As a first-of-its-kind waste-to-resource research laboratory, we harness integrated bioprocess engineering and translational innovation to recover water and upcycle organic residues into valuable chemicals at scale. Our modular, containerized AGS–GDM plant couples aerobic granular sludge degradation with gravity-driven membrane polishing and UV disinfection to deliver high-quality non-potable water for irrigation, horticulture, and industrial use in off-grid communities. In parallel, our pilot-scale anaerobic chain-elongation reactor converts dairy and juice byproducts into high value chemicals and recovers proteins (such as casein) transforming waste into a tool for sustainability.
In many remote communities, sewage is trucked at high cost and environmental impact. Our
Aerobic Granular Sludge (AGS) approach produces dense, fast‐settling
bio-granules, while Gravity-Driven Membrane (GDM) ultrafiltration passively
polishes the effluent. This integrated, containerized system, protected by international patent US-2022-0024796-A1, can cut energy consumption
by ~70% and reduce the footprint by 75%, delivering reclaimed water suitable for non‐potable
reuse. Deployed in Rabigh (Saudi Arabia), this solution serves 1,000–2,000 people and supports
Vision 2030’s wastewater reuse targets.
Key Benefits
Eliminates costly sewage trucking and reduces CO₂ emissions
Minimizes sludge production with dense bio-granules
Passively filters water via GDM for high-quality reuse
Proven deployment in Rabigh through commercialized Al-Miyah Solutions
Nurain Solutions: A concise overview of our AGS–GDM system tackling off-grid sanitation.
At COP16, Prof. Pascal Saikaly explains the energy/resource savings and global impact of AGS–GDM.
“In line with Vision 2030, it is important that every household has access to sanitation.
This technology will hopefully play an important role in achieving this goal.”
– Abdul Aziz bin Muhareb Al-Shaibani, Deputy Minister for Water
“Ensuring access to reliable sanitation is one of the greatest challenges we face today.
Al-Miyah (Nurain) is an example of a technology being used to solve this very real problem for Saudi Arabia
– and even for the world. The deep tech startup ecosystem in KAUST is developing to the point where
we have strong partnerships between government, corporations and spin-outs working together to bring
these companies closer to market.”
– Kevin Cullen, Vice President for Innovation, KAUST
Each year, over one-fifth of all food produced globally is discarded, with dairy solids and fruit-juice residues accounting for a significant fraction. Building on bench-scale success, our team spent five years developing and commissioning a pilot unit, now protected by international patent US20230332083A1 and Invention Disclosure No. 2025-040, to convert dairy and beverage waste into short-chain carboxylic acids (SCCAs), medium-chain carboxylic acids (MCCAs), and protein-rich products (casein) at scale. Continuous product extraction via hollow-fiber membranes prevents inhibition and boosts yields, demonstrating a viable route to transform waste into revenue.
This technology exemplifies a circular economy by converting organic waste into a resource that can be marketed as high-value chemicals.
Waste-to-Value Unit: Showcasing the chain elongation process that converts waste into medium-chain acids.
Microbial Electrolysis Cell (MEC) Pilot Plant – AnEFMBR
Our lab has developed a first-of-its-kind anaerobic electrochemical fluidized membrane bioreactor (AnEFMBR) that couples a single-chamber microbial electrolysis cell with fluidized hollow-fiber ultrafiltration. Solar-charged batteries supply a low voltage that drives bio-hydrogen evolution, while granular activated carbon (GAC) provides a surface for electro-active bacteria and continuously scours the membranes to mitigate fouling. The system converts municipal wastewater into reusable water and simultaneously recovers methane-rich biogas, achieving a net-positive energy balance and meeting non-potable reuse standards.
The AnEFMBR pilot unit integrates electrochemical and membrane technologies for energy-positive wastewater treatment.
Key Benefits
Solar-driven, off-grid operation
Net-positive energy balance
High-purity H₂ and CH₄ recovery
Fluidized GAC delivers continuous fouling control
Fully anaerobic process eliminates aeration energy
