Applications are invited for a PhD position in the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry at the University of Strathclyde in collaboration with the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering and IntelliDigest Ltd. The studentship will start on 1 October 2021 and is for 3 years.
Background
IntelliDigest Ltd is developing an enzymatically biocatalytic modular system for the breakdown of inedible food waste to produce sustainable chemicals for use in other manufacturing processes in areas such as agriculture – vertical farming, biotechnology – plant based/cellular protein, packaging, cosmetics and detergents. One of the greatest challenges with upcycling food waste is the variation in food waste composition. This variation means that the enzyme dose must be optimised for each batch of food waste. Therefore, on-line characterisation of the composition of food waste, in terms of carbohydrate, protein and lipid content, is crucial for optimisation of the enzyme dose. In addition, on-line analysis is required to monitor the conversion of complex food molecules to simple product molecules, and to identify and quantify the yield of product molecules to facilitate subsequent separation and recovery.
Previous work has shown that optical spectroscopic techniques such as mid infrared, near infrared, uv-visible and Raman spectrometries can be used for on-line monitoring of complex fermentation broths. Advances in photonic components over recent years have enabled miniaturisation of instruments and a reduction in their cost. Therefore, the aim of this PhD project is to use low cost optical spectroscopic sensors, in conjunction with advanced data analysis methods (chemometrics and machine learning), for the on-line monitoring and control of enzymatic biocatalysis of food within a modular unit.
The student will spend periods of time working with the project partner (IntelliDigest) to gain valuable knowledge about upcycling of food waste.
Eligibility
Candidates should hold or expect to hold a first or upper second class (Bachelors or Masters) degree in a relevant discipline (chemistry, chemical engineering or related areas).
Application procedure
Applicants should submit a CV together with the names and addresses of three referees, by email to:
[Email Address Removed].
Key words: process analytical chemistry, process analysis, chemometrics, machine learning, upcycling of food waste, sustainability, enzymatic biocatalysis, on-line monitoring.
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