
Bioengineering and Carbon Dioxide Conversion: The Energy Source of the Future
Bioengineering plays an important role in solving environmental problems today. In particular, research on the conversion of carbon dioxide has great potential for sustainable energy production and environmental sustainability. In this context, Biomimetic CO2 Fixation and Utilization for Formic Acid Production (BIOCUF) The project offers an innovative approach for converting carbon dioxide into high value-added molecules.
General Information About the Project
One of the leading universities in Turkey Gebze Technical University, Under the leadership of Bioengineering Department Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Barış Binay, the BIOCUF project, which was accepted within the scope of the European Union's Horizon Europe program, will be implemented in 2024. This project is supported by a budget of 2 million 100 thousand euros and its aim is to reduce carbon dioxide with biotechnological methods is to transform it into energy resources.
The Importance of Carbon Dioxide Conversion
Carbon dioxide emissions worldwide are one of the main causes of problems such as climate change and environmental pollution. Storage or disposal of carbon dioxide Instead, the conversion of this gas into energy-carrying molecules by enzymatic methods offers a more effective solution in terms of environmental sustainability. In this context, the BIOCUF project focuses on the conversion of carbon dioxide into energy-carrying molecules such as formic acid.
Innovative Aspects of the Project
One of the most striking aspects of the project is, in room conditions and converting carbon dioxide into formic acid without consuming additional energy. This process offers both an environmentally friendly and economical approach. The project, Finland, Italy, Greece and TürkiyeIt has established an international collaboration by bringing together six universities and twelve stakeholders from. This collaboration strengthens the innovative aspects of the project and contributes to projects on a global scale.
Business Areas
The BIOCUF project has two main application areas. The first of these is the creation of a mechanical design using modified enzymes. This design is planned to be integrated into the exhaust pipes of vehicles and the chimneys of industrial facilities. For example, the carbon dioxide in the exhaust pipes of cars will be converted into formic acid with the designed process and this acid will return to the fuel tank of the vehicle. Thus, it can be used as an energy source again in the vehicle.
The second application area is the process design to be integrated into industrial chimneys. The released carbon dioxide will be captured by this system and converted into formic acid. As a result, a high value-added formic acid, which is in demand in the markets, will be produced. This process will provide a valuable molecule without consuming energy and without generating waste.
Future of the Project and Its Contributions
The project duration is planned to be three years and Gebze Technical University is the spending authority of the project. In the project, mutants of the enzymes will be developed by partners in Greece and Finland. These mutants will then be converted into a catalytic process by the team in Greece. An Italian automotive company will commercialize the developed process for use in vehicles.
The BIOCUF project is the first CETP project implemented by Turkey. This situation is biotechnological solutions It reveals its potential in development and its importance in international cooperation. The project aims to take an important step towards environmental sustainability and energy efficiency.
Result and Expectations
Such projects carried out in the field of bioengineering will be used in the future reducing carbon dioxide emissions and is of great importance in solving environmental problems. The BIOCUF project opens a new horizon not only to the scientific world but also to industry. The conversion of carbon dioxide into an economic resource supports both environmental sustainability and offers innovative approaches in energy production.