2025/07/15 by Katja Zocher, Eric Timmermann, Marie-Christine Sommer +1 · 1 voice
Engineering · #Engineering and Environmental Studies
paper · doi:10.1088/1361-6463/adefea
openalex publication_date 2025/07/15 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/26
Abstract In the field of bioeconomy, biological materials are used as resource for a wide field of application, such as manufacturing of pharmaceutical products or fine chemicals and processes, e.g. aqua cultures, or mussel farming. Resources may be, amongst others, microorganisms, land plants, but also agricultural residues. To access these resources, technologies are necessary. Many methods already exist, but are accompanied by drawbacks on several levels. High-energy input, detrimental effects caused by heat or chemical impact, generation of toxic by-products, or incomplete extraction/purification are often observed for these standard methods. With physical plasmas, an interesting alternative has been developed to address several aspects of those drawbacks. Plasmas are effective against cell walls of microorganisms, such as microalgae, but also in the valorisation of manure for biogas production, or in the recycling of (waste) water. The unique characteristics of a plasma help to extract compounds from these materials due to shockwaves, which are generated during plasma generation. Also, the production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species are the decisive agents for the degradation of pollutants in water. Here, we review possible fields of application for physical plasmas in the framework of bioeconomy.