The versatility of nanoparticles enables co-delivery of RNA adjuvant and mRNA vaccines within the same formulation platform. This creates a synergistic effect where the adjuvant enhances the ability of the vaccine to stimulate a robust and durable immune response. 

The project aims to strengthen the collaboration between RISE, PAI Life Sciences and HDT Bio on these formulations, to jointly seek long-term funding for the development of RNA delivery systems. 

The long-term goal is the development of next-generation carrier particles and adjuvant and RNA formulations for more effective vaccines. In the project we successfully developed and analyzed three innovative nanoparticle systems for RNA adjuvants and mRNA vaccines. Results demonstrated that mRNA binding and release can be controlled in these fundamentally different particular systems.

The ultimate goal is safer vaccines for a wide range of patients, including those with underlying health conditions that make them more vulnerable to side effects. 

The process step, which has proven problematic, is crucial for controlling the level of contaminants in the final product and the process yield has a significant effect on the amount of chemicals and solvents required in the preceding manufacturing steps.

Two new methods have been developed that avoid the use of large amounts of dichloromethane, which is both hazardous to health and a burden on the environment. One of the methods shortens the process by one step, making the process even more cost-effective and less environmentally damaging. The project has provided increased knowledge about how critical impurities are formed. The project objectives have been achieved and will form an important basis for continued process development.

Purpose and goals

This project aims at developing and optimising methods that contribute to an increased usage of BSG as a food ingredient. Specific goals include to:

• develop a process for handling BSG in the entire chain from brewery to final product
• improve the performance of BSG as food ingredient by optimisation of the processing (milling, fermentation, enzyme treatment)
• establish the correlation between processing and the overall quality of the final products
• produce in pilot-scale, and evaluate, one bread and one breakfast cereal, containing at least 30 % BSG

Challenges

There are several challenges that need to be resolved since there are a few factors that limit the use of BSG in the food industry. The high moisture content (70–80%) presents problems with microbial growth. In addition, the high fiber content can have a detrimental effect on sensory and rheological properties.

Solution

BSG requires pre-treatment to make it suitable for use in food products. Several processes can be applied and this work includes three of these, i.e. milling, fermentation and enzymatic processing. They are used both as stand-alone methods and in combination. These processes have different effects on the properties of BSG, especially regarding taste, texture and nutritional quality. 

Effect

This project aims at developing and optimising methods that contribute to an increased usage of BSG as a food ingredient generating nutritional and economic benefits, thereby contributing to the circular economy of this readily available side-stream.

FOR-BLEND investigates three types of locally available forest-based residue feedstocks to produce a sustainable fuel blending component: sawdust, bark, and bio oil by-product from biochar process. During this project advanced analytical methods for new lignocellulosic-based fuel component are developed for determining its composition as well as physical-chemical properties. Moreover, the new fuel blending component is evaluated for (ICE) combustion engines applications, while the production process is integrated and evaluated through Life Cycle Analysis and technoeconomic assessment. 

In this project RISE is working together with University of Vaasa and Åbo Akademi University to determine how residual lignocellulosic streams can be used to produce fuel components. RISE will share its knowledge and expertise in pyrolysis methods as well as biocrude hydroprocessing demonstrating the entire production process from solid feedstock to the final drop-in fuel blend component at RISE available facilities in Piteå.

As more and more of us live longer, age-related problems such as frailty, loss of muscle mass and muscle function (sarcopenia) are on the rise. A major cause of both frailty and sarcopenia is that these seniors are not getting enough energy, protein and other nutrients, and this is often caused by swallowing difficulties (dysphagia). For older seniors in particular, this leads to malnutrition and weight loss, and unfortunately often to nursing home care, hospitalization and ultimately death. Frailty is closely linked to falls, which together lead to a negative spiral. In addition to human suffering, the cost of malnutrition alone is estimated at SEK 9 billion per year and falls at SEK 25 billion per year.

The project is developing food and drink products in close collaboration with industry to reduce the problems described by drawing on previous research to develop fortified ready meals and tasty thickeners with good mouthfeel. This will result in improved quality of life for older people, reduced healthcare costs and even better ready meals, thickened drinks and thickeners, especially adapted for seniors.

RISE's role in the project

The Circular synergies between land and sea project is coordinated by RISE. We are also carrying out tests on sludge from sea and land-based fish farms using hydrothermal carbonisation (HTC) to carbonise the sludge, which will then be tested through plant cultivation trials at Torsta in Krokom and Val skoler in Rörvik. Together with the High Coast Innovation Park site in Örnsköldsvik and the potential sites Kråköga in Rörvik and Alby in Ånge, we are carrying out techno-economic and life-cycle analyses for the exchange of knowledge and experience between Swedish and Norwegian industrial parks for industrial symbiosis.

Funding

EU funding for Sweden: EUR 264,832
Region Västernorrland: EUR 101,196
Umeå University: EUR 26,528
RISE Processum AB: EUR 4,257
Torsta AB: EUR 10,622

Norwegian IR funding: EUR 110,000
Namdal Regional Council: EUR 13,548
Trøndelag County Council: EUR 30,000
Municipalities in the Regional Council (Flatanger, Grong, Høylandet, Leka, Lierne, Namsos, Namsskogan, Overhalla, Nærøy and Røyrvik): EUR 17, 920 EUR EUR

Private funding in kind 
Businesses and business associations (Sinkaberg, Aquaressurs AS, Kråkøya Eiendom AS, Valskoler, Namdalskysten Næringsforening, Trøndelag Farmers’ Association): EUR 100,520

Carbon black is one of the world's most widely used carbon-based chemicals. Carbon black can be simply described as a fine powder of carbon formed during the incomplete combustion of organic materials. Carbon black is used, among other things, for paints and printing inks, but above all as an additive in car tires and other industrial products. Today, carbon black is produced from heavy, fossil-based fuels, which leads to large emissions of fossil greenhouse gases.

The main objective of this project is to take a holistic approach and investigate the entire value chain from raw materials to economic calculations and quality testing of the end product, bio-based carbon black. The first step in the proposed project is to investigate how different renewable raw materials (for example, wood powder, pyrolysis oil and upgraded pyrolysis oil) affect the yield of carbon black and its material properties. Based on the material properties of carbon black, suitable areas of use are evaluated, while techno-economic calculations across the entire value chain provide the answer to the most suitable alternative(s).