The Functional Carbohydrates research group (FUNCARB) operates at the intersection of Biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering, with a primary focus on advancing biomaterials based on polysaccharides, in particular bacterial cellulose. The group is dedicated to the comprehensive exploration of these biomaterials, from their production, characterization, and modification to the creation of tailored structures organized at the molecular level. The principal goal is to apply a science-driven approach to develop pioneering polysaccharide-based solutions that meet specific industry needs. We operate with a market-pull perspective, addressing industry demands and leveraging a proper regulatory framework.

The scientific activities undertaken by Funcarb include both uphill and downhill processes:

• Uphill: identification of novel bacterial cellulose producing strains,; implementation of strain engineering strategies to yield over-producing strains; the optimization of the fermentation process through process design and optimization; scale-up studies paired with a techno-economic assessment; process wastewater recycling and energy production; utilization of low-cost agro-industrial wastes as nutrient source, and finally a comparative life cycle assessment of the bacterial cellulose production process, against plant cellulose from different sources.
• Downhill: characterization of the structural organization of bacterial cellulose at the molecular level, under different fermentation conditions; development of bacterial cellulose-based applications in various fields including food and cosmetic technologies (as a texturizer, rheological modifier, suspending agent), textiles (filament and staple fibre from bacterial cellulose, including the upcycling of waste plant cellulose textile fibres using bacterial cellulose), leather industry (with bacterial cellulose as a structuring material for the production of new leather-like products) and biomedicine (implantable biomaterials and drug delivery systems).

Within the framework of these R&D activities, a spin-off emerged from the Funcarb group, Satisfibre, S.A.. This spin-off aims to strengthen the translational activities of this research group, fostering the development of products and technologies rooted in polysaccharides, particularly bacterial cellulose. Funcarb actively seeks partnerships with major industry stakeholders, from the above-mentioned market segments to bring innovative solutions to market.