This CASE PhD project in collaboration with Holiferm Limited will investigate the post fermentation transformation of the sophorolipid biosurfactant molecule, generating novel structures with interesting and useful properties.
Sophorolipid biosurfactants are naturally occurring amphiphiles with a range of unique properties including biodegradability and tolerance of a wide range of temperature and pH. These properties have facilitated the commercialisation of these biosurfactants by a number of companies in recent years, in a range of personal care, home care and laundry care applications. There is further significant interest in molecules produced from industrial biotechnology routes and the use of biosurfactants such as sophorolipids as bulk chemicals, in particular for bioremediation and enhanced oil recovery, though the current cost of production is currently prohibitive.
This PhD project will investigate various chemical and biochemical methods for post fermentation modification of sophorolipid biosurfactants, with a view to producing new structures with a range of novel properties, opening up a range of potential applications in formulated products. The proposed project will deliver new production routes for modified sophorolipids, from a non-GMO origin, giving potential new functionality and hence additional market applications. The research will involve investigation of the post fermentation modification of sophorolipids to give new molecular structures, the production of a fully characterised library of alternative and novel sophorolipid molecules and their functionality. This will be followed by formulation testing and evaluation of the techno-economic and environmental sustainability performance of the modified sophorolipids.
https://www.research.manchester.ac.uk/portal/james.winterburn.html
https://www.research.manchester.ac.uk/portal/rosa.cuellarfranca.html
https://holiferm.com/
Entry Requirements
Applicants must have obtained or be about to obtain a First or Upper Second class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area of science, engineering or technology.
How to Apply
To be considered for this project you MUST submit a formal online application form - full details on how to apply can be found on the BBSRC DTP website www.manchester.ac.uk/bbsrcdtpstudentships
Applicants interested in this project should make direct contact with the Primary Supervisor to arrange to discuss the project further as soon as possible.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. The full Equality, diversity and inclusion statement can be found on the website https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/equality-diversity-inclusion/