Sara Barricella
Novonesis
Bio
Sara Barricella is a biocatalysis and enzyme engineering scientist with a background in Industrial Chemistry from the University of Naples Federico II, where she completed both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. She later earned a PhD in Chemical and Biological Engineering from Monash University (Melbourne, Australia) under the supervision of Prof. Gil Garnier, Prof. Victoria Haritos and Prof. Benny Freeman (UT Austin), focusing on enzymatic cascade reactions in continuous flow and the design of compartmentalized biocatalytic systems. Her research experience includes enzyme immobilization, flow chemistry, and membrane–enzyme interfaces. Sara joined Novonesis as a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to contribute to the Horizon‑funded ReUSE project on Enzymatic CO₂ Capture in a Rotating Packed Bed and Electrocatalytic CO₂ Reduction to Useful Products. Her work focuses on designing and optimizing enzyme immobilization strategies to enable scalable, energy‑efficient CO₂ capture technologies, bridging fundamental enzymology with applied process development.
Area(s) of Expertise
Title: Novonesis Big Impact for CO2 Valorization
Novonesis enzymatic carbon capture research is strategically positioned to accelerate the commercialization of CO₂ capture and conversion technologies. Through industrial and academic partnerships, we are advancing carbonic anhydrase (CA)-based solutions toward near-term deployment in real-world applications. In this talk, I will focus on the EU-funded ReUSE project where CA immobilization on cotton-based packing is being investigated for integration in a rotating packed-bed reactor for CO₂ capture and subsequent conversion to formate via electrochemical reduction. Additionally, I will touch upon Novonesis contribution to the acetate-to-food consortium, funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which aims to convert CO₂ into acetate via electrolysis for sustainable, food-grade protein production—exemplifying the broader commercial and societal potential of enzymatic CO₂ valorization.