Radboud University Chemists Innovate Bio-Based Material Research

Researchers at Radboud University are pioneering efforts to transition from fossil fuels to bio-based materials in chemical products. This initiative, part of the university’s Big Chemistry program, addresses the pressing need for sustainable alternatives in the production of essential items such as medicines, plastics, and paints. By leveraging advanced robotics and artificial intelligence (AI), the team aims to expedite this vital shift.

The reliance on fossil raw materials for everyday products is increasingly viewed as unsustainable. The challenge lies in replacing these materials with biological alternatives without compromising product quality. According to Wilhelm Huck, a professor of physical-organic chemistry at Radboud University, the goal is not merely to optimize individual molecules but rather to enhance the properties of complex mixtures.

Understanding Molecular Interactions

A significant obstacle in this transition is the unpredictable nature of chemical interactions. Huck explains that most chemical behaviors are non-additive. For instance, dissolving multiple sugar cubes in water behaves differently than expected based on individual sugar cube interactions. This unpredictability extends to the interactions between various raw materials, which can lead to unforeseen outcomes.

The number of potential interactions is staggering, especially given that suppliers of ingredients for cleaning products, cosmetics, and paints can provide tens of thousands of components. When combined in various ways, the possible interactions can reach into the hundreds of millions. Consequently, the researchers require robust models capable of predicting the properties of these mixtures, which necessitates extensive data collection from experiments.

Targeted Projects in Paint, Soap, and Polymers

In October 2023, three research projects received funding under the Big Chemistry program, led by Huck, Mathijs Mabesoone, and Peter Korevaar. These projects focus on the properties of bio-based raw materials for paints and soaps, among other applications.

Korevaar’s project, in collaboration with Van Wijhe Verf, concentrates on developing water-resistant paints that still meet various performance criteria. He emphasizes that paints must mix well, remain stable, and be washable while enduring weather conditions. Generating a comprehensive database of experimental data is crucial for designing effective bio-based paints.

Mabesoone will work with Croda International to explore the cleaning efficacy of soaps. He notes that a pure soap solution possesses a specific cleaning capability, but mixtures can exhibit this property at much lower concentrations, making predictions difficult. His team plans to create a large database of measured interactions to enhance predictive modeling.

The third project involves fundamental research into polymers, large molecules often present in mixtures. Huck highlights the current lack of data for theoretical calculations in this area. Collaborating with TNO and Van Loon Chemical Innovations, the team will gather more data to refine AI models for predicting the behavior of bio-based polymers.

Utilizing Robotics for Data Collection

All three projects aim to generate unique, extensive datasets, which will be facilitated by robotic technology. Researchers are currently utilizing smaller robots that continuously take measurements, a precursor to a larger robotic lab set to open at Noviotech Campus in Nijmegen in late 2026.

Mabesoone explains that these robots can autonomously test, mix, and measure samples, intelligently selecting the best combinations for research. This capability allows for the efficient production of vast quantities of data from minimal sample inputs.

The Consumer Impact

As for the potential impact on consumers, Huck suggests that if this transition is successful, people may not notice significant changes in their everyday products. However, without this shift, certain items might become unavailable due to regulatory changes or resource scarcity. He believes that, ultimately, consumers will benefit from improved products that are increasingly biodegradable. With the aid of robotics and AI, the team anticipates discovering entirely new properties that could enhance product performance.

The research at Radboud University represents a significant step towards sustainable chemistry, with potential ramifications for various industries reliant on chemical products. Through innovation and collaboration, the team is poised to redefine how materials are sourced and utilized in the future.