Bioactivity of biomass-derived chemical fractions in material applications

Application period: 11 June – 10 August, 2026

Research project description

The research project focuses on the isolation, purification, and functional evaluation of bioactive chemical compounds derived from biomass fractions, with particular emphasis on forest-based side streams such as bark and other lignocellulosic residues. Building on ongoing doctoral research demonstrating that crude biomass extracts contain chemicals with measurable antiviral activity, the project advances toward identifying the specific compounds and compound groups responsible for bioactivity through systematic fractionation, chemical characterization, and targeted bioassays. The central objective is to establish a mechanistic understanding of antifungal, antimicrobial, and antiviral activity in relation to molecular composition, including the role of synergistic interactions between compounds, and to assess how different separation strategies influence both chemical profiles and functional performance.

In parallel, the project explores the application potential of selected biomass-derived fractions, such as waxes and extractives, as surface coatings for a range of materials. These are evaluated in terms of their ability to impart new functionalities, including resistance to biological degradation, modified surface hydrophobicity, and improved durability and service life. Through this dual focus on fundamental understanding and application development, the project aims to identify high-value end uses for biomass-derived chemical products and to support their commercialization within a sustainable and resource-efficient bioeconomy.

Academic background and skills of the applicant

An ideal candidate holds a master’s degree in biorefining engineering, chemistry, chemical engineering, material science, or a closely related field. The candidate is expected to have a solid understanding of experimental laboratory work, including chemical analysis and material science, as well as knowledge of natural products chemistry or biomass chemistry. Experience with chemical characterization methods and/or chemical engineering separation processes is considered an advantage. The ability to work independently and solve problems in a well-structured manner is essential, alongside strong collaboration skills, enthusiasm, creativity, and a willingness to travel. Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are required (proof of proficiency must be provided), while proficiency in Finnish is considered an asset. The selected candidate must fulfil the language skills requirements of the Doctoral Programme in Science, Forestry and Technology at UEF (see https://www.uef.fi/en/degree-programme/doctoral-programme-in-science-forestry-and-technology (Eligibility and admission criteria)).

Doctoral programme and research group

Doctoral education in the University of Eastern Finland is arranged in seven discipline specific or thematic doctoral programmes. This research project will be located in the Doctoral Programme in Science, Forestry and Technology, and the submitting department is the Department of Chemistry and Sustainable Technology.

The candidate will join the research group of Sustainable Technologies. The team focuses on different aspects of industry relevant material, chemical and energy innovations, technologies and products. The position is a thematic follow-up to our ongoing MSCA-DN project under DESTINY consortium but focuses on separation and testing of different chemical components than the present study. The engineers, chemists and microbiologists in the group support the doctoral candidate in equipment use and methods of product testing.

Partners / Secondments

Frantsila Inc.

There is a possibility for short term research visits to University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, and University of Jyväskylä, Finland.

Other interdisciplinary, international and/or intersectoral collaboration

This project includes potential cross-disciplinary collaboration with UEF Business school and Law school in relation to chemical legislation and EU law on the theme of commercialization of chemical substances (REACH and other items). Intersectoral and interdisciplinary collaboration is strengthened through DP-FOBI’s three summer schools involving academic supervisors, non-academic partners, and other stakeholders, enabling hands-on interaction and knowledge exchange.

Supervisors and related research

Antti Haapala

Professor Antti Haapala has developed a research profile focused on the valorisation of biomass-derived side streams into functional materials with defined bioactive properties. His work integrates advanced chemical characterization and material application development, particularly in areas related to antimicrobial and protective functionalities. His research operates at the interface of green chemistry, materials science, and bioeconomy, with a clear emphasis on industrial relevance and sustainability. The group’s project portfolio operates on external funding from sources including the Research Council of Finland, Business Finland, EU Horizon 2020/MSCA, foundations, and industry.

In supervision and training, Professor Haapala has guided research that integrates laboratory experimentation, analytical methods, and application-driven problem solving. He has supervised more than 100 BSc and MSc level thesis projects, and 7 PhD projects with additional 8 currently in progress. His supervision approach emphasizes scientific rigor, independence, and the linkage between fundamental chemistry and engineering applications. He has contributed to interdisciplinary education and project-based training environments, supporting the development of doctoral candidates’ technical and research skills.

Janne Jänis

Professor Janne Jänis has extensive experience in biomolecular mass spectrometry and bioanalytical chemistry, with a strong track record spanning proteomics, metabolomics, petroleomics, and environmental analysis. In recent years, his research has focused on thermochemical biorefining and the characterization of highly complex mixtures using advanced high-resolution mass spectrometry, contributing to molecular-level understanding and application-oriented solutions. He has secured external funding (2010–2025) from sources including the Research Council of Finland, Business Finland, EU Horizon 2020/MSCA, foundations, and industry.

In supervision and training, he has guided more than 120 BSc, MSc, and PhD theses and supervised nine postdoctoral researchers, and currently supervises or co-supervises two MSCA Doctoral Network researchers. His approach emphasizes scientific rigor, analytical excellence, and the development of fundamental chemical understanding, alongside training independent researchers capable of addressing complex, interdisciplinary challenges.

Aitor Barbero López

Dr. Aitor Barbero López has developed a research profile focused on bio-based wood preservation, wood durability, and the valorization of biomass-derived residues and side streams into antifungal and other functional materials. His work combines wood materials science, green chemistry, and sustainability-oriented product development, with particular emphasis on replacing conventional preservative chemistries with more environmentally compatible alternatives; themes such as wood preservation, natural antifungals, wood durability, and side-stream valorization, and his doctoral research specifically addressed the recovery of antifungal compounds from wood- and coffee-industry side streams for wood preservative formulations.

He has experience in supervising and co-supervising both doctoral dissertations and Master’s theses, contributing to the training of early-career researchers in laboratory experimentation, material testing, and application-driven research.

Zoco, A., Karjalainen, M., Guo, J., Jänis, J., Marjomäki, V., & Haapala, A. (2026). Antiviral activity of bark extracts from boreal tree species. Industrial Crops and Products, 242, 122915.

Shroff, S., Perämäki, A., Väisänen, A., Pasanen, P., Grönlund, K., Nissinen, V. H., … & Marjomäki, V. (2024). Tree species-dependent inactivation of coronaviruses and enteroviruses on solid wood surfaces. ACS applied materials & interfaces, 16(23), 29621-29633.

Eronen, E., Barbero-López, A., Carrasco, J., Haapala, A., & Jänis, J. (2026). Compositional Analysis of Hydrothermal Liquefaction Products of Spent Mushroom Substrates by Ultrahigh-Resolution Mass Spectrometry. ACS Sustainable Resource Management.