Biopolymers & biomolecules
Partners
NHLStenden University of Applied Sciences
The universities of applied sciences (in Dutch: 'hogescholen') offer programs that focus on the practical application of arts and sciences.
NHLStenden University is an internationally recognised institution that awards accredited degrees. We have already successfully educated thousands of international students (also from Brazil) with our English-language bachelor and master programmes in a variety of subject areas. These range from International Hospitality Management to International Teacher Education for primary schools (ITEPS) to Information Technology and Life Sciences.
Within NHL Stenden there is a research institute called GreenPAC. Green PAC is the hub for green (fibre) chemistry in the North East Netherlands and the place to develop knowledge. At Green PAC ideas lead to innovations and innovations to new products: products with added value and the power to compete on the market. The research areas are biobased and/or biodegradable polymers, 3D-printing, sustainable fibers, recycling of polymers, biocomposites.
More information: https://www.greenpac.eu/nl/
Zuyd University of Applied Sciences
Zuyd is an ambitious university of applied sciences located in the heart of Europe, focusing on three core activities: education for students, research for companies and institutes, and training courses and study programmes for professionals. We work intensively with companies, institutions/knowledge institutions, and government bodies across the boundaries of our fields of expertise. We do so because we are convinced that the 21st century is not just about knowledge, but also about the ability to apply that knowledge in practice. With 14,600 students, 34 bachelor's, 9 master's, 3 associate degree and 1 prebachelor programme, 12 sites in three cities, 29 research centres, an average of 7,000 internships and 2,500 graduation projects per year, and with a history stretching back more than 100 years, Zuyd is strongly anchored in Limburg and the Euregio Meuse-Rhine. We make an important contribution to the economic and social development agenda of this region.
Avans University of Applied Sciences (Avans UAS).
The universities of applied sciences (in Dutch: 'hogescholen') offer programs that focus on the practical application of arts and sciences.
"Avans" is a knowledge institution with a powerful position in Brabant, anchored in the Brabant working field. For years Avans have also been known outside the country as the best university of applied sciences valued for its atmosphere and quality of education.
As a knowledge institution, we develop new knowledge for education and society. With our research we want to have impact on social issues. Avans has 4 Centres of Expertise and 2 expertise centers and over 31 professorships. Groups of researchers conduct practice-oriented research. The Centre of Expertise Materials and Energy Transition (MNEXT) is the place where Living Lab interns find their bachelor or graduation assignment. Please read more here.
previous internships
Research topics for internships vary by period as they are aligned with the ongoing research at that time. Below are some examples of previous internships to get a feel of what's possible within the subject of Biopolymers & biomolecules
NHLStenden University of Applied Sciences
Professor Corinne van Noordenne
Research of PHA’s: processing, behaviour and possible application of PHA’s. Example of previous projects: Preparing compounds based on PHA’s, and other biopolymers. - Analysing techniques; studying biodegradability of these materials - Preparing new polymers or compounds (combination with natural fibres based on cellulose). - Cooperating in a larger project together with PhD’s and researchers (58 1-2)
Zuyd University of Applied Sciences
Circular materials: with an ever-increasing shortage of raw materials, it is of great importance to start using materials in a circular way. Within this research minor, together with companies, opportunities for circularity within polymeric materials are examined. You can think of: conversion of thermoset to thermoplastic; or of multi-layer and multi-material packaging to mono-material. Entry from a wide number of programs such as Chemistry; Chemical Engineering, Chemical Technology; Applied Science; Materials science; Sustainable Energy.
3D printing makes it possible to create truly customized products. However, there are still many challenges in the field of material science. Entry from a wide number of programs such as Chemistry; Chemical Engineering, Chemical Technology; Applied Science; Materials science; Sustainable Energy
Avans University of Applied Sciences (Avans UAS).
Biocarbon-based biopolymer composites (polymer processing, polymer characterization). Preparing biobased thermosets (chemistry, analytical chemistry, laboratory work).
Researcher Quilherme de Souza Reis
Conversion of agro-industrial residual streams into VFAs (short-chain organic acids) for the potential production of PHA bioplastics.
Semi-continuous production of PHA by mixed culture fermentation in bioreactors.
Researcher Sandra Corderi Gandara
Sustainable materials: Development of innovative bio-based polymer materials (PU, acrylics, epoxy,…) and bio-additives (flame retardant, plasticizers, …) based on lignin (most abundant natural aromatic polymer on earth).
Involved techniques: FTIR, P-NMR (OH content in lignin), GPC (Mw), DSC, TGA, mechanical properties, compounding, injection molding, among others. In collaboration with our partner VITO (Flemish Research Institute).
Keywords: Process Engineering, Supercritical Carbondioxide, dying and decolouring textile. Traditional recycling textile (natural and synthetic) leads to a lower quality of product because of the used dye in the original product. In this project you will design and test a method to dye and decolour textile with supercritical carbondioxide. These water-free processes with supercritical carbondioxide (SCC) will save energy and lower the environmental pollution from wastewater. In this project, you will perform experiments with an SCC pilot plant for process development.
Researcher Eric Matheussens
Keywords: Analytical Chemistry, Process Engineering, Seaweed, Natural Colourants. The company Zeefier, together with Avans, is developing natural colourants from seaweed. In this project you will do research into the seaweed compounds that can be used as a textile dye. Extracting seaweed, dying textile, measuring light stability of the colourants and analysing the extracts with HPLC are the main activities. Also the seaweed extraction and purification process needs to be developed resulting in a mass and energy balance and a process flow diagram.
Qualifications
Examples of suitable academies
- Chemical Engineering/technology
- Environmental engineering
- Chemistry
- Material science
- Upon inquiry
additional information
Possible internship periods
September 2025 - January 2026
Working language
English