CIBMS | Biotechnology in the circular economy: sustainable industrial processes using enzymes

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In the context of the circular economy, several industries are seeking to transform themselves by using more sustainable means of production. To achieve these objectives, biotechnology plays a key role in contributing to the transition to a green economy. This talk will explain some of the cutting-edge biotechnological techniques that are being used to contribute to this goal, taking as an example the European project ROBUSTOO, focused on a novel and more environmentally friendly production of chemicals and bio-based materials, using enzymes as biocatalysts in reactions of industrial interest. To this end, we will describe the strategies used for the development of new and more robust enzymes, adapted to the demanding conditions of industrial application, and overcoming the challenge of producing them on a large scale using microorganisms, and will present examples of their use to transform plant biomass into products of interest, such as adhesives for wood panels and polymers for 3D printing, chemical products difficult to obtain through conventional chemical synthesis, and plastic components, among others.