IBioIC funded PhD position in collaboration with ufraction8 - investigating the performance of microfluidic techniques for rapid and effective algal dewatering with a particular focus on scalable systems.

The global marine biotechnology market, of which microalgae is the main component was worth €2.4bn in 2011 with an annual growth rate of 10%.Microalgae have use in a range of applications from bioremediation and water treatment, renewable fuels, animal feed and nutritional supplements and in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, providing either biomass or high-value components extracted from the algae. However, one of the major challenges is the downstream bioprocessing to harvest, and dewater, the algae in a cost-effective manner, with this step typically accounting for 30-40% of the total biomass cost at present. Our company partner µFraction8 are targeting this market and have been working with several Scottish and international companies, including Xanthella, Industrial Phycology and Euglena Co. Currently used harvesting methods include centrifugation, flocculation, filtration, sedimentation, electrical processes and mechanical scraping, to varying degrees of success. In all cases, the techniques were developed and optimised for other materials and therefore cannot be considered ideal for microalgae harvesting. Scale-up and operating costs are a particular challenge, with high labour intensity being the most common complaint in a recent µFraction8 survey of 28 EU bioproducers. Furthermore the processes are time consuming, during which the algal biochemistry can change, and energy intensive.

Microfluidic systems have been trialled as an alternative approach with some success though further research is crucial to develop a design offering higher efficiencies and concentration factors at lower cost as well as to validate device performance with a range of microalgae and to scale-up. For this project, passive hydrodynamic separation devices have been selected since they offer a rapid, high-throughput, clog-resistant demonstrated ability to work at concentrations and recovery rates that outstrip what is available with current technologies. This technology will combine the low operational costs of filtration with the high concentration output that only a centrifuge can deliver, and without the impact on viability that comes with centrifugation and sedimentation. The ultimate goal is to build stacked microfluidic devices capable of processing hundreds of litres of sample.

We are looking for a creative and highly motivated student to design, manufacture and characterise microfluidic systems for algae dewatering. Studies in Chemistry, Physics, or Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, Materials, Biomedical or related), are desired. The student is expected to work effectively as a part of a team, both in the host institution and with the project partners. Good manufacturing and/or experimental skills are required and experience working with microfluidics and/or algae or other biological samples is desirable.

The PhD will be developed under the supervision of Dr Helen Bridle and Professor Nik Willoughby at Heriot-Watt University, Dr Brian Miller and Dr Monika Tomecka at ufraction8 as well as Dr Michele Stanley at the Scottish Association for Marine Science.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Dr Helen Bridle ([Email Address Removed]) or Professor Nik Willoughby ([Email Address Removed])

Requirements

To be eligible for full funding all applicants must be resident in the UK (for EU candidates this means residency for the past 3 years). Additionally, candidates must have or expect to have a 1st class or 2:1 Bachelor Degree or a MChem, MPhys, MSci, MEng, MBioChem. Selection will be based on academic excellence and research potential, and all short-listed applicants will be interviewed (in person or by Skype). The Scholarship consists of an annual stipend of £15,485 (tax free) and full tuition fees payment, for 4 years.

Deadline of applications: 14th of April 2018. The successful candidate must commence studies by end of October 2018 at the very latest.

All applications should be made online by using the electronic system of Heriot-Watt University:
https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/apply/uk/postgraduate.htm