Water contamination caused by human and industrial activities is a significant global concern. One of the most prominent pollutants is oily wastewater, severely impacting groundwater and drinking water quality. Biocatalysts, such as Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase (TLL), are used in many household detergents to remove lipids effectively. However, their limited solubility and reusability can increase running costs and hinder large-scale applications. To address this issue, we plan to immobilize TLL on solid supports and determine the appropriate surface density of enzymes, conformational changes during immobilization, and the effect of support on its kinetic properties. Our goal is to develop innovative methods for nanoscale imaging of enzymes using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to gain insights into the structural aspects of immobilization. By investigating the interaction of the immobilized enzyme with the support nanostructure and the lipid substrate, we expect to identify the attributes that maximize the biocatalytic reaction rate. We will explore different immobilization methods on various nanostructures and investigate how TLL interacts with the immobilization matrices at the nanoscale level. Additionally, we will apply water vapor atmosphere in the TEM to explore in situ the dynamic switching between the active and idle state of the single enzyme molecules in real-time by their conformational changes. We are aiming to obtain groundbreaking results and a paradigm shift, based on the in situ kinetic studies of lipase-catalyzed chemical reactions which can become a gateway into the quantum mechanical world of molecular science.

Functional foods containing omega-3 lipids, which have approved health claims by EFSA, have resulted in one of the fastest-growing food product categories in Europe. However, to successfully develop foods enriched with omega-3 PUFA, lipid oxidation of these highly unsaturated fatty acids must be prevented in order to avoid both the loss of nutritional value and the formation of unpleasant off-flavors. Omega-3 PUFA can be added to foods as neat oils or as a “delivery system” such as microencapsulated oil powders and oil-in-water emulsions. Nevertheless, delivery of omega-3 lipids in the form of emulsions reduces the oxidative stability of omega-3 PUFA in some products. Furthermore, microencapsulates are less suitable for liquid or semi-liquid foods than emulsified omega-3 oils due to handling/mixing issues. Therefore, the development of alternative omega-3 PUFA delivery systems, which are easy to disperse and which will lead to improved oxidative stability of omega-3 enriched food products, is urgently required. One of the more promising delivery systems can be functional nano-microstructures obtained by electrospinning technology, which is possible to up-scale. In light of the above, the aim of this research project is to develop advanced omega-3 delivery systems such as electrospun nano-microstructures. To this end, the specific objectives are: 1) Development of physically and oxidatively stable nano-microstructures with omega-3 PUFA and natural antioxidants using electrospinning processing. 2) Production of food enriched with the nano-microstructures having appropriate structural-functional properties and being oxidatively stable. The success of the research proposed will lead to an important advance in the protection of omega-3 PUFA against oxidation when incorporated into food. Thus, the knowledge generated by this study has the potential to being exploited by companies devoted to the production of functional foods containing omega-3 lipids.

BioPHIX aims to advance spinal cord injury (SCI) treatment, making the development of precise, biocompatible, and reliable temperature monitoring solutions a significant step forward in optimizing therapeutic hypothermia protocols. BioPHIX will design a novel polymer fibre temperature sensor capable for immediate implantation within the patient for prolonged observation of the patient’s physiological responses, during therapeutic hypothermia in SCIs, both during and post operation. This device will address one of the most vital shortcomings of the current temperature sensors; the ability to remain for an extended duration within the patient by minimizing the effect of a foreign body reaction response (FBR). The biocompatible polymer sensing device will achieve just that, while, at the same time augmenting the performance of the current state-of-the-art by combining the benefits of unique polymer materials with femtosecond lasers to facilitate the unique sensing structure.

ANAEROB aims to generate a platform that enables linking of microbial ecology to biotechnology. This platform should be general and applicable to a very wide range of conditions and applications. Anaerobic processes are performed by a well-structured microbial community and have a great potential for upcycling organic wastes and industrial/agricultural residual resources to achieve circular bioeconomy. Upcycling of residual resources through production of materials, biochemicals and energy is a promising way towards a more sustainable production. Pure culture fermentations are not appropriate when wastes are the substrate and therefore mixed culture microbial consortia are required. Currently inocula for biological processes utilizing wastes as substrates are random self-established cultures. Comprehensive knowledge about the microbial interactions of the anaerobic microbiome is needed for valorization and remediation of biowastes. The overall aim of ANAEROB is to understand how to create “designer microbial consortia” for specific bioengineering processes based on genetic information of anaerobic microorganisms. The aim will be achieved by: 1. Elucidating the syntrophic mutualistic symbioses of the anaerobic microbiome, and clarifying the role of specific compounds exchanged by microbes; 2. Developing models for prediction of desired pathways; 3. Developing methods for isolation of new unculturable anaerobes; 4. Developing a novel method for designing and establishing microbial “cocktails” for specific functions and 5. Validating the concept of creating specific anaerobic consortia for upcycling gas streams of carbon-intensive industries. ANAEROB takes a multidisciplinary approach to use both engineering and microbiology to reach at the next level of understanding for exploitation of the anaerobic microbial “treasure”. The project’s successful completion will have major benefits in industrial sectors and environmental applications.