Our approach to research in BRI is detailed by sustainable manufacturing and products, energy security, clean water and climate change. We collaborate with an extensive range of partnerships, including industry, non-profit organizations, and governments globally.

BRI is a distinctive research institute based in an ideal location. Situated in the heart of the Northern Ontario region, BRI is encompassed within an environment rich in natural resources and a thriving forestry industry. A list of specific research being conducted in BRI are provided below:

Bioprocess optimization and integration:

In this program, the efficiency, capacity and functionality of the unit operations of bioprocess systems, such as pulping and food industries, are taken into account to optimize the production capacity and energy use of such processes. Experimental and modeling tools are heavily used in this program. 

Sustainable extraction processes: In this program, effective green processes are developed for extracting altered constituents of solid organic feedstock (e.g., seafood, agricultural and forest products) and inorganic materials (ash, salts) and spent liquors and wastes containing biomass (e.g., pulping liquors and wastewater). The primary objective of this program is to develop industrially relevant processes that can effectively generate pure organic materials, e.g., lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose, fatty acids, and other valuable sustainable materials from biomass feedstock. Details of the current projects can be found on the homepages of Dr. Fatehi, Dr. Rakshit, Dr. Kang and Dr. Rezaei.

Bioconversion of lignocellulosic feedstock to biofuel and chemicals:

In this program, the productions of liquid and gaseous biofuels (alcohols), as well as platform chemicals (furans) via bioconversion routes are studied comprehensively and the primary focus of this program is to produce high quality product and simple and scalable processes for the production of such chemicals. Thermoconversion of lignocellulosic feedstock to biofuels: In this program, the conversion of lignocellulosic feedstock to liquid aromatic products (phenols) and gaseous chemicals (H2, methane) is studied at high pressure and temperature. The main focus of this program is to develop uncomplicated processes that produce aromatic and small platform chemicals, such as furfural, with a high yield that can be scalable. For details, please visit the homepages of Dr. Rakshit and Dr.Rezaei.

Chemical conversion of lignocelluloses:

In this research program, lignocelluloses of various sources are chemically grafted to produce functional grafted, oxidized, or reduced biochemicals. The primary objective of this program is to alter the surface properties of lignocellulosic materials to improve their functionality in liquid media, such as solutions, emulsions, and suspensions. For details, please visit the homepages of Dr. Fatehi and Dr. Kang.

Functionalized biopolymers and biomaterials:

In this program, lignocellulosic feedstock is crosslinked with other chemicals and/or materials to produce hybrid products with advanced functionalities. The primary objective of this program is to introduce functionality to lignocelluloses for value-added applications, such as films, hydrogels, aerogels, adsorbents, and composites. Details about the current projects can be found on Dr. Fatehi and Dr. Kang's website.

Bio-Inspired Nanobiomaterial development:

In this program, functionalized nano biomaterials are produced from lignocellulosic feedstock following chemicals (e.g., solvent and acid precipitation), mechanicals (e.g., high pressure homogenization) and other chemomechanical methods. The primary objective of this program is to fabricate lignocellulosic based nanomaterials with applications in films, composites, sensors, adhesives and foams. For details, please visit Dr. Fatehi's homepage and Dr. Djafaripetroudy's webpage.

Energy storage biomaterials:

In this program, lignocellulosic feedstock is utilized in the production of advanced battery, supercapacitor and solar battery systems. The primary objective of this program is to develop sustainable energy storage materials for different applications. For details, please contact Dr. Fatehi.

International Partnership Projects:

In addition to our fundamental research programs, we maintain an extensive list of projects with our international partnerships. This is a crucial component to our research as it allows for the exchange of knowledge, expertise and resources that are essential for building capacity and accelerating progress in the field of biorefining research. A list of current projects is provided below:

• Antibacterial lignin nanoparticles for food packaging
• Flame retarding lignin containing aerogels
• Superhyrophobic lignin based wood coating formulation
• Functionalized cellulose nanocrystal and cellulose microfibrils for composite applications
• Lignin based conductive polymers for packaging applications
• Lignin-based dispersants for various applications
• Lignin based emulsifiers for cosmetic applications
• Lignin based adsorbents and flocculants for wastewater systems
• Magnetic cellulose and lignin derived products
• Lignin based fertilizers
• Lignin based batteries
• Nano lignin and cellulose based polyurethane foams
• Fly ash based soil conditioner and wastewater clarifier.

If you would like to join our on-going research projects or need more details regarding our programs, please contact us at admin.bri@lakeheadu.ca.