Biobased Colloids and Materials (BiCMat)
BiCMat group led by Prof. Orlando Rojas works toward supporting global sustainable development through research on the fundamental and utilization aspects of renewable resources, including lignocellulose, proteins, alginates, chitin, fat colloids, among others. One of our research aims is to discover competitive alternatives for fossil materials.
Ligno-nanocellulose & bacterial cellulose
We utilize novel cellulosic materials from various sources to develop high value-added applications. Read more
Multiphase systems: Emulsions, foams, dispersions and gels
We study the fundamental and utilization aspects of multiphase systems, such as dispersions, emulsions, foams, membranes and gels. Read more
Films, filaments and hybrid materials
We employ the versatility of lignonanocellulose and cellulose derivatives in novel film and filament structures in combination with other nano- and functional materials. Read more
We search for new, valuable application areas for lignin, for example nanoparticles or coatings. Read more
Fat colloids, Proteins, alginates and chitin
We research the interactions between proteins and polysaccharides and develop materials combining these components. Read more
We capitalize on the biocompatibility of cellulose in medical applications through modification with antibodies, enzymes and bioactive molecules. Read more
Examples of current research projects
- ERC Advanced Grant on Bioproducts Engineered from Lignocelluloses: from plants and residues to next generation materials (BioELCell)
- Innovative and Smart Printed Electronics based on Multifunctionalized Paper: from Smart
Labelling to Point of Care Bioplatforms (INNPAPER), EU H2020 - Surface Interactions and Rheology of Aqueous Cellulose-based Foams, SIRAF, Academy of Finland
- Advanced Cellulose to Novel Products (ACel), TEKES and Industry
- Design Driven Value Chains in the World of Cellulose (DWoC), TEKES
- New Fibre Products (New FP), Industry
- High-Value Products from Lignin, Nordforsk
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Engineering of Biosynthetic Hybrid Materials (HYBER), Academy of Finland
- Nanocellulose Cyber-Physical Microsystems, Academy of Finland
- Ideal Butter process, Valio
- 3D-manufacturing of novel biomaterials, Academy of Finland
Links
Honors and awards
- ERC Advanced Grant recipient
- 2018 Anselme Payen Award, the higest recogntiion in the area of cellulose and renewable materials
- BiCMat is a part of Academy of Finland's Centre of Excellence in Molecular Engineering of Biosynthetic Hybrid Materials (HYBER, 2014-2019)
- Elected Foreign Member of the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters, 2017
- Elected with the distinction of Fellow of the American Chemical Society, July 2013.
- Tappi Nanotechnology Division Award and Imerys FiberLean Prize, 2015
- Elected Chair of Aalto’s Materials Platform (2017-)
- Recognition as Weaver Lecturer of Auburn University (2017)
- Invited Visiting Faculty, Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica, Summer 2017.
- Top ten author during the last 5 years in ACS Journal Biomacromolecules.
- Elected as NC State University Inaugural Faculty Scholar, NC State, 2013-2017
We are active members of the Materials Platform
Contact information
Orlando Rojas
Professor and Chair of Aalto Materials Platform
herbert.sixta [at] aalto [dot] fi (orlando.rojas@aalto.fi)
+358 50 512 4227
Visiting address
Vuorimiehentie 1
FI-02150 Espoo
Postal address
Po. Box 16300
FI-00076 Aalto
Finland