BPI Seminar by Dr. Anuj Kumar Chandel
August 25, 2026, 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Multiple Levers of Lignin Conversion: Fundamentals and Applied Perspectives
Location: CHBE #202, 2360 East Mall Vancouver BC V6T 1Z4
Agenda
- 12:00 PM Introduction by Dr. Lindsay Eltis
- 12:05 PM Presentation by Dr. Anuj Kumar Chandel, Associate Professor, Department of Biotechnology, University of São Paulo
- 12:45 AM Q&A
*Sandwiches and coffee will be provided from 11:45 AM.
Abstract
Upgrading technical lignins into value-added renewable products plays a pivotal role in advancing the pulp and paper industry and lignocellulosic biorefineries. However, the commercialization of lignin-derived products remains challenging due to the heterogeneous and recalcitrant nature of lignin and the associated difficulties in achieving process scalability, product consistency, cost competitiveness, and market integration. The often-cited notion that “anything can be made from lignin except money” still resonates today, as many lignin-based products face high production costs and significant challenges in scaling up from laboratory- and pilot-scale processes to commercially viable operations.
Advances in lignin fractionation, structural modification, catalytic conversion, biological upcycling, and materials engineering are essential to unlock the full potential of lignin within a circular bioeconomy. This presentation explores the multiple levers for lignin valorization, encompassing the macromolecular and structural characteristics of lignins, recent advances in lignin extraction and recovery, lignin depolymerization and catalytic upgrading, biological conversion and upcycling, and the development of functional carbon materials. Particular emphasis will be placed on the opportunities and challenges associated with translating these technologies from fundamental research to industrial applications. The presentation will also highlight ongoing research activities at our institute, the Engineering School of Lorena (EEL-USP), with a particular focus on the research outcomes and emerging findings from two of my ongoing research projects supported by The São Paulo State Funding Agency (FAPESP).
Keywords: Lignin upcycling, Biorefinery, Circular economy, Low carbon chemicals.
About the Speaker
Dr. Anuj Kumar Chandel is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biotechnology, Engineering School of Lorena, University of São Paulo, Brazil. He has over 22 years of experience working on various aspects of industrial biotechnology (production of industrial enzymes, biofuels, and bio-based products) and membrane-based separations. He obtained his Ph.D. in 2009 from J.N.T University, Hyderabad, India and then did three post-doctoral fellowships at Stellenbosch University, South Africa; Engineering School of Lorena, University of São Paulo, Brazil, and University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, USA for a total period of 6 years. Dr. Chandel has worked in 3 biotech industries (Dalas Biotech Ltd. Bhiwadi, India; Celestial Labs Ltd, Hyderabad, India and Sugarcane Technology Centre, Piracicaba, Brazil) for a total of 7 years at large scale operations. His primary research interest is to develop sustainable processes for bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass into renewable fuels and biochemicals by bridging the gap between research laboratories and industries. Dr. Chandel has published more than 145 peer reviewed scientific papers, co-edited 18 books and wrote 65 book chapters. He has one Brazilian patent to his credit. Currently, he is the coordinator of two research projects funded by FAPESP-Brazil on lignin valorization with the national and international scientific collaborations.