Synthetic phenazines for enhanced biogas production from renewable and non-renewable resources. Methane (biogas) has a large role to play in meeting the energy needs of the human race globally whilst reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Microbial communities are responsible for biogas production from non-renewable (coal) and renewable (food waste) resources. This project seeks to: increase biogas yields by redirecting electron flow towards biogas producing microbes using electrochemically active p ....Synthetic phenazines for enhanced biogas production from renewable and non-renewable resources. Methane (biogas) has a large role to play in meeting the energy needs of the human race globally whilst reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Microbial communities are responsible for biogas production from non-renewable (coal) and renewable (food waste) resources. This project seeks to: increase biogas yields by redirecting electron flow towards biogas producing microbes using electrochemically active phenazines; understand the molecular mechanism by which phenazines increase biogas yields; and, assess the environmental consequence of phenazine application to coal seam gas production and anaerobic digestion of food waste. Phenazines are likely to emerge as a safe and cost-effective technology for improved biogas generation.Read moreRead less
Using photosynthesis to power fine chemical production. This project aims to develop robust, solar driven, enzyme-based biocatalysts to synthesise complex metabolites and biopharmaceutical molecules in single-cell micro-algae. The significance of this project is that solar energy is used to drive challenging chemical reactions inexpensively via photosynthesis. Expected outcomes include sustainable, solar driven production of high-value molecules that are difficult or impossible to synthesise che ....Using photosynthesis to power fine chemical production. This project aims to develop robust, solar driven, enzyme-based biocatalysts to synthesise complex metabolites and biopharmaceutical molecules in single-cell micro-algae. The significance of this project is that solar energy is used to drive challenging chemical reactions inexpensively via photosynthesis. Expected outcomes include sustainable, solar driven production of high-value molecules that are difficult or impossible to synthesise chemically. Benefits include proof-of-principle demonstration of new, light-driven green-chemistry processes for the production of biochemicals, biopharmaceuticals, agricultural and industrial chemicals, extending the diversity of molecules we can make while reducing cost and environmental impact of their production.Read moreRead less