You are working on the Hydrolysis of the Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste and lignocellulosic biomass.  So, let me ask you: “When was the first time you saw biowaste as a potential source of energy and not just as waste?”

I had the opportunity to participate in a student project that focused on exploring the potential of lipid production from organic municipal waste. As part of the project, we were tasked with developing a business case. During my research, I delved into existing studies and discovered that organic waste is an abundant source of nutrients that can be utilized to create various environmentally friendly products. This realization sparked my interest in finding ways to transform this waste into high-value products and contribute to the concept of turning “trash into treasure.”

What additional benefits do you expect from the project?

I believe that new findings will be made, pushing the processing possibilities of organic waste even further. In the FLEXI-GREEN FUELS, we have experts from various disciplines who give different approaches in insights on the upcycling possibilities of this feedstock.

What is the most surprising result in these two years of the project?

Unfortunately, I joined the project later on and my involvement began in September 2022, equating to a period of 9 months. However, within that timeframe, I encountered a remarkable outcome in the saccharification of organic waste using a remarkably low enzyme dosage, resulting in a yield of over 50%. Such results have been reported in only a few studies, albeit with lower solids loading compared to typical practices. While this makes enzymatic saccharification notably simpler, it also reduces cost-effectiveness significantly on a large-scale process.

Thank you for the insight into your work. One last question. How much art, creativity and handcraft are involved in your work?

In my opinion, a significant amount of creativity and artistic thinking is often necessary in research endeavors. There are occasions when it becomes essential to explore novel ideas and put them to the test. Quantifying the exact degree of creativity required is challenging, as it varies based on established standards. However, I can confidently say that improvisation and inventiveness play a prominent role in my daily work. As for hands-on work, a substantial portion of my time is dedicated to conducting experiments and performing analytical tasks in the laboratory.