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2423491

Project Grant

Overview

Grant Description
Sttr Phase I: Nanocellulose derived from Sargassum dissolving pulp - The broader/commercial impact of this Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project lies in transforming Sargassum seaweed, an invasive species, into low-cost nanocellulose for sustainable packaging.

This innovative approach addresses the environmental challenge of Sargassum blooms while contributing to the circular economy by creating valuable products from waste.

The project's potential impact includes significant environmental benefits by reducing plastic waste and reliance on non-renewable resources, stimulating economic growth in coastal communities affected by Sargassum, and fostering green technology innovation.

By making biodegradable solutions more accessible and cost-effective, this project supports the national interest by promoting scientific progress, advancing national health and prosperity, and enhancing environmental welfare.

The technology offers a market opportunity by providing a competitive alternative to traditional packaging materials.

This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project aims to develop a novel, cost-effective process for producing nanocellulose from Sargassum seaweed.

The technical challenge addressed includes overcoming the high cost and energy requirements associated with current wood-based nanocellulose production methods.

The research objectives are to validate a proprietary pulping process, optimize energy and water usage, and achieve efficient nanofibrillation of Sargassum dissolving pulp.

The proposed research involves detailed characterization of the resulting nanocellulose, comparing its properties and production costs to those derived from hardwood pulp.

Anticipated technical results include establishing a scalable method for producing high-quality nanocellulose, demonstrating reduced energy and water consumption, and providing a sustainable alternative to conventional materials.

This project builds on preliminary research that has shown the potential of Sargassum-based nanocellulose to meet industry standards, with significant implications for materials science and environmental sustainability.

This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.

Subawards are planned for this award.
Awardee
Funding Goals
THE GOAL OF THIS FUNDING OPPORTUNITY, "NSF SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH (SBIR)/ SMALL BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER (STTR) PROGRAMS PHASE I", IS IDENTIFIED IN THE LINK: HTTPS://WWW.NSF.GOV/PUBLICATIONS/PUB_SUMM.JSP?ODS_KEY=NSF23515
Awarding / Funding Agency
Place of Performance
Penrose, North Carolina 28766-8802 United States
Geographic Scope
Single Zip Code
Greenkey was awarded Project Grant 2423491 worth $275,000 from National Science Foundation in September 2024 with work to be completed primarily in Penrose North Carolina United States. The grant has a duration of 1 year and was awarded through assistance program 47.084 NSF Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships. The Project Grant was awarded through grant opportunity NSF Small Business Innovation Research / Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I Programs.

SBIR Details

Research Type
STTR Phase I
Title
STTR Phase I: Nanocellulose Derived from Sargassum Dissolving Pulp
Abstract
The broader/commercial impact of this Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project lies in transforming Sargassum seaweed, an invasive species, into low-cost nanocellulose for sustainable packaging. This innovative approach addresses the environmental challenge of Sargassum blooms while contributing to the circular economy by creating valuable products from waste. The project's potential impact includes significant environmental benefits by reducing plastic waste and reliance on non-renewable resources, stimulating economic growth in coastal communities affected by Sargassum, and fostering green technology innovation. By making biodegradable solutions more accessible and cost-effective, this project supports the national interest by promoting scientific progress, advancing national health and prosperity, and enhancing environmental welfare. The technology offers a market opportunity by providing a competitive alternative to traditional packaging materials. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project aims to develop a novel, cost-effective process for producing nanocellulose from Sargassum seaweed. The technical challenge addressed includes overcoming the high cost and energy requirements associated with current wood-based nanocellulose production methods. The research objectives are to validate a proprietary pulping process, optimize energy and water usage, and achieve efficient nanofibrillation of Sargassum dissolving pulp. The proposed research involves detailed characterization of the resulting nanocellulose, comparing its properties and production costs to those derived from hardwood pulp. Anticipated technical results include establishing a scalable method for producing high-quality nanocellulose, demonstrating reduced energy and water consumption, and providing a sustainable alternative to conventional materials. This project builds on preliminary research that has shown the potential of Sargassum-based nanocellulose to meet industry standards, with significant implications for materials science and environmental sustainability. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Topic Code
M
Solicitation Number
NSF 23-515

Status
(Ongoing)

Last Modified 9/17/24

Period of Performance
9/1/24
Start Date
8/31/25
End Date
98.0% Complete

Funding Split
$275.0K
Federal Obligation
$0.0
Non-Federal Obligation
$275.0K
Total Obligated
100.0% Federal Funding
0.0% Non-Federal Funding

Activity Timeline

Interactive chart of timeline of amendments to 2423491

Additional Detail

Award ID FAIN
2423491
SAI Number
None
Award ID URI
SAI EXEMPT
Awardee Classifications
Small Business
Awarding Office
491503 TRANSLATIONAL IMPACTS
Funding Office
491503 TRANSLATIONAL IMPACTS
Awardee UEI
MTWTJKKRZG67
Awardee CAGE
None
Performance District
NC-11
Senators
Thom Tillis
Ted Budd
Modified: 9/17/24