Biomass Derived Polyol Flocculants for Sustainable Clarification of Sugar Juice

2026 USDA-NIFA Competitive Research Support

Principal Investigators and affiliations:

• PI: Dr. Qinglin Wu, Louisiana State University AgCenter
  
• Funded: $80,000
  
• Start Date: 1/1/2026
  
• End Date: 8/30/2026

Objectives

This research project will focus on the development of a new generation clarifying agent by integrating functionalized chitosan with bagasse-derived polyols to form chitosan-polyurethane (CSPU) bioflocculant with the following specific objectives:

1. Synthesis of CSPU Bioflocculant.
2. Development of renewable CSPU bioflocculant.
3. Evaluate the performance of the CSPU flocculant.
4. Assess the commercial viability of CS-PU bioflocculant.

Expected Project Outcomes

This project will focus on developing an innovative, sustainable solution for the sugar industry with successful synthesis, characterization, and demonstration of the novel CSPU hybrid flocculant, leading to significant commercial and environmental benefits.