How CABR is Turning Agricultural Residues into Valuable Resources as part of the Rural BioReFarmeries Project (CABR Research Work Spotlight)

Dr Joanna Przyborska, postdoctoral scientist at the Circular Bioeconomy Research Group (CircBio) at the Centre for Applied Bioscience Research (CABR), is contributing to the Rural BioReFarmeries project by developing sustainable methods to convert green biomass into high-value products.

Her research focuses on optimising the conversion of grasses, clover, and agricultural residues into human- and animal-grade protein. This is achieved through lab-scale extraction processes that produce green juice, pulp, brown juice, and green/white proteins. These outputs are analysed for composition and mass balance to assess their potential for scale-up.

About the Rural BioReFarmeries Project

The Rural BioReFarmeries project supports farmer sustainability and rural resilience by developing small-scale, decentralised green biorefineries. These biorefineries transform locally sourced biomass into valuable products such as:

• Human-grade protein
• Bio-based packaging
• Clean energy

Coordinated by the Circular Agriculture and Biotechnology Group (CircBio) at CABR (Munster Technological University), the project brings together 19 entities from 9 European countries, including Ireland, the Netherlands, Denmark, Poland, Estonia, Greece, Bulgaria, Italy, and Romania

Collaboration and Site Visit

On 21–22 May 2025, Joanna attended the project’s first General Assembly in Aarhus, Denmark, hosted by Aarhus University at the AU Viborg campus. The CircBio delegation visited the Danish green biorefinery demonstration site, gaining insights into its operation and potential for replication.

Analytical Techniques Used

Joanna’s research work involves using a range of analytical methods, including:

• LECO CNS analysis
• High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
• Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
• Traditional gravimetric methods for moisture, ash, and organic matter
• Fibre analysis (NDF, ADF, lignin) to characterise biomass composition