Projects / Programmes
Separation Processes and Product Design
January 1, 2019
- December 31, 2027
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 2.02.00 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Chemical engineering |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| T350 |
Technological sciences |
Chemical technology and engineering |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 2.04 |
Engineering and Technology |
Chemical engineering
|
subcritical, supercritical fluids, biomaterials, biotransformations and biocatalysis, nanostructured materials, molecular modeling, optimization of energy efficiency.
Data for the last 5 years (citations for the last 10 years) on
April 24, 2024;
A3 for period
2018-2022
| Database |
Linked records |
Citations |
Pure citations |
Average pure citations |
| WoS |
869 |
30,915 |
28,790 |
33.13 |
| Scopus |
928 |
35,183 |
32,871 |
35.42 |
Researchers (49)
Organisations (3)
Abstract
Sustainable development and circular processes should reduce the consumption of materials and energy. Reduction of CO2 emissions is essential to address societal challenges and accelerate the development of a low carbon technology. This includes processes for more sustainable production, including through utilization of alternative carbon feedstock (waste, biomass and CO2) and alternative energy sources, along with smart materials for use in the pharmaceutical and food industries. To achieve these goals, new knowledge about the new products and processes needs to be developed.
Currently, conventional methods for isolation and for further processing and formulation of compounds exhibiting anti-microbial, anti-tumor, antioxidant and antimutagenic potential from natural materials include the use of organic solvents, usually at high temperatures and needing a long processing time. These process parameters adversely affect the stability of bioactive components. Therefore, as an alternative to conventional processing, processes involving sub- and supercritical fluids should be used.
The main challenge of the proposed program is to develop innovative products for medical, pharmaceutical and food applications, based on natural sources and using key enabling technologies. Therefore, the main objective of the proposed program is the development of new fundamental knowledge about processing biomaterials, use of new neutral and non-toxic reaction media for biotransformations and production of new smart products using sub- and SC fluids. The products and processes will be developed to obtain data for the design of pilot-plant scale plants.
Significance for science
The research program “Separation processes and product design” will focus on top-level product engineering at the interface of biotechnology, material science, medicine and chemical engineering. This will efficiently contribute to improvement of quality of life, which is also basis for sustainable development. It stimulates the mutual linkage of education, research and enterprise and improves the mobility of knowledge, ideas and people within society. “Smart materials” are currently one of the main stream of research in engineering science and processes using sub- and SC fluids. They are viewed as one of the “key enabling” sustainable technologies with almost no impact on the environment. These products will be of a high added value and are not obtainable with conventional production processes. Our research will give a significant contribution to fundamental knowledge in the fields on processes and products using the unique properties of sub- and supercritical fluids. Results will be published in journals with high Impact Factor or protected by patent applications.
Research program is oriented towards investigation with a high impact on the everyday life and industry. ”Smart materials” with a high-quality will meet the requirements of the consumer. The research will be oriented on the separation of natural bioactive substances from biomaterials what represent a promising replacement of synthetic compounds in different applications, conversion of bio-waste and waste polymers into products with added value. Microbial cells as a source of important biological components (eg biocatalysts) could be used in industrial processes under mild conditions. The amount of processed waste should be substantially reduced. These processes will yield high quality products for use in medicine, pharmaceuticals and the food industry which can be obtained by using processing techniques with a beneficial impact on the environment and on the product. Development of monolithic aerogels will contribute to the field of regenerative medical application. The use of targeted delivery of active substances through biomedicine and nanotechnology is a revolutionary concept of treating various diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, various forms of inflammation and neurodegenerative diseases.
All technologies that will be applied have low impact on environment and are therefore accepted as “green” technologies according to the principles of sustainable development.
Group of researchers participating in proposed programme have world leading knowledge and experiences on development of processes and products and in cooperation with leading researchers from other fields we will continue to increase the impact of Slovenian science in the global world.
The research program “Separation processes and product design” will focus on top-level product engineering at the interface of biotechnology, material science, medicine and chemical engineering. This will efficiently contribute to improvement of quality of life, which is also basis for sustainable development. It stimulates the mutual linkage of education, research and enterprise and improves the mobility of knowledge, ideas and people within society. “Smart materials” are currently one of the main stream of research in engineering science and processes using sub- and SC fluids. They are viewed as one of the “key enabling” sustainable technologies with almost no impact on the environment. These products will be of a high added value and are not obtainable with conventional production processes. Our research will give a significant contribution to fundamental knowledge in the fields on processes and products using the unique properties of sub- and supercritical fluids. Results will be published in journals with high Impact Factor or protected by patent applications. Research program is oriented towards investigation with a high impact on the everyday life and industry. ”Smart materials” with a high-quality will meet the
Significance for the country
The research program Separation processes and product design will focus on top-level product engineering at the interface of biotechnology, material science, medicine and chemical engineering. This will efficiently contribute to improvement of quality of life, which is also basis for sustainable development. It stimulates the mutual linkage of education, research and enterprise and improves the mobility of knowledge, ideas and people within society. By means of active incorporation in the market and knowledge transfer, scientific and expert achievements, the research program improves the impact of research and development (R&D) in domestic environment and, with its research work, contributes to improvement of R&D quality and hence improvement of Slovenia’s economy development. The education of young researchers and their transfer to industry and the prevailing number of women in science and research in the field of chemical engineering, including high pressure technologies, as well as active incorporation and mobility in European intellectual and business sector, will strengthen human resources in R&D and economy and increase the gross domestic product. It is important to point out that the research program will be performed in the labs of FKKT which is among the leading research institutions in the field.
Most important scientific results
Interim report
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Interim report
