UrbanBio
UrbanBio is a research initiative that converts Ireland’s urban woody waste, such as tree cuttings, roadside trimmings and garden waste, into valuable and sustainable materials. Instead of allowing this biomass to be landfilled or burned, the project applies modern and environmentally responsible technologies to create high-performance products that support cleaner water, safer industrial materials and a more circular Irish bioeconomy. UrbanBio addresses the growing need for sustainable alternatives to fossil-based chemicals by developing solutions grounded in green processing, resource efficiency and real-world environmental benefits.
This project is funded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Ireland, under the EPA Research Programme 2021–2030 (Grant No. 2024-GCE-1282).
UrbanBio is built on five core objectives:
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Develop green extraction methods to recover cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin from urban woody waste.
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Establish chemical-free processes for producing nanocellulose, lignin-containing nanocellulose and nano-lignin.
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Design bio-based membranes for advanced wastewater treatment.
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Formulate biobased adhesives from lignin and tannins to replace formaldehyde-based products.
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Assess environmental and economic sustainability using Life Cycle Assessment and Life Cycle Costing.
UrbanBio is creating a portfolio of next-generation bio-based products, including:
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Nanocellulose and nano-lignin, versatile plant-derived materials with potential across multiple industrial sectors.
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Bio-based water purification membranes that improve pollutant removal and enhance wastewater treatment performance.
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Natural, formaldehyde-free adhesives that provide safer and more sustainable options for wood panel manufacturing.
Led by TU Dublin and Teagasc, UrbanBio brings together experts in:
- Chemical Engineering
- Industrial Biotechnology
- Materials Science
- Environmental Science
Principal Investigator (Coordinator):
Email: amit.jaiswal@tudublin.ie
Co-PIs:
Postdoc Researcher
Dr. Dileswar Pradhan
PhD researcher
We were proud to showcase the UrbanBio Project project, during Bioeconomy Ireland Week at the School of Food Science and Environmental Health, Technological University Dublin.
It was a fantastic opportunity to engage with Transition Year students and demonstrate how urban woody biomass can be transformed into high-value bio-based products, highlighting the potential of sustainable and circular bioeconomy solutions.
