Department of Bioproducts Engineering

Department Head: dr hab. Jolanta Batog, prof. IWNiRZ-PIB

The main task of the department is to conduct research and development work and adapt the results obtained for practical implementation in the field of bioproducts engineering, in particular:

• Improve the technology for manufacturing composites from lignocellulosic plant waste and unconventional ways of bonding them.
• Conduct research on designing and producing advanced lignocellulosic and lignocellulosic polymer composites based on polymers, biopolymers, renewable raw materials, nanofillers and other materials.
• Work on polymer and biopolymer nanocomposites.
• Carry out chemical modification of lignocellulosic raw materials, polymers and biopolymers for special applications.
• Conduct research on methods for obtaining micro- and nanofibres from natural polymers and predetermine their properties for various applications.
• Carry out functionalisation of biomaterials with nanoparticles.
• Conduct research on renewable sources of energy, obtaining second generation biofuels from biomass, including waste biomass.
• Perform analyses of plant-based raw materials and their application in products with predetermined properties (food, feed, biofuel), including isolation of bioactive compounds.
• Develop solutions for air protection through the use of modern natural polymer raw materials.
• Perform analyses of selected air quality indices.
• Develop health- and environmentally safe bio-, water- and fire resistant agents and systems for the modification of materials used in various areas of the economy (fibres, fabrics, wood, composites and polymers).
• Prepare comprehensive material characteristics as regards fire safety.
• Conduct research on material biodeterioration and innovative solutions for its prevention, assess biomaterial resistance to microorganisms (fungi, bacteria, soil microorganisms), assess biocide effectiveness.
• Assess microbiological purity of plant-based raw materials, intermediate products and preparations, food products, beekeeping preparations, cosmetics and packaging and determination of their antibiotic activity.
• Carry out commercial activities, including services, related to material flammability and biodeterioration, purity and microbiological activity, and polymer processing.

Microbiological Laboratory

Scope of Testing:

• Examination and evaluation of the resistance of lignocellulosic raw materials, textile products, plastics, and composites to the action of mold fungi, bacteria, and soil microorganisms.
• Microbiological testing of feed additives.
• Assessment of the microbiological purity of raw materials, plant semi-finished products, dietary supplements, food products, beekeeping products, and cosmetic preparations.
• Evaluation of the microbiological cleanliness and antimicrobial properties of fabrics.
• Assessment of the microbiological cleanliness of usable surfaces, production equipment, air, water, and personnel in medicinal product manufacturing facilities.
• Determination of the antibiotic activity of natural and synthetic substances.

Opinions and Expertise:

• Opinions and expertise on the antimicrobial action of raw materials, herbal medicines, and dietary supplements.
• Opinions and expertise regarding the chemical composition, biological properties, therapeutic effects, dosage, and adverse effects of bee products.

Flammability Laboratory - Accreditation Certificate AB 225 (Polish Accreditation Center)

Scope of Testing:

• Examination of flammability and fire properties for the certification of construction products, including floor coverings, textile products (curtains, drapes, and blinds), upholstered systems - accredited methods.
• Characterization of materials in terms of fire safety using the oxygen index, cone calorimeter, pyrolysis, and PCFC burning calorimeter, including flammability, heat release, smoke generation, and toxicity of combustion products.
• Assessment of the impact of applied fire retardant modifications on the flammability of materials.

Accomplishments

Technologies developed

• Natural filler for polymer matrix composites to reduce flammability and susceptibility to fungi/microbes and improve thermal stability and mechanical properties
• Process for producing bioethanol from lignocellulosic biomass
• Enhanced distillers yeast strain for ethanol fermentation from lignocellulosic biomass
• Composition of probiotic strains as a feed additive to control pathogenic bacteria in livestock
• Functional system of finishing natural fabrics for UV-protective clothing with antibacterial properties
• Special filters made from biopolymer-based nanofibres with selective filtration properties
• Technology for manufacturing fire retardant plate composites resistant to long-term high temperatures
• Fire retardant, fungicide and insecticide system for wood and wood-like materials
• Intumescent fire retardant varnish for wood and wood composites to increase fire safety of wooden structures
• Blue stain remover for coniferous wood

Accomplishments

• Development and implementation of technology for manufacturing nanomolecules-based intumescent fire retardant varnish EXPANDER FR for wood and wood-like materials. Patent ZL 200580024467.9 (ChRL, 2011), HK1114114 (Hong Kong, 2012), US 9,034,221 (USA, 2015) - 2 gold, 1 silver and 3 bronze medals at invention fairs and numerous diplomas and congratulatory letters from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education; special award for outstanding activity in creating innovation at "The Invention & New Product Exposition”, Pittsburgh, USA; implementation in DELTA Innovation and Implementation Company, Śrem
• Technology for applying nanolignins onto textiles to provide them with UV barrier and antibacterial properties. Patent EP 2150649 (2012) - 4 gold, 2 silver and 3 bronze medals at invention fairs and numerous diplomas and congratulatory letters from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education
• Development of VERBLOCKER, a rigid fire barrier composite - 3 gold and 2 bronze medals at invention fairs and numerous diplomas and congratulatory letters from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education
• Development and implementation of technology for manufacturing Antysic, a blue stain remover for coniferous wood - Protection Certificate 128455, implementation in DELTA Innovation and Implementation Company, Śrem
• Enzymatic bonding of lignocellulosic composites
• Polyethylene composite reinforced with silanised flax fibre - patent PL 229448 (2018)
  Method for manufacturing multifunctional natural fabrics with biocidal and hydrophobic properties - patent PL 229449 (2018)
• Development of innovative feed additives containing plant additives and active microbial strains antagonistic to pathogenic bacterial strains intended for disease prevention in calves, piglets and chickens - patent application P.416207 (2016) and patents PL 233897, PL 233898, PL 233899 (2019) and PL 236397 (2020)
• HEMPET (cat) - trademark R.321955 (2019)
• HEMPET (dog) - trademark R.321953 (2019)
• Biocomposite office paper holder with natural hemp fillers based on a biodegradable polymer matrix - industrial design 27886 (2022)
• Herbal feed additive and method for its application (patent application P.433779) and Herbal feed additive, a nutritional supplement for dairy goats (patent application P.434426) - implementation in Agro-Danmis Gramowscy Sp. j. and "DANMIS" Milk Producers Group (2023) - milk from goats fed a diet supplemented with the herbal mixture is used to produce innovative dairy products (cream, cottage and soft cheese and lactose-free goat milk)
• Process for producing bioethanol from lignocellulosic biomass- know-how no. PWI/2023/4 (2023)
• Composite of a poly(lactic acid) and thermoplastic starch blend with a natural filler and method for its manufacture - patent application P.444695 (2023)