FuturoLEAF

About: With the development of modern biotechnology, algal micro-organisms (used today in many fields) have strong potential as productive photosynthetic ‘cell factories’, especially important as a source of cheap renewable energy and chemicals. However, industrial algal biotechnology in solid-state cell factories needs new solutions for more efficient production. For this reason, the EU-funded FuturoLEAF project will combine the concept of a functional architecture from nanocellulose building blocks with the anatomy and functions designed on the principles of plant leaf anatomy to create a new algal-based biocatalyst technology efficient in capturing CO2 and producing solar-driven biofuels and chemicals. Maximising light utilisation, CO2 capturing and easing of logistical transportation of cell factories will enable high catalytic turnover time. The FuturoLEAF system will be tested and evaluated at technology readiness level 3.

Duration: 1 September 2020 - 31 August 2023