We are thrilled to announce the Symposium on Biomass-based Advanced Materials 2025 (SBAM2025), which will take place from 11-12 March 2025 at Monash University, Australia.
This symposium will gather leading researchers, industry experts, and innovators from
Southeast Asia and Australia, offering an exceptional platform for
exchanging knowledge and fostering collaborations in the field of biomass and renewable
materials.
Special Topics for 2025
The symposium will focus on breakthrough developments and future trends, with special
emphasis on:
– Sustainable Biomass Supply Chains/Bioresource Management: Development and
optimization of sustainable biomass feedstock supply chains, ensuring efficiency and
minimal environmental impact.
– Innovative Biomass Production Technologies: Exploring state-of-the-art methods
for converting biomass into advanced materials (e.g., nanocellulose, nano lignin, etc.).
– Advanced Applications of Biomass Materials: Highlighting the latest applications
of biomass in various industries, including health and environmental sectors,
agriculture, nano/composite materials, energy, packaging, and coatings.
Mark your calendar and join us for an engaging event that promises to inspire and drive the
future of sustainable materials.
The event will operate in hybrid mode with both in-person and virtual attendance offered.
Registration fees will be:
Invited speaker: Free
Postgraduate student: $100 in person, $50 online
Researcher and academic: $200 in person, $100 online.
🔗 Register for in-person attendance: Symposium on Biomass-based Advanced Materials 2025 (SBAM2025)
🔗 Register for online attendance: Symposium on Biomass-based Advanced Materials 2025 (SBAM2025) – Online
Organizing Committee
- Professor Warren Batchelor, Monash University
- Dr Nasim Amiralian, The University of Queensland
- Professor Hidayah Binti Ariffin, Universiti Putra Malaysia
- Associate Professor Leo Bey Fen, Universiti Malaya
The symposium schedule is available at the link.
Invited Speaker Abstracts – SBAM 2025
Nanocellulose Template for the Guided Formation of Nanoparticles
Dr Nasim AmiralianAustralian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland
Email: [email protected]
Metal nanoparticles are widely recognised for their unique properties, offering promising solutions for environmental applications. However, their practical utilisation is constrained by challenges such as nanoparticle agglomeration, which reduces efficiency, and potential environmental risks. In this study, cellulosic nanomaterials are employed as sustainable templates to guide the controlled formation and immobilisation of metal nanoparticles. Various nanocellulosic materials with distinct surface functionalities, morphologies, and charges serve as effective templates, enabling the synthesis of nanoparticles with uniform size distributions and high surface areas. These nanoparticles are applied in conductive hydrogels, water treatment systems, and antimicrobial coatings, minimising agglomeration and reducing environmental risks.
Speaker Bio
Dr Nasim Amiralian leads the Bio-inspired Materials Research Group at The University of Queensland. Her research focuses on repurposing agricultural waste into sustainable products to tackle global plastic pollution. She collaborates with industry, First Nations communities, and farmers to create valuable bio-based solutions. Dr Amiralian has received numerous accolades, including the Queensland Tall Poppy Award (2024) and recognition as one of Australia’s Top 5 Scientists (2018). She is also a strong advocate for cultural diversity and leadership in STEM.
Sustainable Lignocellulose Processing: Towards Applications in Agriculture, Horticulture, Revegetation, and COâ‚‚ Conversion
Professor Darren MartinSchool of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland
ARC Centre of Excellence for Green Electrochemical Transformation of Carbon Dioxide
In collaboration with the US National Science Foundation’s Convergence Accelerator Program (NSF-CA) and CSIRO, this project explores the sustainable conversion of crop residues and industrial cellulose waste into environmentally friendly materials. The research focuses on plant-based biogels and alternatives to polyethylene mulch films, emphasising reduced water, energy, and chemical inputs. The project has identified economically viable solutions to assist farmers, growers, and land rehabilitators in managing climate variation and Net Zero transition challenges, such as water scarcity and soil carbon preservation.
Key Research Projects
- Biogels for peat-free growing media
- Biogels for water-efficient revegetation
- Biodegradable mulch for Australian broadacre crops (in collaboration with CSIRO & GRDC)
- Lignocellulose-derived carbons and membranes for COâ‚‚ conversion
Speaker Bio
Professor Darren Martin is a translational materials scientist with expertise in biomaterials, nanomaterials, and scalable manufacturing. His research has led to major industrial impacts, including:
- Aortech Biomaterials Ltd (1996-2012): Development of biostable pacemaker lead insulation, now implanted in over 90 million people worldwide.
- TenasiTech Pty Ltd (2001-2020): Scratch-resistant acrylic glass technology now sold globally.
- Spinifex Nanocellulose Platform (2011-2022): Licensed for medical gel applications.
- Sustainable Lignocellulose Processing (2023-Present): Inventing new waterless green chemistry platforms for crop residues and industrial cellulose waste.
Harnessing Biomass Potential: Advances in Nanocellulose Production and Its Application
Latifah Jasmani , with Rusli R, Adnan S, Jalil R, Mohd Salleh NA, Khadiran T, Sarif M, Abdul Hamid NH, Ahmad Norrahma SS
Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), 52109 Kepong, Selangor, MalaysiaUniversiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), 86400 Parit Raja, Johor, Malaysia
Email: [email protected]
Abstract
The growing demand for sustainable materials has driven research into biomass-derived nanocellulose, a high-performance nanomaterial with extensive industrial applications. The Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) has conducted extensive studies on the production of nanocellulose from various biomass sources, including wood, non-wood materials, and industrial residues.
Nanocellulose has been effectively extracted from sources such as:
- Acacia mangium, Macaranga species, kenaf, kelempayan, bamboo, and oil palm biomass
- Industrial bio-residues (palm oil mill effluent (POME), paper mill sludge, sawdust, and parenchyma waste)
The resulting nanocellulose exhibits properties comparable to non-residual sources and can be surface-modified to incorporate functionalities such as hydrophobicity and ionic groups. These modifications enhance its usability in diverse fields, including:
- Composite materials – improving strength in ultrathin veneers for automotive, aerospace, and aircraft components
- Green nanocomposites and biodegradable packaging
- Papermaking and wastewater treatment
- Flexible electronics and pharmaceutical excipients
This research highlights the efficient utilisation of biomass for developing environmentally friendly materials, paving the way for innovative industrial applications.
Keywords
wood, biomass, nanocellulose, application, sustainable, renewable
The draft symposium schedule is here