From waste to platform chemicals (ChemPlat)

Into the Future with Microorganisms – How Waste Is Becoming a Raw Material

Every day, we use objects derived from crude oil - from smartphones and paints to all kinds of everyday products. But what if, instead of fossil fuels, we could utilize what we typically throw into the trash? Prof. Piotr Oleśkowicz-Popiel demonstrates that this is possible by transforming waste into raw materials of the future. The scientist is a participant in the first edition of the PRIME program - a science commercialization support program implemented by the Foundation for Polish Science using funds from the European Funds for a Modern Economy (FENG) program. As part of the PRIME project, Prof. Oleśkowicz-Popiel and his team - Łukasz Łowiński (Technology Transfer Manager) and Dr. Filip Brodowski (Business Leader) - will develop competencies in the implementation and commercialization of their research.

The research conducted under the direction of Prof. Piotr Oleśkowicz-Popiel focuses on developing biotechnology that enables the processing of biowaste from the food industry or the organic fraction of municipal waste into medium-chain carboxylic acids - chemical compounds with a wide range of economic and industrial applications. These compounds can serve as ingredients in cosmetics, flavor and fragrance additives, feed supporting animal welfare, as well as precursors for sustainable aviation fuels or other products for the broader chemical industry. As the scientist is convinced: "The application of microorganisms is virtually limitlessness - today, they can become the foundation for a new, sustainable chemistry that forms the basis of a strong and independent bioeconomy."

The foundation of the technology being developed is mixed microbial cultures - not individual strains, but entire communities that, through their cooperation, can process waste into chemical compounds of enhanced market value. The process, known as chain elongation of carboxylic acids, was virtually unknown a decade ago. Today, thanks to intensive research, it has been mastered to the point where moving beyond the laboratory and scaling up to industrial production has become a realistic goal.

This innovation responds to one of the most pressing challenges of modern times - the need to reduce CO₂ emissions and transition away from fossil fuels. It fits directly into the concept of the circular economy, demonstrating that waste can become a fully valuable resource, and that biotechnology and microbial synergy can serve as the cornerstone of future industry. As Prof. Piotr Oleśkowicz-Popiel adds:

"Every innovation needs solid basic research. That is what allows us to create solutions that truly have a future. It is the path from curiosity to real change."

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PRIME is the only "tailor-made" acceleration program for the transfer of knowledge and technology for scientists and their research organizations in Poland, offering support for an individual commercialization path for innovative products. The program provides the opportunity to both develop competencies (e.g., training) and acquire practical skills (e.g., talks with potential recipients). For the authors of the best ideas, individualized support is provided to implement the chosen commercialization path. The PRIME project is financed by the European Funds for a Modern Economy (#FENG) program. The project is implemented by the Foundation for Polish Science (#FNP).