Sugarcane bagasse is the fibrous waste remaining after stalks are crushed to extract juice. This project upcycles this biomass into "Vegan Virya," a high-performance bio-leather. Unlike synthetic leather made from PVC or animal leather which has a high environmental cost, this material is breathable, durable, and uses a plant-based matrix. It effectively utilizes the residual lignocellulosic fibers of the sugar industry to create a premium, ethical textile.
The bagasse fibers are collected, cleaned, and shredded. These fibers are then blended with natural resins and bio-polyurethane. The mixture is cast onto a textile backing and subjected to heat-pressing and embossing to create a leather-like texture. The process minimizes water usage and avoids the toxic tanning chemicals associated with traditional leather production.
Researchers have discovered a unique set of enzymes in the gut of the Capybara—a semi-aquatic rodent that efficiently digests tough plant fibers. This project focuses on synthesizing these enzymes to break down sugarcane bagasse more effectively than traditional methods. By mimicking this natural biological process, the project enables the conversion of lignocellulosic waste into fermentable sugars at higher yields, providing a breakthrough for second-generation biofuel production.
The sugarcane residue undergoes a mild steam explosion pretreatment. It is then subjected to "enzymatic saccharification" using Capybara-derived microbial enzymes. These enzymes specifically target the complex bonds in cellulose and hemicellulose. The resulting sugars are then fermented by yeast to produce bioethanol or processed chemically into specialty biochemicals.
Producing hydrogen through traditional electrolysis requires massive amounts of electricity. This project utilizes the gasification of agricultural residues (sugarcane bagasse and hemp husks) to produce hydrogen. By combining these two high-biomass crops, the project achieves a stable feedstock supply and produces "Green" hydrogen that can power fuel cells for zero-emission vehicles and industrial processes.
The mixed biomass is subjected to high-temperature gasification (700°C–1000°C) in a controlled steam environment. This thermochemical reaction converts the biomass into "syngas" (carbon monoxide and hydrogen). The syngas then undergoes a "Water-Gas Shift" reaction to maximize hydrogen yield, followed by Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) to isolate high-purity hydrogen gas.
