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. Biomass waste such as sugarcane bagasse can be used as a sustainable feedstock to produce a range of valuable compounds used in the chemical and energy industries. Currently, a new bioprocess that effectively converts sugarcane bagasse into butanol, acetone and ethanol has been developed by our industrial partner, Green Fuel Research Ltd. (GFR). 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 raw material detoxification, hydrolysate fermentation, and downstream products separation through the use of advanced digital modelling techniques in conjunction with GFR. 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 fermentation and separation techniques for renewable biofuels synthesis and purification, potentially facilitating further decreases in production and improvements in environmental impact. The project will build on currently funded work (BBSRC Business Interaction Vouchers award) between the primary supervisor 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/james.winterburn.html
https://greenfuels.co.uk/gfr/
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/