New biocatalysts for selective chemical oxidations under extreme conditions. This project will identify and design new enzyme biocatalysts which function under extreme conditions such as elevated temperature and high concentrations of peroxides. These enzymes will be sourced from microorganisms which are located in extreme biological environments e.g. hot springs (the so-called extremophiles). The expected outcome of this project are the identification of robust enzymes which can catalyse select ....New biocatalysts for selective chemical oxidations under extreme conditions. This project will identify and design new enzyme biocatalysts which function under extreme conditions such as elevated temperature and high concentrations of peroxides. These enzymes will be sourced from microorganisms which are located in extreme biological environments e.g. hot springs (the so-called extremophiles). The expected outcome of this project are the identification of robust enzymes which can catalyse selective oxidation reactions in complex organic molecules, such as steroids. The new biocatalysts developed in this project will have significant benefit in the development of new routes to access bespoke molecules of value in fine chemical synthesis and drug development.
Read moreRead less
Structure-guided optimisation of light-driven microalgae cell factories. Every two hours Earth receives more solar energy than is required to power our entire global economy for a year. This project aims to engineer advanced single cell green algae for high-efficiency solar light capture, to power next-generation light-driven bio-manufacture. The significance is to advance industry-scale production of sustainable products using microalgae. This is economically, socially and environmentally benef ....Structure-guided optimisation of light-driven microalgae cell factories. Every two hours Earth receives more solar energy than is required to power our entire global economy for a year. This project aims to engineer advanced single cell green algae for high-efficiency solar light capture, to power next-generation light-driven bio-manufacture. The significance is to advance industry-scale production of sustainable products using microalgae. This is economically, socially and environmentally beneficial. Project outcomes are designed to advance the technology from high-value bio-manufacture in microalgae, such as pharmaceuticals (e.g. biologicals), to mid-value products (e.g. fine chemicals) through to low-cost products, such as renewable fuels to help deliver key UN Sustainable Development Goals.Read moreRead less