Four UG research projects receive NWO Open Competition Science grants

The Dutch Research Council (Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, NWO) has granted funding to four research projects through its Open Competition Science programmes. Gert-Jan Euverink and Tom Sleutels receive jointly an ENW-M grant of EUR 419,000 to advance sustainable bioplastic production, while Gerard Roelfes receives an M grant of EUR 386,000 for his research on boron-based enzymes. Katja Loos and Karim Rafie each receive ENW-XS funding of EUR 50,000 for innovative projects on, respectively, recyclable polymer materials and AI-guided discovery of new antiviral strategies. 

The ENW‑M grants support high‑risk, innovative research across the natural sciences, while the smaller ENW‑XS grants encourage bold, curiosity‑driven projects. Uniquely, XS applicants assess each other’s proposals, fostering an open and collaborative process.

e-Plastics: Integration of microbial electrochemical synthesis of fatty acids for the efficient and stable production of fit-for-purpose bioplastics

Prof. Gert-Jan Euverink, dr. Tom Sleutels (University of Groningen)

The world is becoming more polluted with plastics from fossil origin. Luckily, biologically produced and degradable alternatives from residual biomass are offering a solution. PHA, a polymer consisting of fatty acids, can replace conventional plastics. The current production process is not efficient, and the input biomass does not necessarily give the desired plastic product and properties. Microbial electrosynthesis offers the opportunity to produce fatty acids from CO2 and renewable electricity. E-plastic aims to integrate fatty acid electrosynthesis into the PHA production process.

Boronzymes

Prof. Gerard Roelfes (University of Groningen)

Boron is one of the most versatile elements in chemistry, with a unique structure and reactivity. However, nature ignored boron during evolution: boron-containing proteins do not exist. In this project we will create new boron-based enzymes to catalyse chemical reactions that are very important in chemistry, but have no equivalent in nature. In this way, this project contributes to making chemistry more sustainable.

Time-Locked Vitrimers: Enzymatically Unlocked, Programmed Circular Thermosets

Prof. Katja Loos (University of Groningen)

Thermoset plastics are strong and durable but difficult to recycle. Vitrimers offer a solution by allowing reshaping through dynamic chemical bonds, yet this often compromises long-term stability. This project explores a radically new concept: thermosets that remain permanently locked during use and become reprocessable only after a specific enzymatic trigger. By temporarily masking the chemical groups responsible for vitrimer bond exchange, reshaping is fully suppressed until enzymatic unlocking at end-of-life. This innovative project tests whether vitrimer behavior can be switched on "on demand", opening new directions for circular and durable polymer materials.

Al-guided exploration of viral capsid interfaces as antiviral targets

Dr. Karim Rafie (University of Groningen)

Viruses are tiny infectious particles that protect their genetic material inside a shell, similar to how an egg protects what is inside. This shell is not just protection, it is essential for the virus to enter cells and spread. Many antivirals work by blocking virus multiplication in cells, but these can lose effectiveness and may cause side effects. This project explores a different idea: targeting the virus' shell itself. Using artificial intelligence, we will look for weak spots in this shell and design molecules that disrupt it. This research aims to help develop new medicines that prevent viruses.

Read more (NWO)

Twenty-one innovative research projects granted through Open Competition Domain Science-M programme