News

Our Head of R&D, Miguel Gallardo Linacero, was part of a renowned research team that recently published a scientific paper in collaboration with Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (Victor Ferro), Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha (José L. Valverde), and CIRCE (Héctor Leiva). The study addresses one of the most challenging aspects of designing new bio-based value chains: the simulation and modelling of the behaviour of biological materials used as feedstock.

The study focuses on keratin, a macromolecule that makes up more than 90% of feathers, a waste product generated in large quantities by the poultry industry. Although keratin has the potential to be transformed into high-value bio-products for various industries, its molecular structure presents significant challenges for processing. The article proposes the use of computational methods to describe the structure and behaviour of the macromolecule and the products of its degradation, which is crucial for designing and optimizing keratin treatment processes.

The paper highlights the importance of breaking the supramolecular structure of keratin to facilitate its processing, which can be achieved by combining mechanical and chemical treatments. These innovative techniques not only open the door to new keratin-derived products but also offer a more sustainable solution for managing waste from the poultry industry, which is often incinerated or sent to landfills.

This article represents a significant advancement in biomass treatment and reinforces the role of computational methods in designing more efficient and sustainable industrial processes.

Read the full article here.