Working Packages
The FLEXIZYME project work plan consists of 9 interconnected work packages (WPs) that aim to achieve the project’s objectives. In a systematic and efficient manner.
The key work packages are as follows:
WP1. RRI Ecosystem: Ensuring Industrial Implementation focuses on establishing a Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) ecosystem to ensure the industrial implementation of the project’s outcomes. Activities include identifying and engaging stakeholders, developing their capacity and skills, and assessing the market and exploitation potential of the enzymatic biotechnological platform.
WP2 – Holistic Process design approach for overcoming process limitations involves conceptual process design, feedstock integration, process control, dynamics, and decision-making tools for optimal production of compounds of interest.
WP3. Upstream: Sustainable feedstock treatment for sustainable FA production deals with obtaining sustainable feedstocks for FA production. This includes obtaining fatty acids from byproducts of oil refinery process and obtaining an amino acid source from legumes that do not meet selling criteria. The goal is to ensure the sustainable utilisation of feedstocks for the enzymatic process.
WP4. Computational platform design for accelerating enzyme improvement focuses on developing the enzyme biotechnological platform for FA production. It involves using artificial intelligence (AImodel database) for in silico bioprospecting to identify novel enzyme sources. Additionally, in silico evolution modules will be developed for enzyme improvement. High-throughput (HTP) robot-liquid handling system will be deployed to screen large libraries of enzymes.
WP5. Holistic development of enhanced biotechnological process to produce FAs from sustainable feedstocks aims to address process limitations through a holistic design approach. It involves designing reactors, processes. It includes the isolation and screening of enzymes, their evolution for enhanced performance, Moreover, methods for enzyme immobilisation and encapsulation will be developed to enhance their performance.
WP6. Downstream and Validation of the biotechnological platform focuses on the validation of the enzymatic biotechnological platform and downstream operations to enhance overall performance in FA production and scale-up for real-world application. Formulation studies will also be carried out, leading to validation in different case studies related to cosmetics, detergents, and agriculture.
WP7. Holistic sustainability assessment, circularity, and life cycle analysis involves conducting a comprehensive LCC and LCA to evaluate the economic and environmental sustainability of the enzymatic biotechnological platform. This approach ensures a holistic and sustainable analysis of the proposed process.
WP8. Communication, Dissemination, and Exploitation Plan is dedicated to developing a comprehensive strategy for communication, dissemination, and exploitation of the project’s results. It involves effectively communicating the project’s findings to different stakeholders, raising awareness about the benefits of the enzymatic platform, and exploring potential commercialisation opportunities.
WP9. Coordination and Project Management encompasses overall project coordination and management. It includes tasks related to project planning, monitoring progress, ensuring compliance with timelines and budgets, and addressing any potential risks or challenges that may arise during the project’s execution.