fermentation effluents through a green chemistry process combining extraction and reaction of these species to generate bio-based, biodegradable, and high-performance esters as specialty bioproducts.
Target markets
- Chemicals industry
- Waste valorisation
- Methanisation
Involved components
- UMR 1010 LCA
- UR 50 LBE