Introduction – Many detergent formulations are currently formulated with carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) designed to improve cleaning by targeting a variety of polysaccharide-based soil components. Current CAZymes used for this application include amylase, mannanase, pectate lyase, xanthan lyase, licheninase and cellulase.
Hypothesis – Recent analysis of residual polysaccharide soils left on clothing or dishware after washing suggests potential for other enzyme classes to be used to improve cleaning by targeting these polysaccharides. This could help to enable washing in more environmentally friendly colder and quicker washing conditions and improve the sustainability of detergents by replacing petrochemicals.
Aims and Objectives - The aim of this project will be to identify and produce novel CAZyme candidates designed to target residual polysaccharides, for example through the mining of metagenomes and by studying the secreted enzymes of microorganisms known to degrade the target polysaccharides, including Bacteroides strains. Work will involve collaboration with partners at Newcastle University to study interactions between the enzymes and polysaccharides, and visits to Procter & Gamble’s Newcastle Innovation Centre to evaluate the enzymes produced in washing performance tests. This will give the student an excellent insight into the commercial aspects of biotechnology, and an opportunity to impact the sustainability of everyday cleaning products used by millions of people around the world every day.
Eligibility and How to Apply:
Please note eligibility requirement:
· Academic excellence of the proposed student i.e. 2:1 (or equivalent GPA from non-UK universities [preference for 1st class honours]); or a Masters (preference for Merit or above); or APEL evidence of substantial practitioner achievement.
· Appropriate IELTS score, if required.
For further details of how to apply, entry requirements and the application form, see
https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research-degrees/how-to-apply/
Please note: Applications should include a short summary (500 words max) of a relevant piece of research that you have previously completed and the reasons you consider yourself suited to the project, rather than a research proposal, in the research proposal section of the application. Applications that do not include the advert reference (e.g. RDFC21/…) will not be considered.
Deadline for applications: 1st August 2021
Interviews: w/c 9th August 2021
Start Date: 1st October 2021
Northumbria University takes pride in, and values, the quality and diversity of our staff. We welcome applications from all members of the community.
For informal discussions, please contact Prof Gary Black ([Email Address Removed])
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