LGP2 is proposing a thesis aimed at improving the properties of lignin through enzymatic modification, with a view to developing new materials based on this polymer.
This project aims to valorize lignin, a complex biopolymer and one of the three primary components of lignocellulosic biomass, by introducing novel functionalities through enzymatic modification.
Specifically, it focuses on the functionalization of lignin using lipases in unconventional reaction media, in the presence of target molecules, to enhance its solubility in organic solvents, thermoplastic behavior, and affinity for hydrophobic matrices. These modifications are expected to facilitate its integration into advanced material applications. The project encompasses a comprehensive investigation of the structural, morphological, chemical, and thermal properties of both raw and functionalized lignin, to elucidate the efficiency and mechanistic aspects of enzymatic functionalization. As a proof of concept, the functionalized lignin will be incorporated into bio-based matrices or composite materials to assess its practical applicability. The resulting materials will undergo detailed characterization to evaluate their physicochemical properties and overall performance.
This interdisciplinary project, led jointly by the BioChip and MatBio groups of the LGP2 research laboratory, aims to improve the properties of lignin through enzymatic modifications, in order to develop new materials based on this polymer. The BioChip team will contribute its expertise in biocatalysis and the characterization of biomolecules and biopolymers, while the MatBio team will contribute to the formulation of new materials and the study of their mechanical and barrier properties.
This interdisciplinary project combines approaches to the chemistry of biobased molecules, the physicochemical properties of biobased polymers, enzymatic catalysis and materials engineering.
This thesis will be carried out at LGP2 under the supervision of Prof. Christine Chirat, Prof. Gérard Mortha and Dr. Maria Catalina Quesada Salas.
Start of thesis: October 1, 2025
Application deadline (at 11:59 pm): May 11, 2025
Specifically, it focuses on the functionalization of lignin using lipases in unconventional reaction media, in the presence of target molecules, to enhance its solubility in organic solvents, thermoplastic behavior, and affinity for hydrophobic matrices. These modifications are expected to facilitate its integration into advanced material applications. The project encompasses a comprehensive investigation of the structural, morphological, chemical, and thermal properties of both raw and functionalized lignin, to elucidate the efficiency and mechanistic aspects of enzymatic functionalization. As a proof of concept, the functionalized lignin will be incorporated into bio-based matrices or composite materials to assess its practical applicability. The resulting materials will undergo detailed characterization to evaluate their physicochemical properties and overall performance.
This interdisciplinary project, led jointly by the BioChip and MatBio groups of the LGP2 research laboratory, aims to improve the properties of lignin through enzymatic modifications, in order to develop new materials based on this polymer. The BioChip team will contribute its expertise in biocatalysis and the characterization of biomolecules and biopolymers, while the MatBio team will contribute to the formulation of new materials and the study of their mechanical and barrier properties.
This interdisciplinary project combines approaches to the chemistry of biobased molecules, the physicochemical properties of biobased polymers, enzymatic catalysis and materials engineering.
This thesis will be carried out at LGP2 under the supervision of Prof. Christine Chirat, Prof. Gérard Mortha and Dr. Maria Catalina Quesada Salas.
Start of thesis: October 1, 2025
Application deadline (at 11:59 pm): May 11, 2025