Adriana Kovalčik

Project: Biocompatible and biodegradable 3D scaffolds originated from coffee and winery waste.

Host Institution: Faculty of Chemistry, Brno University of Technology
Country of Origin: Slovakia
Previous Workplace: Austria

TOPIC OF MY RESEARCH:

The topic of my research covers biotechnological conversion of bio-waste produced by wine and coffee production into valuable plastic products and keep principles of a circular economy. I am polymer chemist and I think that the permanently increased volume of plastic waste requires sustainable solutions.   

WHY I HAVE CHOSEN THE TOPIC:

This topic covers multidisciplinary work in areas of biotechnology and polymer chemistry and it gives a great opportunity to control and modify properties of biopolymers already at the stage of their biotechnological production.

USE OF THE PROJECT RESULTS IN PRACTICE:

The gained results will support a valorization of locally produced winery biowaste and coffee waste in the form of production of fully biodegradable polymers and sustainable plastic products, which have no negative impact on the environment. The produced biopolymers and biocomposites will find applicatons in various areas for example in pharmacy, medicine, cosmetic and packaging.

WHY SOMOPRO

I have chosen the SoMoPro fellowship because it helped me to start research, which interlinks knowledge from organic chemistry, macromolecular chemistry, and biotechnology. Moreover, this fellowship offers attractive conditions to start the independent research in South Moravia and good career opportunities at Brno Technical University.

You can read more about the project HERE.