Euverink and Sleutels awarded NWO Open Competition Grant for Sustainable Bioplastics Research

Tom Sleutels and Gert-Jan Euverink have secured a 400 kE M-ENW M grant from the Dutch Research Council (NWO) for their innovative project, "e-Plastics: Microbial Electrosynthesis of Fatty Acids for the Efficient and Stable Production of Fit-for-Purpose Bioplastics."

The project aims to develop a sustainable method for producing biodegradable plastics using microbial electrosynthesis (MES). This technology converts CO₂ and renewable electricity into volatile fatty acids (VFAs), which are then used to create high-quality, fit-for-purpose bioplastics. The research will focus on improving carbon efficiency and producing longer-chain fatty acids, such as butyrate and valerate, to enhance the properties of the final product. This groundbreaking work will contribute to reducing plastic pollution and advancing the transition to a circular economy. A PhD researcher will be appointed to drive this project forward.

Funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO) under grant number OCENW.M.24.409.