Summary
- Profile Type
- Technology offer
- POD Reference
- TOES20251203014
- Term of Validity
- 3 December 2025 - 3 December 2026
- Company's Country
- Spain
- Type of partnership
- Commercial agreement with technical assistance
- Targeted Countries
- All countries
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General information
- Short Summary
- A research group from a Spanish university has developed a patented sustainable method to extract high-purity lignin from agro-food residues, such as coconut husk, using deep eutectic solvents (DES) combined with ultrasound. The process achieves ≥80% extraction yield in reduced time and is suitable for producing bio-based raw materials used for various industrial applications: chemical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, advanced materials. They seek industrial partners for licensing or R&D cooperation.
- Full Description
-
Every year, large volumes of agro-food waste are generated worldwide, including significant amounts of fruit and vegetable residues. In Spain, this challenge is especially relevant, and each inhabitant also produces around 460 kg of urban waste annually. Plant-derived waste streams often contain lignin, a natural polymer found in peels, leaves and stems.
Lignin can be extracted using relatively simple processes and is present in hard fruit skins, nutshells, cereal residues and other lignocellulosic materials. Coconut husk, in particular, is a residue of high interest due to its elevated lignin content. Although the coconut husk (the outer exocarp of Cocos nucifera) could be used for natural fibres, biofuels or sustainable materials, large quantities are still discarded. Extracting lignin from this resource offers a valuable opportunity to convert waste into high-added-value products and supports the transition to more sustainable production systems.
A research group from a public university in Spain specialised in biomass valorisation has developed a laboratory-scale method to extract lignin from agro-food residues rich in lignocellulose (e.g. coconut shell and similar by-products). The technology combines deep eutectic solvents (DES) with ultrasound to enhance mass transfer and disrupt lignocellulosic structures, enabling effective dissolution and recovery of lignin.
The method follows a straightforward sequence: residue preparation, mixing with an aqueous DES solution, pH adjustment, ultrasound application and subsequent recovery of solid lignin. The synergistic effect of cavitation and solvent action leads to high extraction efficiency and reduced processing times compared to conventional alkaline or thermal treatments.
The resulting lignin presents high purity and low contamination by other biomass components, making it suitable for downstream use in chemical, material or cosmetic applications. Although developed at laboratory scale, the process shows potential for industrial scaling due to its moderate operating conditions and the use of low-toxicity, low-volatility solvents.
The university is seeking international partners interested in licensing the technology, collaborating in further development or adapting the method to specific raw materials or industrial contexts. - Advantages and Innovations
-
Extraction yield of ≥80%, higher than common industrial delignification processes.
Reduced processing time and lower energy demand compared to conventional chemical methods.
High-purity lignin suitable for value-added applications without extensive post-processing.
Environmentally friendly approach using DES instead of aggressive or hazardous solvents.
Supports circular economy strategies by valorising low-value agro-food residues.
Potentially adaptable to various lignin-rich residues.
Easy industrial scalability without requiring costly investments in specialized equipment. - Stage of Development
- Lab tested
- Sustainable Development Goals
- Goal 15: Life on Land
- Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- Goal 17: Partnerships to achieve the Goal
- IPR status
- IPR granted
Partner Sought
- Expected Role of a Partner
-
The lignin obtained could be used as a raw material in industrial applications, including the chemical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and advanced materials sectors.
Lignin extracted through this technology presents characteristics that make it suitable for diverse industrial applications in both established and emerging markets. The main application areas include: Chemical industry
Advanced materials
Cosmetic and pharmaceutical sector
Beyond these current sectors, the purity and versatility of the obtained lignin open opportunities for developing new materials and products within the circular bioeconomy, contributing to the replacement of fossil-derived products in various industrial applications.
Companies are sought to acquire this technology for commercial exploitation through:
Patent licensing agreements
R&D collaboration agreements to tailor the technology to company's needs
Proof-of-concept projects
Scientific-technical advisory services
Target companies:
Companies producing biopolymers and/or sustainable materials
Chemical industry specializing in lignin derivatives
Manufacturers of natural cosmetics and pharmaceuticals - Type and Size of Partner
- Other
- SME 50 - 249
- Big company
- SME 11-49
- SME <=10
- Type of partnership
- Commercial agreement with technical assistance
Dissemination
- Technology keywords
- 05001004 - Organic Chemistry
- 06002001 - Biochemistry / Biophysics
- 09001003 - Chemical material testing
- 06006004 - Biopolymers
- Market keywords
- 08001017 - Industrial chemicals
- 08001023 - Other chemicals and materials (not elsewhere classified)
- 05007002 - Pharmaceuticals/fine chemicals
- 08004002 - Chemical and solid material recycling
- Targeted countries
- All countries