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Deakin Centre for Sustainable Bioproducts
Converting organic waste into sustainable, high-value bioproducts
Delivering transformational outcomes for industry and the environment
The Deakin Centre for Sustainable Bioproducts develops new approaches to convert organic waste (biomass) into sustainable, high-value bioproducts. We provide industry partners the opportunity to test and innovate new processing techniques at a pilot manufacturing scale, moving towards a more sustainable future.
How it works
Australia’s food, agriculture and marine industries play a big role in our economy, but they also produce large amounts of organic waste. Much of this waste is thrown away or used in ways that have little value and can harm the environment. By extracting value from biomass and embedding reuse and regeneration into supply chains, we actively drive Victoria’s shift toward a more sustainable, waste-minimising circular economy.
Our research areas
Our innovative research addresses key areas across the value chain, from biomass refining to product creation.
Applied analytics
We draw on strengths in analytical chemistry and materials characterisation to assess biomass and product quality. We are developing cutting-edge in line monitoring and sensor technology for real-time optimised biomanufacturing automation and control.
Engineering integration and design
We specialise in nanoscale biomaterial design, site-scale bioproduct manufacturing and circular economy assessments. Our research has developed biochar for engineering systems, biomedical delivery solutions, automation systems and biocomposite materials.
Bioproduct validation
In partnership with industry, we set product specifications and validate safety, efficacy, properties and functionality. Drawing on synthetic chemistry expertise, we ensure the commercial viability of agricultural, food and feed bioproducts, medical food biomaterials, bioplastics and industrial bioproducts.
Advanced modular bioprocessing
Centred on the Deakin BioFactory, we deliver pilot-scale modular biomanufacturing and validate biorefining steps to support industry investment. Using a biorefinery approach, we create blueprints for three to six products from one biomass. We focus on drying with downstream bioprocessing and low-cost, non-drying direct extraction.
Help build Australia’s circular economy
Work on innovative projects developing new approaches to transform organic waste into high-value bioproducts.
Our expertise and partnerships with industry are helping to position Victoria as a leader in the transformation of organic biomass into valuable bioproducts, keeping useable waste out of landfill and building a national capacity in advanced biomanufacturing.
Director, Deakin Centre for Sustainable Bioproducts
Our researchers
The Centre brings together researchers from across Deakin with expertise in analytical and synthetic chemistry, materials and manufacturing engineering, environmental management and sustainability.
Deakin Distinguished Professor Colin Barrow is the Director of the Deakin Centre for Sustainable Bioproducts and chair of biotechnology at Deakin. His research focuses on food and industrial biotechnology and green chemistry in manufacturing. He was previously executive vice president of research and development for Ocean Nutrition Canada, where he led a team of 50 scientists and engineers to commercialise a range of products and technologies.
Professor Minoo Naebe is the Deputy Director of the Deakin Centre for Sustainable Bioproducts and a lead researcher at the ARC Research Hub in sustainable and functional fibres. Her research focuses on advanced manufacturing, materials and sustainability. Her research focuses on advanced manufacturing, materials and sustainability. She has a successful track record in delivering on research translation and commercialisation with national and international industry partners.
Associate Professor Wenrong Yang, Advanced modular bioprocessing lead
Professor Xavier Conlan, Applied analytics lead
Professor Wendy Timms, Engineering integration and design lead
Emeritus Professor David Cahill, Bioproduct validation lead
Professor Abbas Kouzani, Advanced Integrated Microsystems lead
Our partnerships
We work with industry and research partners to reduce the volume of organic waste going to landfill, resulting in improved economic and environmental outcomes. Our partnerships develop new approaches to transform and process organic waste, test new processing techniques at pilot scale, enabling industry to de-risk future investments. Some of our partners include:
- Ridley
- Mantzari
- Fisherie
- Seasol
- HeiQ
- Kemin
- Fight Food Waste
- Marine Bioproducts Cooperative Research Centres
Contact us
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