Project objectives

The overall objective BIOCIRCLE’s aim is to develop and validate a new concept for a circular, modular and energy-efficient biorefinery capable of recovering energy from various oily bio-wastes and inorganic wastes. The process is based on the principle of zero waste, transforming these under-utilised raw materials into advanced biofuels, biogas, bio-based fertilisers and high value-added bioproducts.

DOMCA’s objectives

As a specialist partner in biotechnology and agri-food preservation, DOMCA focuses its involvement on producing high value-added bioproducts using clean and fermentation-based technologies:

• UMAE clean extraction: To implement combined ultrasound- and microwave-assisted extraction technology to recover protein fractions, polysaccharides and antioxidants (polyphenols) without the use of chemical solvents.
• Bacterial cellulose (BC) production: To develop targeted fermentation bioprocesses to synthesise high-purity bacterial nanocellulose using organic by-products from the project.
• Production of lactic acid: To ferment residual sugars using lactic acid bacteria to produce monomers for the synthesis of second-generation PLA bioplastics.
• Animal health and nutrition: To develop functional ingredients from microalgae and incorporate them into pig feed to mitigate the impact of heat stress and improve animal welfare.
• Active food coatings: To develop biofilms and edible coatings based on bacterial cellulose functionalised with natural antimicrobials to extend the shelf life and enhance food safety in fresh produce and cheeses.

Consortium

The BIOCIRCLE project is based on a strategic partnership between leading industrial companies and centres of research excellence:

Participating companies:

• BIO-OILS HUELVA (Leader): A major company specialising in advanced biofuels, responsible for the development of the biorefinery and validation at the pilot plant.
• BIOMASS FROM THE GUADALQUIVIR.: An SME specialising in waste recovery and the production of biostimulants and bio-based fertilisers.
• DOMCA: An SME specialising in the development of bioproducts, clean extraction technologies, fermentation processes and agri-food solutions.
• TECHNIQUES FOR THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY (Prime Biopolymers): An SME specialising in the formulation of advanced bioplastics and the utilisation of mineral fillers.

Subcontracted research organisations:

• University of León (ULE): IQUIMAB Group (anaerobic digestion and microbial biostimulants).
• University of Huelva (UHU): Algae Biotechnology Group (heterotrophic microalgae cultivation).
• CEBAS-CSIC: Segura Centre for Soil Science and Applied Biology (agronomic characterisation of biostimulants).
• EEZ-CSIC: Zaidín Experimental Station (bacterial cellulose bioprocesses and pig nutrition trials) in vivo).
• University of Valencia (UV): Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Service (structural characterisation of biopolymers).

In addition, the project is coordinated by ZABALA Innovation.

Call for Applications

The project has been included in the call for proposals INNTERCONECTA-STEP 2025 organised by the CDTI (Centre for Technological Development and Innovation).

This initiative is in line with the strategic objectives of the Strategic Technologies Platform for Europe (STEP) and to the European Green Deal, driving forward four key technological areas:

1. Clean and resource-efficient technologies: Zero-waste model and integration of closed-loop processes.
2. Circular economy technologies: Cascade recovery of oily waste, effluents and filter cake.
3. Sustainable advanced biofuels: Reducing GHG emissions from transport in accordance with the RED III Directive.
4. Process biotechnology: Fermentation and biotechnological processes for biomass conversion.