BioLigMat successfully funded: Cooperation between the University of Münster and the University of São Paulo for biobased materials

The BioLigMat project (Bioeconomy through Lignocellulosic Biomass and Exopolysaccharide Transformation: Engineered Biobased Materials for Multiple Applications), which was submitted to the Bioeconomy International 2025 programme with the support of the Brazil Centre and Prof. Dr. Jochen Schmid, an active collaborator with Brazil, has been successfully approved for funding. The programme supports international research collaborations focused on sustainable development through the use of renewable biological resources for food, materials and energy.

The project brings together outstanding, complementary expertise in microbiology, biotechnology, and microbial exopolysaccharide (EPS) production, coordinated by Prof. Schmid (Institute of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Münster), combined with lignocellulosic fibre extraction and deconstruction led by Prof. Elisabete Frollini (São Carlos Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo).

This interdisciplinary Brazil–Germany collaboration between the University of Münster and its strategic partner, the University of São Paulo, will drive the development of innovative biobased hydrogels and films, with potential applications in energy systems, medical technologies, 3D printing, and anti-corrosion solutions.

Funded jointly by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) and the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP), the project kicked off in February 2026 and will run for three years.