(i) CHEMICALS from RAPESEED PRESSCAKE

PHYTIN, PHYTIC ACID and DERIVATIVES

Rapeseed is a fundamental agricultural staple and a precious source of cooking oil. The residue after oil extraction (presscake) is commonly used as cattlefeed. However, it is rich in phytin (myo-inositol hexaphosphate, calcium and magnesium salt), an organic phosphorus compound which acts as a powerful antinutrient due to its ability to chelate metal ions. 

At NeoChemurgy we developed a procedure for extracting this valuable compound, without impairing the use of the presscake as fodder, and we are now exploring the use of phytin and its derivatives for the production of bio-based fire-retardants.

SINAPINE and DERIVATIVES

In addition to phytin, rapeseed presscake contains other high-added value components such as sinapine (sinapoyl choline), a powerful antioxidant and UV-protective agent. 

NeoChemurgy has an ongoing project for the extraction and processing of sinapine.

(ii) FUNGAL GLUCANS, CHITIN, CHITOSAN and DERIVATIVES

Chitin and chitosan are extremely versatile biopolymers with countless industrial applications. However, most commercial products come from animal sources, such as crustaceans. As a result, animal-free alternative sources are highly sought after. 

At NeoChemurgy, we mine fungi and mycelium for valuable biopolymers such as glucans and chitin. We are developing new techniques to separate, purify and hydrolyze the glucan-chitin complex, while exploring more sustainable ways to deacetylate chitin into chitosan, and to prepare functional derivatives and materials.     

(iii) BIO-BASED COMPOSITES

At NeoChemurgy we are investigating ways to turn biomass into sustainable high-performance composites, for example using the extracted rapeseed presscake to make bio-based particle- and fiberboards.  

Apart from making new composites, NeoChemurgy is also interested in enabling them with advanced functionalities such as electrical conductivity. To this end we are experimenting with innovative manufacturing techniques, especially laser-induced surface modification.