BioVaNaMaDES

Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADESs) are inexpensive, non-toxic and biodegradable solvent systems, with huge potential in sustainable chemistry in connection with the increasing interest in eco-friendly processes and circular economy. NADESs are currently attracting considerable interest in different fields, including food, health, cosmetics and biofuels, thanks to their green advantages over traditional solvents.

A deep understanding of why and how they form, and the capability of a-priori design systems that will eventually come together as NADESs are still open challenges. An even higher degree of structural-functional complexity in their fascinating world is introduced when contemplating a macrocycle as a DES component or as an added host. Systems showing inclusion properties promise higher efficiency compared to classical NADESs for various applications. Yet, the supramolecular approach to NADESs is still in its infancy. Also, it has never been explored in a circular bioeconomy prospective so far.

A groundbreaking vision: the BioVaNaMaDES (BIOmass VAlorization by NAturally-derived MAcrocyclic Deep Eutectic Solvents) research project aims at using biomass as source of chemicals to build a new generation of supramolecular NADESs, i.e.binary systems that can be defined as NAturally-derived MAcrocycle-containing Deep Eutectic Solvents (NaMaDESs), then using NaMaDESs for the extraction of high-value chemicals from agro-industrial waste. By valorizing biomasses in a circular manner, the BioVaNaMaDES project contributes to the objectives of the 2021-2027 EU strategic emerging topic of SUSTAINABILITY AND PROTECTION OF NATURAL RESOURCES, Cluster 6 (Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment).

Four research Lines grouped into inter-related milestones are the focus of the BioVaNaMaDES project. Its multidisciplinary strategy approach is the key to target the proposed ambitious scientific goal. For this reason, BioVaNaMaDES brings together and integrates the consolidated and complementary expertise’s in organic extraction and synthesis, supramolecular system design, mechanistic and computational investigations, biomass processing and product characterization of four highly skilled Research Units, RU (UNICAL, UNISA, UNIME, and UNICT). Both components of the envisaged binary NaMaDES systems are intended

All the laboratory efforts made to this end are expected to improve the current knowledge on large-scale sustainable synthesis, leaving the door open to possible industrial applications. NaMaDESs have great potential to become leading players of tomorrow’s green and sustainable chemistry as selective, non-toxic, and biodegradable solvents, hence the huge impact of BioVaNaMaDES not only at a scientific level, but also at an economic and societal level.