Biomass remains the primary route to sustainable carbon in many discussions. But bio-based processes also generate a second carbon stream, biogenic CO2. This is released during biomass processing, fermentation, and organic waste treatment. The EU-funded research project UNICO2RN aims to demonstrate how such CO2 streams can be captured and utilized as raw material for microbial protein and PHA biopolymers. This shifts CO2 utilization towards the bio-based feedstock chain, as part of industrial conversion.
UNICO2RN uses captured biogenic CO2 as a carbon source for two product lines. The first is microbial protein, intended for food and animal feed applications. The second line is polyhydroxyalkanoates, PHA biopolymers that are mentioned in the nova-Institut announcement as the basis for biodegradable plastics and also for sustainable material applications.
The approach combines capture and bioconversion in a single chain. UNICO2RN uses metal organic frameworks (MOFs) for capture, which are designed to capture CO2 efficiently and with high purity from biogenic point sources. This is followed by conversion via aerobic gas fermentation with hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria. These bacteria convert CO2 and hydrogen into microbial biomass and biopolymers.
Demonstration and partners
The process chain is designed to be modular and flexible, allowing it to process CO2 streams of varying concentrations and purities. UNICO2RN aims to demonstrate the chain at two industrial sites under near-commercial conditions, with a target development level designated as Technology Readiness Level 7 in nova-Institut's announcement. During these demonstrations, the project aims to validate the production of microbial protein suitable for food and feed, and of PHA materials that can replace conventional fossil-based plastics.
UNICO2RN officially launched in June 2025 and is presented in the nova-Institut announcement as a collaboration between European research organizations and industrial partners. VITO from Belgium is coordinating the project. The consortium has ten partners and includes AERBIO and NIZO Food Research from the Netherlands, as well as organizations such as Lesaffre, Veolia, and nova-Institut.
In addition to technology development, UNICO2RN includes comprehensive assessments of safety, the environment, and sustainability. The nova-Institut announcement mentions life cycle analyses, techno-economic analyses, and social impact analyses. These should contribute to safe process design, responsible scale-up, and alignment with emerging EU frameworks for sustainability and certification of CO2-based products.
Source: nova Institute
More information about the program: https://unico2rn.eu/
Photo: Biogenic CO2 is released during processes such as fermentation and waste processing | Wolfgang Jargstorff, Adobe Stock
