BIOMAT group is a research group within the Basque university system recognised as an A⁺ group. BIOMAT is a multidisciplinary group whose research focuses on analysing the composition, structure and properties of materials based on biopolymers, mainly proteins and polysaccharides. In addition to the composition of the formulations, the processing of the materials is optimised and the functional properties required for the development of 2D structures (films) and 3D structures (porous membranes) are analysed for various applications in the food sector (active/smart packaging), the biomedical sector (tissue regeneration), or the environmental sector (water decontamination), establishing the composition-processing-properties relationship. The strategy adopted by the group involves reducing the use of non-renewable synthetic raw materials and employing manufacturing techniques currently available at an industrial level, with the aim of producing competitive and sustainable products. The environmental benefits associated with the products developed are measured throughout the processes followed to obtain both the raw materials and the final products.

The main research areas of BIOMAT group are:

• Simulation and modelling of material behaviour
• Biorefinery processes for the extraction of biopolymers and bioactive compounds
• Modification of biopolymers and optimisation of formulations
• Optimisation of biopolymer manufacturing processes
• Environmental assessment of biorefinery processes and bio-based products
• Suitability of bio-based products