ICAR-CIRCOT, Mumbai inks MoU for extraction of cellulose from agrobiomass.

Dr. S. K. Shukla, Director, ICAR-CIRCOT, Mumbai signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 28th June 2023, with Dr. Deepa Bhajekar, Managing Director, D Technology, Thane for technology mentoring in the field of “Extraction of cellulose from Biomass”.

The agrobiomass available in India is not used to its fullest extent possible. The biorefinery concept using lignocellulosic waste depends heavily on the development of sustainable processes for extraction of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin from the agrobiomass. The heterogeneity among the agrobiomass possess a major challenge in adopting standard protocols for extraction of various components.

Dr. Deepa Bhajekar is interested to extract cellulose from an underutilized biomass, for diversified applications. ICAR-CIRCOT, having decades of experience in working with various agrobiomass for extraction of cellulose and lignin, will mentor the entrepreneur in extraction of cellulose from the selected biomass and its characterization.

This MoU was signed in the virtual presence of Dr. S. N. Jha, DDG (Agril. Engg), ICAR, New Delhi, Dr. K. Narsaiah, ADG (PE), ICAR, New Delhi, Dr. V. M. Mayande, Former VC, Dr. PDKV, Akola and Dr. N. C. Patel, Former VC, AAU, Anand. The scientific advisory team members Dr. A. Arputharaj, Dr. Sujata Saxena, Dr. N. Vigneshwaran and Dr. A.K. Bharimalla were also present during the signing of this MoU.