GLOSSARY

What is the glossary?

This section is designed as a capacity-building tool, to allow our guests to explore the terms used in the bio-economy sector in general and in the ROBOCOOP project.

Bio-active compounds

Bio-active compounds are naturally occurring substances found in plants, animals, and other living organisms that have beneficial effects on health.

These compounds can promote wellness by interacting with cells and biological systems, offering properties like anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, or antimicrobial benefits. Bio-active compounds are commonly used in products like supplements, cosmetics, and functional foods to support overall health and well-being.

The terms bio-active compounds and bio-active molecules are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences:

  • Bio-active compounds refer to a broader category that includes any naturally occurring substance with biological effects on living organisms. These can be made up of multiple molecules. For example, a plant extract could contain several bio-active compounds that contribute to health benefits.
  • Bio-active molecules, on the other hand, are more specific. They refer to individual molecules within those compounds that directly interact with biological systems. A bio-active molecule is typically a single chemical entity responsible for the biological activity, such as an individual antioxidant or enzyme.

In short, bio-active molecules are the building blocks of bio-active compounds. A compound can contain multiple bio-active molecules that together create a beneficial effect.

Bio-based products

Bio-based products are goods made from renewable biological resources, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms. These products can include biofuels, bioplastics, chemicals, cosmetics, and more, offering sustainable alternatives to conventional, fossil-based products. Bio-based products help reduce environmental impact by using natural, renewable inputs, often contributing to a circular economy and reducing reliance on non-renewable resources.

Bioeconomy

You may come across this term also as “bio-based economy”, “circular bio-economy”, “green bio-economy”, and more. All these terms imply an economic system that focuses on producing goods, services, and energy from renewable biological resources, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms. This approach emphasizes the sustainable use of natural resources, reduces dependency on fossil fuels, minimizes environmental impact, and promotes circularity by reusing and recycling materials, all while fostering economic growth and innovation.

Bio-derived bulk

These are chemicals produced from renewable biological sources, such as plants, microorganisms, and organic waste. Bulk chemicals are produced in large quantities and are typically used in industries like agriculture, energy, and manufacturing.

Bio-derived fine chemicals

Fine chemicals are produced in smaller quantities for specialized applications, such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food additives.

Bio-refinery

A biorefinery is a facility that converts biomass, such as plants, agricultural residues, and organic waste, into a variety of valuable products, including biofuels, biochemicals, energy, and other biobased materials. Similar to a traditional refinery but focused on renewable resources, biorefineries aim to maximize the use of every part of the biomass to produce sustainable products while minimizing waste and environmental impact.

Biological activity

Biological activity refers to how a compound interacts with living organisms or biological systems to produce a specific effect.

In the context of biorefineries, this means how well a bio-based compound (like an antioxidant, enzyme, or bioactive molecule) performs its intended function, such as promoting health, acting as an antimicrobial agent, or enhancing plant growth. The effectiveness of the compound depends on its biological activity.

Biological stability describes how well a compound retains its effectiveness and structure over time when exposed to different conditions, such as heat, light, or moisture. In biorefineries, biological stability is important because it ensures that a compound stays active and doesn’t break down or lose its beneficial properties during extraction, storage, or use in products like food, cosmetics, or bio-based chemicals.

Business models

A business model is a strategic framework that outlines how an organisation creates, delivers, and captures value. It defines the core aspects of a business, including its target customers, value proposition, revenue streams, cost structure, and key activities. A well-designed business model helps to achieve profitability, scalability, and long-term success by addressing how an organisation operates and competes in its market.

Extraction methods, yields, and purity

Extraction methods are the techniques used to separate valuable bio-active compounds or materials from raw biomass, like plants or organic waste….

Common methods include processes like distillation, filtration, or solvent extraction. These methods help isolate useful components such as oils, proteins, or chemicals from the biomass, which can then be used to create bio-based products like biofuels, cosmetics, or food additives.

Extraction purity refers to how clean or concentrated the final extracted substance is. It measures the percentage of the target compound in the final product, without impurities or unwanted materials. Higher extraction purity means the isolated compound is closer to being pure, which is especially important for applications like pharmaceuticals or food, where quality and safety are key.

Extraction yields measure how much of the target substance is successfully extracted from the raw material. It’s typically expressed as a percentage of the total amount available in the biomass. A higher extraction yield means you’ve recovered more of the valuable component from the starting material, making the process more efficient and cost-effective.

Living Labs

Living Labs are collaborative, real-world environments where stakeholders—including researchers, businesses, governments, and end-users, collaborate to co-create, test, and refine innovative solutions. These labs focus on user-centered research and development in real-life settings, allowing for experimentation and validation of new products, services, and technologies. Living Labs foster collaboration, accelerate innovation, and help ensure that solutions are practical, sustainable, and meet the needs of communities and markets.

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