Circular Bioconversion of Epoxy-based Polymers Inspired by Nature at The University of Manchester on FindAPhD.com

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Prof N Scrutton, Prof Anthony Green No more applications being accepted Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)

Manchester United Kingdom Analytical Chemistry Biochemistry Bioinformatics Molecular Biology Organic Chemistry Structural Biology

About the Project

There is a growing need to recycle fibre reinforced polymeric materials (‘composites’) as an increasing number of aircraft platforms come towards the end of their service life. Currently, there are no satisfactory methods to recycle composites that captures the intrinsic value of both the fibres and polymer matrices. This PhD project will take an ‘inspired by nature’ approach and will aim to discover, characterize and engineer enzymes to efficiently deconstruct composite polymeric materials that are widely used in the aerospace and defence sectors. The long-term vision is to use enzymes in a ‘closed loop’ bio-deconstruction / bio-manufacturing approach to produce next-generation sustainable materials.

This PhD would suit applicants with a background in molecular biology / biotechnology / chemistry, or related disciplines, who have an interest in following a research programme in enzyme engineering / biocatalysis.

Training opportunities

This project will involve the development and application of state-of-the-art techniques in enzymology and directed evolution, incl. enzyme design, high-throughput screening, protein modelling, as well as exposure to analytical and materials sciences.

Wider consortium

This PhD project is part of a larger programme of research funded by the US Office of Naval Research Global, in collaboration with TU Hamburg, Hamburg University and Airbus, and will be aligned to the UK Future Biomanufacturing Research Hub.

About the Future Biomanufacturing Research Hub

An EPSRC & BBSRC funded UK biotechnology programme that brings together academic and industry capabilities to accelerate the development of sustainable bio-based manufacturing in four key sectors:

Pharmaceuticals | Value-added chemicals | Engineering materials | Advanced biofuels

To learn more please visit: https://futurebrh.com/

Academic background of candidates

Applicants are expected to hold, or about to obtain, a minimum upper second class undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in molecular biology / biotechnology or a related subject. A Master’s degree in a relevant subject is desirable.

Contact for further Information

Professor Nigel Scrutton [Email Address Removed]

Professor Anthony Green [Email Address Removed]

Funding Notes

This is a 3 year funded PhD studentship covering tuition fees and stipend (£15,609 in 2021-22).
Open to UK applicants only
We expect the programme to commence in September 2021

References

• Burke, A.J., et al. Design and evolution of an enzyme with a non-canonical organocatalytic mechanism. Nature 570, 219–223 (2019).
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-019-1262-8
• Debon, A., et al. Ultrahigh-throughput screening enables efficient single-round oxidase remodelling. Nat Catal 2, 740–747 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41929-
019-0340-5
• Ahmed, S.T., et al. Chemo-enzymatic routes towards the synthesis of bio-based monomers and polymers, Molecular Catalysis, 467, 95-110 (2019),
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mcat.2019.01.036.
• Robinson, C.J., et al. Rapid prototyping of microbial production strains for the biomanufacture of potential materials monomers, Metabolic Engineering, 60, 168-182
(2020), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ymben.2020.04.008.