2019 MTRAC AgBio Awardees

AWARDEE INSTITUTION Project information TYPE
Bar-Ziv, Ezra Michigan Technological University Chlorine Removal from Plastic Wastes. This project explores the application of the pyrolytic torrefaction process to remove chlorine content from several common plastic waste streams. Doing so allows the resulting plastic materials to serve as a clean, solid fuel for energy generation or other purposes. If effective, the process would provide an effective, clean, and consumptive process to reduce the amount of plastic that must be landfilled. (Ezra Bar Ziv, Michigan Technological University) Full
Hussey, Gisella
Maes, Roger		 Michigan State University Design and Testing of a New Generation of Herpesvirus Vaccines Using a Novel Vaccine Development System. Herpesviruses are the source of several important diseases in domestic animals. This study examines the efficacy of a novel herpesvirus vaccine based on feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) in generating a protective anti-FHV-1 immune response in domestic cats. (Gisella Hussey and Roger Maes, Michigan State University) Full
Nejad, Mojgan Michigan State University Development of High-Performance, Lignin-Based Polyurethane Adhesive for Engineered Wood Products. This application-oriented project seeks to replace some or all of the non-renewable polyol used in producing engineered wood products (using polyurethane chemistry) with lignocellulosic materials for wood and paper processing operations. (Mojgan Nejad, Michigan State University) Full
Rabnawaz, Muhammad Michigan State University New Generation Plastic-Free, Fluorine-Free, and 100% Recyclable Paper Cups, Lids, Plates, and Fast-Food Wrappers. This project assesses the commercial utility of a recently invented plastic-free, fluorine-free water- and oil-resistant paper, which may be a suitable replacement for single-use consumable plastics such as disposable lids, cups, plates, food wrappers, and paperboards. This study examines the commercial utility of the materials and the potential to remove the coating and recycle them into coated paper products. (Muhammad Rabnawaz, Michigan State University) Full
Aliakbarian, Bahar Michigan State University Creating Incremental Revenue from Industrial Cherry Wastes. This translational research project applies a new valorization process to the recovery of high-value bioactive materials from cherry pits and other cherry waste streams. The compounds recovered from such a process may have the potential to serve as nutritional antioxidants or other in a variety of nutraceutical applications. This would provide additional revenue to cherry processors and reduce the waste in the industry. Starter
Bonito, Gregory Michigan State University Developing Fungal-Filters to Harvest Microalgae for High-Value Products. Microalgae produce a wide range of high-value nutraceutical and industrial materials. Current methods of harvesting and processing them are complex and expensive. This project explores the feasibility of using fungal biofilm filters to capture and concentrate microalgae for industrial-scale processing. (Gregory Bonito, Michigan State University) Starter
Bowen, Li Michigan Technological University Upcycling of Vermiculite Fines as Animal Feed Additives. Vermiculite is a layer-structured natural mineral. It was generally mined, beneficiated, and exfoliated to produce lightweight products for agricultural, insulation, and absorbent applications. This project seeks to develop the optimal processes and potential uses of these light vermiculite dusts and sludges as feed additives in commercial livestock and poultry operations. (Li Bowen, Michigan Technological University) Starter
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