Detection of Proteins using Ultraviolet Fluorescence

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Project Detail:

Food manufacturing is the largest and one of the most resource intensive sectors in the world. Within this industry, cleaning of food processing equipment is a critical operation to control safety, cross contamination of allergens and maintain food quality. Currently, many cleaning processes are set up to be risk averse and consequently ‘over clean’ which wastes chemicals, energy and water, and reduces availability of production processes. A current body of work at Loughborough has identified the applicability of ultraviolet (UV) fluorescence to optimise cleaning cycles to detect how clean processing equipment is during cleaning. The feasibility of the technology has been proven at the laboratory scale but has not been optimised.

The proposed research aims to develop a better understanding of the fluorescence of proteins under exposure to UV light in order to optimise the environmental conditions for detection of specific foodstuffs during industrial cleaning. In addition, an image processing procedure is required to interpret the recorded fluorescence into information that can be used by cleaning control systems (either manual or automated). The successful candidate will have access to a new laboratory scale set of clean-in-place tanks (100 litres) and will be expected to design and build a number of experiments to characterise protein fluorescence under UV excitation. In addition, suitable image capture technologies and processing should be established. It is highly likely that the successful outcomes from the project will be implemented within a major UK food manufacturing company during the PhD programme.

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Entry requirements:

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in Physics, Food Science, Chemical Engineering or related subject. A relevant Master’s degree and/or experience in one or more of the following will be an advantage: Food manufacturing.

Funding information:

This isa funded PhD studentship by the Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering, which will start in July 2017 and run for three years. It includes:

• A tax-free stipend of £14,296 per annum for 3 years. The stipend will increase in line with EPSRC recommended rates.
• Tuition fees at the UK/EU rate

International (non EU) students may apply, however the total value of the studentship will be used towards the cost of the International tuition fee in the first instance.

Contact details:

Elliot Woolley, [Email Address Removed]. 01509 225410

How to apply:

All applications should be made online at http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/apply/research/. Please quote the reference ‘EWPW2017’on all correspondence and especially on the application form. Please ensure that you select ‘Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering’ under programme name on the application form.

Start date: July 2017
Closing date: 05/06/2017
Interview date: 08/06/2017
Reference: EWPW2017

Supervisors:
Primary supervisor: Elliot Woolley
Secondary supervisor: Patrick Webb