Nano-enabled bio-based materials can combine the best of unique functionalities: biocompatibility and sustainability. However, their development, testing and regulatory compliance processes are often far beyond the capabilities – financial and technical – of the innovators that seek to commercialise them. The EU-funded BIONANOPOLYS project aims to launch an open, innovative test bed for the design, development, testing, regulatory and environmental assessment, and upscaling of promising nano-enabled bio-based materials. With easy access to users across Europe, it will foster collaboration and innovation to secure Europe's lead in a field with growing influence in areas from packaging and coatings to biomedicine.

 

Ghent University is responsible for the primary biomass supply to the pilot lines. Different biomass sources will be selected depending on the value chain and Ghent University will also make an inventory of the selected biomass sources including a focus on waste streams and biomass issued from phytoremediation activities that could be used to enhance the sustainability of the process. Ghent University is also involved in the setting up of the Open Innovation Test Bed and disseminating the projects activities, mainly via the Biorefine Cluster Europe platform.