CO2MMITMENT · Developing novel strategies for CO2 valorisation via the iMmobilization of photosynthetic MIcoorganisms in biocoaTed reactors for photosynthetic pigMENTs production

During the CO2MMITMENT project, immobilised photosynthetic microorganisms will use CO2 in biocoated reactors to produce photosynthetic pigments. From a research point of view, four research objectives have been identified: First, the photosynthetic microorganisms will be selected based on their desiccation resistance, ensuring high survival rates within the immobilisation matrix and high levels of pigment production. Second, biodegradable copolymers will be developed as a novel immobilisation matrix. Third, the pigment production will be optimised to ensure high productivity of the biocoatings. Lastly, the process will be scaled up to use novel coated bioreactor configurations. Other objectives are the exchange of knowledge and skills between the ER and the hosts which will be ensured by adequate management and training. The results will be shared open access with the general public, scientists and industry allowing appropriate communication, dissemination and exploitation of the results.The development of these biocoated reactors will allow the ER to participate in the two-way, interdisciplinary knowledge transfer, acquiring new skills in the field of environmental biotechnologies and bioreactor engineering (from the host) and the assessment of polymers (from the secondment), while sharing her knowledge on microbiology and mass spectrometry with the host and the secondment partner. These exchanges will allow her to develop the necessary skills for a successful career in the scientific field, whether in academia or industry. The CO2MMITMENT project will allow the exchange with industrial partners, which could allow future collaborations and lead to innovation and entrepreneurship in the EU. In addition, CO2MMITMENT will commit to open access science, and strengthen the position of the EU in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030, allowing the Union’s industry leadership in the field and therefore its competitiveness and growth.