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Scientists at the Estonian University of Life Sciences Advance Both the Pharmaceutical and Plastics Industries Through Wood Residue Valorization
This January, the Estonian University of Life Sciences launched a five-year research project aimed at producing two high-value products—lignin-deferoxamine (LDFO) and furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA)—from various wood and agricultural residues. The project seeks to find green alternatives to traditional fossil resources, offering solutions for both the pharmaceutical and plastics industries.
Deferoxamine is a medical compound primarily used to remove excess iron from the body, such as in the treatment of blood disorders. It is also critical in cancer therapy to prolong patients’ lives. Furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), on the other hand, is a plant-derived chemical compound that serves as a basis for bioplastics production. Unlike plastics made from petroleum, bioplastics based on FDCA degrade more rapidly in nature, offering a more environmentally friendly alternative for the plastics industry.
“Our goal is to develop new ways to valorize wood residues, not only to reduce the use of fossil fuels but also to promote eco-friendly solutions that enable the full utilization of wood while supporting both the pharmaceutical industry and bioplastics production,” explains the project’s lead, Professor Timo Kikas, an expert in bioeconomy technologies.
The project employs an innovative method for isolating plant components—lignin and cellulose—that preserves their structure and functionality or selectively modifies them for specific products. This approach enables the production of valuable intermediates, which are further processed using advanced catalytic methods to shorten synthesis pathways and improve the economic efficiency of the entire process.
The project represents a significant step toward replacing fossil-based raw materials with green alternatives, helping to reduce the environmental impacts of the pharmaceutical and chemical industries while enhancing the sustainable use of natural resources.
The project is funded by the Estonian Research Council through a personal research grant.