What We Do
At the Sustainable Bioprocessing and Bioproducts Lab (SBBL), we innovate at the intersection of science, technology, and sustainability. Our team develops novel, cost-effective, and sustainable bioprocessing technologies to transform agro-food processing waste and forest residues into biofuel, bioplastics, nanomaterials, and other high-value bioproducts. By combining experimental research with modeling approaches, we create integrated solutions that optimize both performance and process economics. Our work also includes designing model frameworks that integrate techno-economic analysis (TEA) and life cycle assessment (LCA) to enable multi-criteria optimization and sustainability analysis for biological and thermochemical conversion technologies. We strive to promote a Circular Bioeconomy by closing resource loops, minimizing waste, and creating pathways for renewable, biobased innovations.
Why It Matters
The growing consumer preference for green and sustainable products is driving a global surge in demand for biobased chemicals and polymers. To meet this demand, large volumes of renewable carbon, often in the form of fermentable sugars, are essential for producing next-generation biochemicals and biofuels. At the same time, agro-food industries generate millions of tons of organic waste annually, posing significant economic and environmental challenges. Harnessing these underutilized resources through innovative and sustainable technologies can transform waste into valuable products, alleviating the environmental burden while fueling the transition to a biobased and circular economy. Our research supports a sustainable future by unlocking the potential of waste streams and renewable materials, fostering a more resilient and resource-efficient world.