Iowa Engineering Joins $82M Global Initiative to Revolutionize Sustainable Bioproducts

The University of Iowa's College of Engineering is making waves in the global bioeconomy landscape, thanks to a significant investment from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and international partners. As part of a groundbreaking $82 million initiative, our very own Dr. Hyeongmin Seo has secured a $1.5 million grant to contribute to the Global Center for Sustainable Bioproducts.

This exciting development aligns perfectly with our Chemurgy 2.0 project, which aims to establish Iowa as a leader in advanced biomanufacturing. Dr. Seo's work will focus on transforming organic waste into renewable and biodegradable plastics, a key aspect of our vision to meet human needs from things that grow.

Dr. Seo, who recently joined our faculty, brings expertise in synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, and systems biology to the table. His role in this global collaboration involves designing high-performing microorganisms and modifying their genes to support the production of high-value products. This research dovetails beautifully with our Plastics for Additive Manufacturing (PAM) focal area, pushing the boundaries of bio-based materials for 3D and 4D printing applications.

The Global Center for Sustainable Bioproducts, led by Professor Arthur J. Ragauskas from the University of Tennessee, brings together researchers from across the United States and international partners. This diverse team will tackle the challenge of converting biomass, such as wood scraps and agricultural residue, into polyhydroxyalkanoate – a bioplastic with enormous potential for sustainable manufacturing.

As we continue to build research capacity in biosciences and advanced manufacturing, Dr. Seo's involvement in this global initiative strengthens our position at the forefront of the bioeconomy revolution. It's an exciting time for our students, faculty, and partners as we work together to create a more sustainable future through innovative biomanufacturing techniques.

Stay tuned for more updates on this groundbreaking research and its potential impact on Iowa's growing bioeconomy!
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NSF LogoThis material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Award No.2242763