NET4FLOW
Next-generation Enzymes and Technology for Flow Advanced Processes
About NET4FLOW
NET4FLOW Advanced Processes focuses on the development and application of highly optimized enzymatic and other catalytic cutting-edge technologies for the efficient and sustainable production of chemicals using continuous flow reactors. These advanced processes aim to improve productivity, with reduced waste generation and lower energy demand, by integrating new (chemo)biocatalysts with flow systems and innovative process engineering. This integrated approach seeks to reduce the environmental impact of chemical production, making it greener and more resource-efficient, in line with the objectives proposed by European Green Deal, UN Sustainable Development Goals and broader sustainability objectives in industry. By combining next-generation catalysts, advanced reactor technologies, and flow-based production, the aim is to create high-performance, low-waste, and energy-efficient chemical synthetic processes.
Achieving industrial-scale solutions requires interdisciplinary and intersectoral collaboration across fields. Thus, enzyme technology, catalysis, flow chemistry, and process engineering are hot areas that may get engaged in solving sustainability issues for the transition to a climate neutral world. This joint effort between European and Latin American research institutions will pave the way for new and strong alliances to optimize enzyme-based processes and catalysts as well as for transitioning innovative technologies into sustainable, large-scale industrial applications. By leveraging the diverse expertise of this project consortium, formed by enzyme engineers and technologists, chemists, flow chemistry specialists, as well as industry partners, the research will bridge the gap between academic discovery and real-world solutions, fostering the adoption of greener, more efficient manufacturing processes.
The overall goal of NET4FLOW is to build a strong research and innovation network for the application of flow technologies in valuable synthetic (bio)processes, specifically in (chemo)organocatalytic and enzyme-based reactions. This research will involve the development of next-generation, energy-efficient technologies for continuous-flow systems
NET4FLOW is organized into three scientific WPs, aligned with the project objectives 1, 2, and 3. Each WP will emphasize responsible research practices, including open data sharing and transparent communication of results. This will ensure that the scientific community in both Europe and Latin America contributes to the development of green technologies that are both sustainable and ethically responsible.
Objective 1
Identify and engineer enzymes that can catalyse challenging synthetic transformations with high efficiency and selectivity under continuous-flow conditions.
Objective 2
Develop and optimize enzyme immobilization techniques that increase enzyme stability, efficiency, and reusability in continuous-flow synthesis processes.
Objective 3
Design and optimize catalysed reactions in continuous-flow systems, focusing on improving catalyst reactivity, scalability, and overall process efficiency.