Celbiotech group wins in patent category of Valortec awards
The research group from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC) has patented a natural compound that modifies the properties of paper
The Celbiotech research group, which specializes in paper engineering, has won in the patent category of the third edition of the Valortec awards. This group, based on the Terrassa campus of the Polytechnic University of Catalonia – BarcelonaTech (UPC), has developed an aqueous compound that can modify the properties of paper and other cellulose-based materials. Among other functions, it adheres to the surface of paper to make it hydrophobic, or waterproof. This may lead to the creation of paper products with new value added. Plus, the compound replaces traditional chemical reactives with natural enzymes.
This development is another case of the transfer of knowledge from laboratory to the market and of the application of biotechnology in other areas of industry. Some of the possible uses Celbiotech lists include waterproof cups that don’t require paraffin or waterproof baby bibs (cellulose-based materials).
ACCIÓ has organized the Valortec awards for the past three years to incentivize Catalan researchers to apply their research to services and products that can reach the market. The award also aims to recognize professors and researchers as driving forces behind the economy and a key part of the transfer of technology to society.
More information is available in the article on the UPC website.