Algae are considered as an attractive feedstock for industrial biotechnology that can be cultivated on non-arable land, require minimal inputs (CO2, light, some nutrients), and can be grown on conditions that do not compete with freshwater such as salt water or wastewater. Microalgae are particularly attractive as many species have faster growth rates than many land plants and can produce significant biomass that includes lipids (which can be used to produce biodiesel, as well as a number of added-value products such as carotenoids and pigments), starch (that can be used to produce additional biofuels such as bioethanol and biobutanol) and proteins for pharmaceutical and food applications.
This ambitious interdisciplinary project on the cross-section of industrial biotechnology, biochemical engineering and biology focuses on the optimal production of recombinant proteins from microalgal strains through a combination of innovative experimental and computational approaches at a range of scales. The main objective of the project will be to optimise protein production at the laboratory, bench scale (including an in house 12 L photobioreactor) and pilot scale (involving 500 L open raceway ponds) guided by the development of multi-scale models of the cultivation process, combining kinetic aspects with population balances and metabolic modelling. The effect of mixotrophic cultivation (using various carbon sources) on the microalgal metabolic pathways for the production of recombinant proteins vs. that of starch and lipids for co-production of added-value byproducts, will be thoroughly investigated. Optimisation methodologies will be employed in conjunction with the developed models to compute optimal cultivation strategies. In addition, the most efficient extraction techniques will be investigated taking into account both sustainability and cost-effectiveness. The effects of scaling up production both in closed and open systems will be quantified through the development of appropriate predictive models. Particular cultivation techniques such as dual growth regimes (to enhance both biomass and protein production) will be part of the study. The properties of the produced proteins will be tested using appropriate techniques and the sustainability aspects of the bioproduction process, e.g. the use of antibiotics to maintain exogenous genes will be investigated.
The project will capitalise on recent advances we have made in the field and will build upon our extensive collaborative experience.
https://www.research.manchester.ac.uk/portal/k.theodoropoulos.html
https://www.research.manchester.ac.uk/portal/Jon.Pittman.html
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.
Applicants interested in this project should make direct contact with the Primary Supervisor to arrange to discuss the project further as soon as possible.
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
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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