Ongoing
Project "Investigation of Enzymatic Carbonate Synthesis and Applications"
This project aims to address key challenges of sustainable use of raw materials, combating climate change, and transitioning to renewable energy by exploring the enzymatic synthesis of cyclic carbonates using CO2 and evaluating their applications. The project objectives include developing a novel enzymatic activity measurement method for β-CAs, producing recombinant β-CA of bacterial origin, and establishing the technology for enzymatic synthesis of cyclic carbonates. The project assesses the suitability of cyclic carbonates as environmentally friendly solvents and in non-isocyanate polyurethane production. Organic carbonates, particularly cyclic ones, align with green chemistry principles due to their low toxicity, good biodegradability, and environmental friendliness. The project focuses on propylene carbonate, glycerol 1,2-carbonate, and butylene carbonate, which offer advantages such as low viscosity compared to other bio-based solvents. The demand for propylene carbonate in various applications is expected to drive global market growth. Additionally, this project investigates the potential of enzymatically synthesised cyclic carbonates as derivatives for non-isocyanate polyurethanes, addressing concerns about the toxicity and reactivity of isocyanates. Promising biocatalysts for this process are bacterial-origin CAs due to their thermostability and adaptability to harsh industrial conditions. The project focuses specifically on β-Class CAs for CO2 uptake and fixation. Recombinant β-CA production in yeast and bacteria is involved, with a novel yeast strain identified as a promising host. The study highlights the importance of developing a substrate for CA activity assay that is easy to handle, has a short reaction time, reproducible, and cost-effective. The project aims to contribute to sustainable practices, green chemistry, and the development of innovative solutions for various industries.
Funding source: Lithuanian Research Council, 13th Call for the Implementation of Researcher Groups Projects. Project N° P-MIP-24-595.
Project implementers: dr. Inga Matijošytė, dr. Lina Baranauskienė, Justinas Babinskas, Tautvydas Kojis, Ieva Gaubė, Eglė Lukauskaitė (student)
Project duration: 02.09.2024 – 31.08.2027
Implemented projects
COST CA20137 “Action Making Early Career Researchers' Voices Heard for Gender Equality”
Sector of Applied Biocatalysis is involved in WG2 activities. This Working Group seeks to gather best practices that work towards an integration of Young Researchers and Innovators (YRIs) in decision-making bodies and the consideration of their specific challenges, from a gender perspective, by institutional leaders.
Project website: https://gendervoices.eu/
Project duration: 2021-2025
Project output by VU:
- Published manuscript DOI: 10.17645/si.9683
- Organized conferences in Vilnius (2022) and another in 2023 (https://www.basnetforumas.eu/international-conference-basnet-15-year/)
Project "Novel high-performance polymers from lignocellulosic feedstock”
This project develops new sustainable platform for novel bio-derived polymers used in applications with strict demands for properties (e.g. automotive industry, coatings, packaging, etc). As a raw material, a stream of wood sugars, which very recently became available and is derived from low quality wood residues, is used. Importantly, the environmental benefits and possible adverse effects are fully analyzed throughout the project, enabling the optimization from the sustainability point of view. The environmental sustainability profile of the bio-based polymers studied will be benchmarked against the conventional fossil-derived plastics
Funding source: Baltic Science programme (Estonian Call)
Other Project partners: Institute of Technology, University of Tartu; Department of Energy and Process Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), company Fibenol (Estonia)
Project duration: 2020-2024
Project output by VU:
- Poster presentations at international conferences: RRB2022 (Belgium), RRB2023 (Latvia), Biotrans2021 (The Netherlands) Biotrans2023 (France), EFIB2022 (Lithuania).
- Manuscript published DOI: 1016/j.jclepro.2024.142914
Project “BioBaltic: Nordic-Baltic collaboration to boost bio- and circular- economy”
In the course of the BioBaltic project implementation, the Mobile Learning Hub in Lithuania was developed and the network of local stakeholders for boosting circular bioeconomy was gathered. In total, over one hundred agri-food business enterprises in five Lithuanian municipalities were engaged in the industrial symbiosis study. The obtained results were presented and discussed involving participating municipalities and other Lithuanian stakeholders. Meanwhile, experience exchange with the Nordics took place during the Lithuanian delegation visit to Sotenäs Symbiosis Centre in the last month of the project.
Project website: https://nordregioprojects.org/biobaltic
Funding source: Nordic Council of Ministers and NordRegio
Other Project partners: the formed Mobile Learning Hubs in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania
Project duration: 2021-2023
Project output by VU:
- In the course of the BioBaltic project implementation, the Mobile Learning Hub in Lithuania was developed and the network of local stakeholders for boosting circular bioeconomy was gathered. In total, over one hundred agri-food business enterprises in five Lithuanian municipalities were engaged in the industrial symbiosis study. The obtained results were presented and discussed involving participating municipalities and other Lithuanian stakeholders. Meanwhile, experience exchange with the Nordics took place during the Lithuanian delegation visit to Sotenäs Symbiosis Centre in the last month of the project.
- In June 2022, a cycle of meetings with agri-food sector representatives was organised in Lithuanian municipalities, i.e. in Panevėžys (02 06 2022), Tauragė (15 06 2022), Telšiai (16 06 2022), and Marijampolė (30 06 2022). The aim of these meetings was to introduce the main concepts of industrial symbiosis, its development benefits, as well as to involve relevant technology providers (production of biogas, insects) to create networking opportunities for the participants. More information.
COST Action CA18238 "European transdisciplinary networking platform for marine biotechnology"
The overall aim of Ocean4Biotech is to bring together experts in the field of marine biotechnology, to provide a platform for sharing experience, knowledge and technologies, and to design a roadmap for a more efficient and rapid development of marine biotechnology research in Europe and beyond.
Project website: https://www.ocean4biotech.eu/
Project duration: 2019-2024
Project output by VU:
- Three published manuscripts DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12958-7; 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115309; 10.3389/fmars.2021.629629
- STSM visits: PhD visit to Bosnia & Herzegovina (2022); PhD visit to Italy (2021).
- Summer schools: PhD student participation in Crete (2023)
Visiting STSM: Slovia (2021); Malta (2023).
Collaboration agreements with Unito (Italy) (2021), Blue Ecotech (2023)
Project “The Center for Engineering of Next Generation Industrial Enzymes (TVIRTAS)“
Promoting of the activity of centers of excellence, innovation technologies and transfer centers under the call No 01.2.2-CPVA-K-703
Funding source: Lithuanian Central Project Management Agency
Project duration: 2020-2023
COST Action CM1303 "Systems Biocatalysis"
Project duration: 2014 - 2017
Project of Sciex Junior Researchers‘ Felloship programme IMMOZYME (k 13.101)
Project partner: University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern
Project duration: 2013-2014
Project “Development of Innovative Biocatalytic Stain Remover (FASTREMOVE)”
Funding source: Industrial Biotechnology Development in Lithuania 2011-2013 Programme
Project partner: JC Naujoji Ringuva
Project duration: 2012-2013 (1.5 years)
Project “Development of innovative biotechnology for oil base lubricant production (BIOLUBRICANT)"
Funding source: Industrial Biotechnology Development in Lithuania 2011-2013 Programme
Project partner: JSC Biocentras
Project duration: 2011-2013
Project “Design and evaluation of ageing-resistant biodegradable esters with controllable flammability (BIOSKALESTER)"
Funding source: Industrial Biotechnology Development in Lithuania 2007-2009 Programme
Project duration: 2008-2010
Project “The search for new biofuel components and investigation of second generation biofuel production technologies (BIOTEKA)"
Funding source: Industrial Biotechnology Development in Lithuania 2007-2009 Programme
Project duration: 2007-2009
Project “Investigation of immobilization of biocatalysts and their application in biotechnological processes (BIOKATALIMA)"
Funding source: Industrial Biotechnology Development in Lithuania 2007-2009 Programme
Project duration: 2007-2009
Student projects
Project "Investigation of polyurethane degradation by microbiological methods“
Funding source: The Research Council of Lithuania „Student Semester Internship“
Project No. P-ST-24-354
Project duration: 2024.10.01 – 2025.04.30
Student: Dominykas Musneckis, VU Molecular biotechnology, Master study
Project "Uretaninę jungtį skeliančio fermento sintezės tyrimas“
Funding source: The Research Council of Lithuania „Student Summer Internship“
Project No. P-SV-24-234
Project duration: 2024.07.01 – 2024.08.30
Student: Eglė Gečaitė, VU Molecular biotechnology, Bachelor study
Projektas "Rekombinantinės lipoksigenazės raiškos optimizavimas Pichia pastoris mielėse“
Funding source: The Research Council of Lithuania „Student Summer Internship“
Project No. P-SV-24-253
Project duration: 2024.07.01 – 2024.08.30
Student: Vytautė Blekaitytė, VU Microbiology, Bachelor study
Project "Augalinių baltymų fermentinės hidrolizės tyrimai“
Funding source: The Research Council of Lithuania „Student Summer Internship“
Project No. P-SV-22-118
Project duration: 2022.07.01 – 2022.08.31
Student: Ieva Ožiūnaitė, VU Molecular biotechnology, Master study
Project "Heterologinės genų raiškos sistemos kūrimas bakterinei β-karboanhidrazei“
Funding source:The Research Council of Lithuania programme „Studentų gebėjimų ugdymas vykdant mokslo (meno) tyrimus semestrų metu“
Projekto No. 3.3-LMT-K-712-25-0060
Project duration: 2021.09.01 – 2022.03.31
Student: Aušra Kondrataitė, VU Molecular biotechnology, Master study
Project "Mielių Kluyveromyces lactis heterologinių baltymų sistemos taikymo bakterinės beta-karboanhidrazės raiškos tyrimas“
Funding source: The Research Council of Lithuania programme „Studentų gebėjimų ugdymas vykdant mokslo (meno) tyrimus semestrų metu“
Project No. 3.3-LMT-K-712-16-0192
Project duration: 2019.10.11 – 2020.04.30
Student: Mantas Baliukynas, VU Genetics, Master study
Project "CO2 fiksuojančio baltymo, beta-karboanhidrazės, raiškos tyrimai heterologinėje Pichia pastoris raiškos sistemoje"
Funding source: The Research Council of Lithuania programme „Studentų gebėjimų ugdymas vykdant mokslo (meno) tyrimus vasaros metu“
Project No. 09.3.3-LMT-K-712-15-0041
Project duration: 2019.07.01 – 2019.08.31
Student: Mantas Baliukynas, VU Genetics, Master study
Projektas 'Polieterinį poliuretaną skaidančių mikroorganizmų tyrimas“
Funding source: The Research Council of Lithuania programme „Studentų gebėjimų ugdymas vykdant mokslo (meno) tyrimus semestrų metu“
Project No. 09.3.3.-LMT-K-712-10-0006
Project duration: 2018.10.01 – 2019.04.30
Student: Jokūbas Krutkevičius, VU Microbiology, Master study