BioMatNet Item: FAIR-CT96-3132 - International Centre for Biopolymer Technology (ICBT)

FAIR-CT96-3132
International Centre for Biopolymer Technology (ICBT)

Contacts
Website: www.ato.dlo/ICBT
Further Information

To find similar Items, click on a keyword below:
Biopolymers/Gums : FAIR Area 2.2 - Bioprocessing

	Type of Project	Concerted Action
	Contract No	FAIR-CT96-3132
	Total Cost	450,000 ECU
	EC Contribution	450,000 ECU
	Start Date	01/12/97
	Duration	24 Months

International Centre of Biopolymer Technology

Objectives

The objective of the International Centre of Biopolymer Technology (ICBT) is to build and maintain an active communication network of leading European scientists. The network consists of university groups, research institutes, and industries all over Europe.

Technical Approach

The technical objectives of ICBT are:

To define the state-of-the-art in biopolymer material research in Europe, and publish this in the form of 2 annual reports and a book.
To create a bridge between scientists from different research disciplines (ranging from biochemists to polymer engineers).
To start up and/or facilitate communication between research groups working at universities, research institutes, and industry.
To exchange students between different research disciplines.
To create a completely self-supporting, European Network on Biopolymer materials, which will last much longer than the duration of this concerted action.

Expected Results

The research of the ICBT network focuses on 4 different topics. These topics range from more fundamental to more applied subjects. For each of the topics, a network of participants has been created. The topics are:

Technology and Engineering

Processing
Rheology
Blends and composites
Mechanical prospectives

Water and secondary structures

Domain Formation
Interactions between water, plasticisers and biopolymers

(Bio)synthesis and modifications

Polyesters
Chemical modification
Enzymatic modification

Testing protocols

Analytical methods
Biodegradation
Safety

This ICBT program will have a great scientific and economical impact on the field of biopolymer materials in Europe. For the first time, an effective structure for increasing communication and cooperation will be created, which will lead to:

Communication between industries and academic/institutional research groups
Linking of knowledge from different disciplines
Building up knowledge of complete chains

Results To Date

The ICBT is in the process of organising an international conference to take place in Portugal next year. A brochure for this conference has been made and distributed. The ICBT also distributed brochures for student exchanges, with applications already being received.

Products based on PARAGON (AVEBE) which is developed by ATO-DLO

One of ATO-DLO's extruders

Contacts

Coordinator

ATO Agrotechnological Research Institute / NETHERLANDS

EC Scientific Officer

Ciarán MANGAN / European Commission - DG Research Quality of Life Programme - Unit B1.2 / BELGIUM

ICBT Administrator

Annelies HUT / ATO ICBT / NETHERLANDS

Participant