Developing sustainable bio-manufacturing routes for industrial production of renewable biofuels and high-value chemicals is a high priority in establishing a low carbon economy. Biobased polymers such as polyurethane can be used as a sustainable feedstock to produce a range of valuable compounds used in the chemical and fashion industries. Currently, a new bioprocess that effectively converts solar energy and CO2 into valuable biopolymers has been developed by our industrial partner, Algreen Technology Ltd (ALG). In order to improve the technology readiness level and manufacturability of this industrial biotechnology, it is of critical importance to investigate the biological mechanisms and engineering challenges of the underlying bioprocess at each step through a whole-systems approach.
In particular, an innovative approach is to apply frontier digital modelling techniques (e.g. machine learning, hybrid modelling, data analytics) to discover undetermined process knowledge and guide design of experiments (DoEs). This data-driven approach will greatly facilitate bioprocess knowledge generation and promote the translation of bioscience into novel biotechnologies at industrial scales. So far, we have developed a number of digital tools for bioprocess predictive modelling and visualisation, online optimisation and control, scale-up, and rigorous process flowsheet analysis. We have also collected substantial experimental data from the industrial partner for initial data analytics and model based DoEs.
Together with these previous achievements, this PhD project aims to improve the performance of several key steps including microalgal biomass cultivation and harvesting, biopolymer accumulation, and downstream products separation through the use of advanced digital modelling techniques in conjunction with ALG. These digital techniques have been previously tested in several bioprocesses at different operational scales, yielding the highest product productivity ever reported.
In addition, this PhD project will enhance photo-production and separation techniques for renewable biomaterials synthesis and purification, potentially facilitating further decreases in production and improvements in environmental impact. The project will be conducted through seamless collaborations between the academic supervisors and the industrial partner to develop a controllable, scalable integrated bioprocess.
https://www.research.manchester.ac.uk/portal/dongda.zhang.html
https://www.research.manchester.ac.uk/portal/robin.smith.html
https://www.algreen.tech/
Eligibility
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.
Before you Apply
Applicants must make direct contact with preferred supervisors before applying. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to meet with potential supervisors, prior to submitting a formal online application.
How To Apply
To be considered for this project you MUST submit a formal online application form - full details on eligibility how to apply can be found on the BBSRC DTP website https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/bbsrc-dtp/
Your application form must be accompanied by a number of supporting documents by the advertised deadlines. Without all the required documents submitted at the time of application, your application will not be processed and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you have any queries regarding making an application please contact our admissions team [Email Address Removed]
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/
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