BPI Connect 2025 - Showcase Competition

C-1*  Kai Kirsch*(PhD Student): Fashionably Wasted: Textiles from Red Wine Vinegar Byproduct

The fashion and textile industries face a pressing need for sustainable materials and manufacturing processes that valorize waste streams. Here, we address this challenge by transforming bacterial cellulose—an overlooked byproduct of red wine vinegar production—into functional biopolymers. While the dissolution of plant-based cellulose in ionic liquids and its wet spinning into fibers is established, the processing of bacterial cellulose and the enhancement of its properties with intrinsic polyphenols remain unexplored. We describe the complete dissolution of this waste-derived bacterial cellulose in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate (EmimOAc) and its successful coagulation into continuous fibers. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the tannins present in these fibers are amenable to cross-linking with iron ions, forming metal-phenolic networks that can enhance their functionality. This work establishes a pathway for upcycling agricultural waste into advanced, multifunctional materials.

C-2*  Cecilia Cancellara*(PhD Student), Ariane Fernandes*(PhD Student), & Jiaou Ren(Undergrad Student):  Canopy: Plant-Powered Sun Protection

We're Canopy, and we‚Äôre transforming how skincare brands source UV-protective and active ingredients by turning waste tree bark into high-value, high-performance, sustainable alternatives.Today, the beauty industry relies heavily on petrochemical UV filters which come with growing environmental and regulatory pressures. Brands and their consumers alike are searching for cleaner, more effective ingredients, but options are limited. Canopy's unique¬†process up-cycles bark from Canadian forestry byproducts into powerful antioxidant and SPF-boosting ingredients, offering excellent performance without compromising on sustainability.Unlike synthetic additives or imported botanicals, our ingredients are locally sourced, circular, and science-backed, helping brands lower their environmental footprint and strengthen their sustainability claims, all while improving product efficacy. 

C-3*  Tuan Ngoc Tran*(Postdoc) & Siti Firmansyah(PhD Student):  Greener Preparation of Cellulose Nanocrystals through Mechanochemical Conversion

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are renewable nanomaterials with unique mechanical, optical, and
colloidal properties, making them key enablers of sustainable nanotechnologies. Industrial CNCs
production currently relies on sulfuric acid hydrolysis, a method that is effective but costly because it
causes equipment corrosion, requires large amounts of water, and is environmentally damaging. Recent
advances in deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have opened new sustainable avenues, but the limited acidity
of DES has restricted their use to pretreatment stages before mechanical (e.g., homogenization) or
biological processes. This research proposes to integrate wet ball milling with acidic DES hydrolysis into
a one-step mechanochemical process, directly producing high-quality CNCs while reducing waste and
improving scalability. This approach aligns with emerging green chemistry principles and circular
bioeconomy strategies that prioritize reduced chemical usage, solvent recyclability, and energy
efficiency. By leveraging mechanochemical energy, the process minimizes the need for external heating
and strong acids, making it a potentially scalable and cost-competitive alternative for industry.

C-4*  Athanasios Kritharis*(Postdoc):  Bio-Based Upscaling of Crustacean Waste to High Performance Coatings and Additives

Microplastics are everywhere and in everything, and most shockingly everyone. Why have bio-based materials not become the gold standard to replace fossil fuels based materials to date? One issue is the poor barrier and wet strength property of bio-based materials and their general incompatibility with hydrophobic materials such as oils and waxes. We have developed a chitin based solution leveraging a proprietary bio-manufacturing process to create high performance chitin-based coatings and additives at significantly reduced environmental impact compared to classic chemical based processing.

C-5*  Andrew Sanders*(PhD Student):  Observing Single Molecules: How the Smallest Scale Possible Answers Big Questions on Enzyme Lifetime

Industrial enzymes are a multi-billion dollar market and make greener manufacturing possible by running reactions in water, at mild temperatures, and with high specificity. A common bottleneck for many processes, however, is limited enzyme functional lifetime and instability under non-evolved conditions. At the absolute observational limit, single-molecule experiments with optical tweezers track individual protein unfolding and refolding events with pico-Newton forces and sub-nanometer precision, revealing rare states and pathway choices. This stands in contrast with traditional ensemble experiments, which report averages of trillions of molecules, simply cannot observe these details.

Current work focuses on mapping the key features of the energy landscapes that set enzyme functional lifetime: the height and position of unfolding barriers, the availability of detours that seed enzyme misfolding or aggregation, and the effective diffusion of the chain as it searches for the native state. These parameters explain why activity persists for months in some scaffolds yet decays within minutes in close structures, and they translate into strategies that increase enzyme durability under heat, shear, extreme pH, and solvent exposure.

Along the way, a state‚Äëof‚Äëthe‚Äëart single‚Äëmolecule platform was developed that extended usable measurement time roughly tenfold compared with recent methods, enabling continuous observation of the same enzyme through many unfolding and refolding cycles. Applied to pepsinogen as a model system, these measurements revealed multiple folding routes, shifts in cooperativity (the degree to which different protein segments act together), and structural patterns that align with longer functional lifetimes. In short, the smallest measurements point the way to big gains in practice, by helping unravel the rules that keep enzymes from unravelling.

C-6*  Tianyu Wang*(PhD Student), Ivy Chiu(Master's Student), & Song Yan(PhD Student):  Metal-Phenolic Networks (MPNs): A Sustainable Platform for Agri-food Resilience

The transition toward sustainable food systems demands innovative material solutions that deliver high performance while minimizing environmental impact. Conventional polymer coatings, though widely used, pose substantial ecological challenges and often depend on complex manufacturing processes. Biopolymer alternatives offer environmental advantages, yet their limited functionality and scalability have hindered broader adoption. To address these limitations, our work investigates metal–phenolic network (MPN) chemistry as a versatile and sustainable platform for enhancing agri-food resilience. To support climate adaptation, we applied MPNs in seed–fertilizer coatings as an alternative to conventional polymer-based systems. This approach aims to improve fertilizer use efficiency, enhance crop growth under extreme environmental conditions, reduce nutrient-loss–driven pollution, and mitigate microplastic contamination. Our results show that MPN-based seed fertilizer coatings markedly increase seed germination and growth under saline stress, promote robust root development, and elevate chlorophyll levels during early growth. Beyond agricultural applications, we also developed an agar-based film reinforced with an MPN formed from zinc ions and tannic acid. This material exhibits exceptional mechanical strength, superior barrier performance, and integrated antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Real-world food preservation trials demonstrate that these films maintain edible oil quality at levels comparable to PET and extend the shelf life of fresh-cut apples beyond that achieved with LDPE packaging. A comprehensive life cycle assessment further reveals reduced ozone depletion and eutrophication potential, along with climate change impacts comparable to PET and LDPE. Both MPN-based materials are fabricated through simple aqueous processes using minimal additives, supporting scalable and low-impact production. Collectively, these advances underscore the versatility and promise of MPN chemistry as a foundation for next-generation sustainable technologies that strengthen agri-food resilience. This work offers a climate-relevant and practical pathway that integrates innovation, environmental responsibility, and real-world applicability to advance sustainable food systems.

C-7*  Elnaz Erfanian*(Postdoc):   Transforming Forest Fire Waste into 3D-Printed Creations

In response to the growing demand for sustainable materials in additive manufacturing, bio-based reinforcements have gained attention for their environmental benefits and potential to enhance material properties. This study investigates the fabrication of filaments for Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) using polylactic acid (PLA) as the matrix material, reinforced with charred wood particles derived from pyrolyzed biomass waste. The carbon-rich, lightweight nature of charred wood contributes to improved mechanical strength and thermal stability in the PLA matrix while supporting eco-friendly practices. By leveraging the low-cost, customizable nature of 3D printing, this research optimized key process parameters, including nozzle temperature, to achieve desirable print quality and performance. PLA-charred wood composite filaments were developed through melt blending and extrusion techniques, with efforts focused on maintaining a consistent filament diameter to ensure reliable printability. The influence of various charred wood loadings was systematically analyzed, revealing enhancements in tensile strength, thermal properties, and print quality. The findings indicate that incorporating charred wood increases the stiffness and heat resistance of PLA without compromising compatibility with standard FDM systems. Temperature adjustments played a critical role in enhancing structural uniformity, where moderate nozzle temperatures improved shape fidelity, but higher temperatures induced structural defects. Notably, an optimal filler concentration helped mitigate high-temperature impacts, supporting complex geometries and maintaining print quality. This research underscores the potential of bio-based, reinforced PLA composites to align with circular economy principles, paving the way for greener manufacturing processes in 3D printing. 

C-8   Amir Amiri*(PhD Student) & Srishty Maggo(PhD Student):  Zero Fat & Fat Replacement

High intake of fat and saturated fatty acids is strongly linked to obesity and cardiometabolic diseases, while large-scale production of animal fats and some tropical oils contributes to deforestation and environmental deterioration. At the same time, new front-of-pack (FOP) labelling regulations in Canada are pressuring food manufacturers to reduce fat content in their products. However, most “low-fat” products fail commercially because they taste dry, thin, or artificial, highlighting the need for a fat-replacement technology that cuts fat and calories without compromising pleasure or relying on chemical additives.
0Fat is a new, proprietary, clean-label fat replacer designed to meet this challenge. It is a spray-dried powder made from three interacting plant fibres that, when dispersed in water, forms a gel mimicking the mouthfeel and lubrication of fat while contributing minimal calories. The resulting three-dimensional network traps water to create a spoonable, pumpable ingredient that can be dosed like liquid oil, shortening, or butter in standard formulations. Rich in dietary fibre and containing no trans or saturated fat, 0Fat enables healthier reformulation using cost-effective, plant-based, label-friendly components.
In prototype trials with cookies, salad dressings, and 34 other food products, 0Fat has been used to replace up to 100% of added fat while maintaining key quality attributes, including texture and overall sensory acceptance. In several applications, 0Fat also provides additional functionality, such as delaying staling in cakes and baked goods, improving freeze–thaw stability in salad dressings, and reducing oil separation.
By enabling substantial fat reduction without sensory compromise, 0Fat offers a practical pathway for the food industry to respond to evolving health policies, reduce environmental pressures associated with conventional fat production, and keep beloved foods on the market in a more sustainable, fibre-rich form.
 

C-9   Julia Desbiens*(Master's Student) & Evelyn Lewicki*(Undergrad Student):  Harnessing Komgataeibacter Diversity for Waste Valorization

Over half of agro-industrial food products are wasted in the Canadian food system. While one third of this waste can be avoided during and post distribution, two thirds are lost during production and processing. An emerging strategy to tackle this unavoidable organic waste are microbial cell factory biorefineries. In this model, microorganisms convert wastes into valuable products, including materials. Bacterial cellulose (BC) is an ultrapure micro-crystalline network of cellulose fibrils produced most efficiently by Komagataibacter spp. bacteria. BC is applied in a wide range of technologies‚Äîfrom textiles to tissue engineering. Komagataibacter spp. display incredible variance in growth rate, cellulose productivity and preferred growth conditions. However, BC-producer diversity remains largely untapped for industrial application, hindering commercial success. We assessed 16 BC-producing strains and identified highest yielding producers. Then, we determined their preferred growth substrates and pH, with the goal of aligning them with agro-industrial wastes. From this approach, we identified K. intermedius B-759 and K. sucrofermentans 700178 as highly applicable for aqueous fruit waste for their superior ability to metabolize fructose and sucrose, respectively. Additionally, we developed a co-culture using these in combination with K. hansenii 53582 for its high glucose utilization, to see if improved yields could be achieved using a ‚ÄúKomagataeibacter Cocktail‚Äù. For dairy industry and lignocellulosic biomass, for which there is no natural strain to pair, we identified Komagataibacter medellinensis ID13488 as an ideal candidate for a novel synbio-chassis. We found this strain to be uniquely applicable for engineering in waste feedstocks due to its faster growth cycles, higher transformation efficiency and versatile growth preferences. By expanding our understanding of these diverse strains, we are able to harness their qualities to identify more optimal waste-strain pairings and apply synthetic biology tools to improve waste medium utilization and minimize costs. 

C-10*  Lukas Bauman*(Postdoc):  LeatheR2: Nonwoven Materials Derived from Industrial Leather Waste

Leather manufacturing generates large quantities of collagen-rich waste, with many tanneries producing over ten tonnes of leather shavings per day. Despite their high-quality biopolymer content, these shavings are difficult to dispose of and are rarely valorized. This work presents a simple, scalable method to recycle chrome-free leather shavings into cohesive, leather-like sheets with tunable mechanical performance.

Leather shavings are first dispersed under mildly acidic conditions (pH 4.5) to reopen the collagen structure and liberate fine fibrils. The slurry is processed by aqueous foam forming, producing lightweight, uniform mats with an open 3D architecture. To stabilize this structure and recover strength lost during tanning and mechanical fragmentation, the wet mats are impregnated with a triazine derivative polymeric crosslinker. During curing, triazine forms covalent bridges between fibers while preserving porosity.

Following crosslinking, a tailored fatliquor containing sulfated castor oil, lecithin, and capric triglyceride is applied to restore internal lubrication, flexibility, and surface feel. This combination of structural reinforcement and targeted lubrication significantly enhances tear resistance, softness, and durability relative to uncrosslinked mats, producing materials that approach the tactile and mechanical properties of natural leather.

The overall process is compatible with existing wet-end leather operations, requires only water-based chemistries, and minimizes waste. By transforming abundant shavings into high-performance sheet materials suitable for footwear, accessories, and upholstery, this strategy offers a practical and sustainable route for valorizing one of the leather industry’s largest waste streams.

C-11*  Haoming Yang*(Master's Student) & Ling Guo*(PhD Student):  Metal-Phenolic Networks (MPNs)-Assisted Removal and Detection of Emerging Pollutants in Water

Micro and Nanoplastics (MNPs) and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have emerged as critical contaminants in drinking water and aquatic environments due to their persistence, bioaccumulation potential, and associated health risks. MNPs and PFAS are now prevalent in global water supplies, raising substantial public health concerns and driving tighter governmental regulations. Among various PFAS, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is one of the most representative and widely studied compounds. Conventional membrane filtration can effectively remove large particulates such as bacteria, yeast, and microplastics, but remains limited in capturing nanoplastics (50 nm) and PFOA, which can pass through pores or interact weakly with membrane materials.

Metal–phenolic networks (MPNs), a type of bionanoparticle, formed via coordination between metal ions and polyphenolic ligands, strongly adhere to filter membranes, refine the effective pore structure, and introduce abundant aromatic and hydrophobic sites that promote contaminant adsorption through π–π, hydrophobic, and other interfacial interactions. Here, MPNs-coated membranes were developed as a multifunctional platform that couples physical sieving with interfacial adsorption to remove emerging contaminants (PFOA and nanoplastics) simultaneously. The resulting MPNs-coated membranes achieve removal efficiencies exceeding 90% for both nanoplastics and PFOA in batch filtration tests.

Beyond removal, MPNs also enhance contaminants detection via surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), owing to their strong adsorption capability, allowing signal intensity to increase substantially. Using AgNPs-based MPNs-modified SERS substrates combined with machine learning (ML) algorithms, accurate PFOA quantification in ddwater was achieved within the 100 ppt–1 ppm range, with a limit of detection of 62 ppt. The eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) model exhibited the best performance (R² = 0.998). Overall, this MPNs–ML integrated platform offers a rapid, sensitive, and practical strategy for the concurrent removal and monitoring of PFAS and nanoplastics, providing an efficient and intelligent technological pathway toward safer drinking water and enhanced environmental protection.

C-12    Kaia Nielsen-Roine*(PhD Student):  Application of a Keratin-Based Adhesive System to Wood Fibre Insulation Boards

WFIB is a thermal building insulation which typically uses petrochemical-derived adhesives such as PUR or pMDI. This project seeks to develop a keratin-based adhesive to replace the petrochemical-based adhesives which are used in exterior-grade wood fibre insulation boards (WFIB) to create a product with lower embodied carbon, and which does not require hot-pressing. The project will look at different methods of using alkaline hydrolysis of keratin from animal agriculture residues (primarily sheep‚Äôs wool) to create a keratin-based adhesive which can be mixed with wood fibres to create a rigid insulation board. The project aims to assess the validity of using a keratin-based adhesive in place of standard adhesives and compare the keratin-bound WFIB to standard WFIB of similar density. While this project is in early-stage development, if the formulation proves successful, it could allow for the displacement of some petrochemical adhesives from WFIB manufacturing and the functionalization of an underutilized animal agriculture waste stream. 

C-13*  Jeffrey To*(Undergrad Student):  Seeing Through Cellulose: Biofabricated Nanocellulose/GelMA Double-Network Hydrogel for Corneal Substitution

Corneal blindness affects millions of people worldwide, yet current solutions fail to meet high accessibility and biocompatibility demands simultaneously. Corneal transplantation is the most promising solution yet it suffers from a significant shortage of donors. Current challenges remain in finding accessible and suitable materials that resembles the native cornea in both mechanical properties and physiological performance. Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) is a promising candidate due to its excellent biocompatibility. Through optimizing the biofabrication process, BNC can also meet the transparency and thickness demands for the corneal substrate. This work seeks to further improve the mechanical properties of BNC to make it more suitable for direct corneal implantation via suturing. The development of a double-network (DN) hydrogel was achieved through the integration of gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) with BNC. This created a composite with enhanced suturing properties while maintaining desirable optical transparency. These preliminary findings demonstrate a low-cost, sustainable, and biocompatible strategy for biofabrication of nanocellulose-based corneal substitutes. 

C-14   Alexandra Rousseau*(PhD Student) & Nicole Gammie*(Undergrad Student):  Green Production of Cellulose Nanocrystals

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are the “new carbon fibre” -- they are as strong as steel but four times lighter, all while being renewable and fully biodegradable! With applications spanning composites, coatings, lubricants, cosmetics, and biomedical materials, CNCs have immense commercial potential. However, widespread adoption is currently limited by high production costs.

This presentation introduces a scalable, low-cost process for producing high-performance CNCs from microcrystalline cellulose. Our two-step approach combines a green electrocatalytic surface modification to introduce charge, followed by mechanical dispersion to form cellulose nanocrystals. The resulting CNCs exhibit surface charge densities three times higher than industrially-produced equivalents, significantly improving colloidal stability, processability, and performance in downstream applications. This method has the potential to reduce manufacturing costs while delivering a higher-value nanomaterial, accelerating the transition of CNCs from the lab to large-scale commercial markets.

C-15*  Daniel Barker-Rothschild*(PhD Student) & Rameez Ahmad Mir(Postdoc):  Recharging the Forest Products Industry: Transforming Lignin to Activated Carbon for High Performance Supercapacitors

Supercapacitors are energy storage devices with high power density, rapid charge transfer kinetics, and long life cycles making them exceptional alternatives to conventional batteries when rapid power delivery is favoured. The secret to their exceptional capacitance is the high porosity of their porous carbon electrodes supporting charge storage via the electric double layer. Through pore structure engineering, our team has developed fully lignin-derived supercapacitor prototypes, utilizing kraft lignin to produce porous carbon from KOH activation with exceptional surface areas at low activation ratios. We have demonstrated lignin-derived supercapacitors can outperform commercial activated carbon at the coin-cell scale and have advanced to produce commercially relevant pouch-cell prototypes. The produced carbons exhibit specific surface areas as high as 2,300 m2/g and capacitance reaching 70 F/g at up to 2.7 V.  

C-16   Alexandre Babin*(PhD Student), Nazanin Aghdam(Postdoc), & Hicham Akaya(PhD Student):  Biochar Production by Microwave-Assisted Pyrolysis in a Pilot Fluidized Bed Reactor

In light of climate change and the non-renewable nature of fossil fuels, biomass is gaining growing interest as a renewable carbon-neutral alternative to fossil fuels as an energy source. 
Pyrolysis is an emerging technology for the production of biofuels from biomass, known for its simplicity and versatility. It is also gaining interest for the production of biochar which has the potential to improve soil fertility and quality while sequestering carbon. 
With upscaling being a major challenge for the implementation of pyrolysis for energy production, microwave-assisted pyrolysis is an emerging method to improve product quality all while providing efficient heating.
This current project thus aims to develop a pilot scale microwave-assisted pyrolysis process to produce bio-oil and biochar from woody biomass. Pyrolysis is performed in a horizontal fluidized bed reactor, allowing to continuously process large quantities of feedstock (up to 20 kg/h) while ensuring uniform mixing and heat distribution.
This Showcase demo will mainly focus on the biochar produced during the pilot pyrolysis trials, as well as potential applications.
 

C-17*  Tina Gahrooee*(PhD Student) & Farhad Ahmadijokani(Postdoc):  Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) Reinforced Chitosan-Nanochitin Robust Adsorbent for Copper Removal

The efficient removal of heavy metals from aqueous systems is critical for environmental sustainability. In this work, we introduce a novel biohybrid bead adsorbent composed of chitosan and partially deacetylated chitin nanofibers (DEChNF), reinforced with in-situ synthesized UiO-66-NH₂ metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). Beads were fabricated by ionic gelation in an antisolvent mixture , providing structural integrity and enhanced water stability. The MOF components were introduced directly into the bead system under acidic conditions, enabling localized MOF crystallization within the polymer matrix.Characterization via SEM, XRD, BET, and TGA confirmed successful MOF integration, increased porosity, and improved thermal stability. Adsorption studies revealed that the composite beads exhibited high copper ion uptake capacity, fast kinetics, and strong recyclability. Compared to pristine chitosan or chitin beads, the MOF–biopolymer hybrid demonstrated significantly enhanced performance due to synergistic interactions between functional amine groups and the porous MOF network.This study highlights a sustainable strategy for fabricating robust, scalable, and eco-friendly adsorbents using naturally derived polymers and MOFs for heavy metal remediation applications.

C-18*  Majid Shirazi*(Postdoc):  Transforming Forest Residues into Canada Sustainable Insulation

Every year, millions of tonnes of forest residues from thinning operations, logging, and wildfire-damaged areas are burned or left to decay across Canada, releasing carbon, increasing wildfire risk, and wasting a powerful natural resource. At the same time, our buildings rely heavily on fossil-based insulation materials that are energy-intensive, non-recyclable, and environmentally harmful. This project reimagines these discarded forest residues as the foundation for a new generation of sustainable insulation. By converting underutilized biomass into high-performance wood fibre insulation, we demonstrate how waste can become resilience. Using an advanced dry manufacturing process, the project produces rigid boards and flexible batt insulation that deliver strong thermal performance, improved fire resistance, and healthy moisture regulation, all while dramatically reducing the carbon footprint of building envelopes. Beyond materials innovation, this initiative embodies a shift in how Canada approaches its forests: transforming risk into opportunity, pollution into value, and waste into climate solutions. In partnership with Indigenous communities, the project supports sustainable forest stewardship, local economic development, and circular bioeconomy practices grounded in respect for the land.

C-19   Martin Galambos*(PhD Student):  Tannic-Acid-Modified Cellulose Nanocrystal Cryogels for Lightweight Packaging

In a world facing accelerating environmental challenges, developing alternative products from bio-based materials has become essential. Replacing petroleum-derived polymers with renewable alternatives can reduce emissions, lower ecological impacts, and support a circular economy. One sector with an urgent need for improved sustainable materials is the lightweight materials industry, where high performance and low density are critical.

In this project, we utilize cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and modify their surface chemistry to investigate how both surface functionality and crosslinker chain length influence the properties of lightweight cryogel materials. Our results show that crosslinker molecular weight affects material performance differently depending on the surface chemistry of the CNCs. To characterize these effects in depth, we used scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic vapor sorption (DVS), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis, thermal conductivity measurements, and disintegration testing.

The outcomes of this research inform strategies for producing environmentally friendly lightweight materials suited for commercial packaging and protection systems.

C-20   Emilie Payment*(Master's Student):  Connecting the Atmospheric Ice Nucleating Activity of Lignin to Its Physicochemical Properties to Better Predict Biomass Burning Organic Aerosols' Cloud Formation

Lignin is a naturally occurring and abundant biopolymer found in terrestrial plants. Once emitted into the atmosphere through biomass burning organic aerosols (BBOA), lignin can experience long-range transport with minimal degradation because of its recalcitrance (Bogler & Borduas, ACP, 2020). In the upper troposphere, such particles can act as ice nucleating particles. Under homogeneous ice nucleation, a 1 pL droplet of water freezes at -38¬∞C, while in the presence of ice nucleating particles, ice clouds can form at higher temperatures. However, the mechanism of heterogeneous ice nucleation of organic matter, including BBOA, remains difficult to predict. 
The purpose of the research is to use a range of lignin samples with different physicochemical properties to systematically probe the ice nucleation of this biopolymer present in BBOA. We are studying a variety of samples, namely Kraft lignin from pulp and paper mills, milled-wood lignin isolated in our laboratory following standard extraction procedures and burned wood aerosols obtained with a tubular furnace, to understand how lignin, and by extension BBOA, from wildfire smoke can nucleate ice in the atmosphere. First, we investigated the ice nucleating ability of supercooled aqueous solutions of lignin using our custom Drop Freezing Ice Nuclei Counter (FINC) (Miller et al., AMT, 2021). Our results revealed three regimes with median temperatures (T50) ranging from -15 to -22°C. We are extracting lignin from wood to evaluate its atmospheric relevance and measuring pH, zeta-potential, conductivity, NMR for OH content, FT-IR, ash content and molecular weight. These tests will provide insight on the properties of lignin that influence its ice nucleating activity, followed by an assessment of its atmospheric relevance. The results of this study may lead to a better understanding of how lignin, and by extension BBOA, impact the ratio of supercooled water droplets to ice crystals in mixed-phase clouds.
 

C-21   Yeedo Chun*(PhD Student):  Presenting a Foil to the Fossil-Fuel Industry to Compete for "Generational Investment"