The catalytic degradation of plastics and synthesis of new polymer precursors from biomass
Lead Research Organisation:
University College London
Department Name: Chemistry
Abstract
There is currently significant interest in identifying solutions for dealing with plastic waste, and for the generation of new bio-derived plastics. The key aims of this project are to develop novel bio-catalytic methods to degrade plastics and use the fragments generated in synthetic applications. Also, to use new biological catalysts to convert chemical building blocks from sustainable biomass sources into polymer precursors.
To achieve this, the PhD student will design and explore novel bio-catalysts for the degradation of plastics such as PET and screen reactions via colorimetric assays and analytical methods. Also, they will characterise the plastic degradation products formed and investigate biological chemistry, synthetic chemistry and synthetic biology methods to use the fragments formed. Furthermore, they will develop novel biological catalysts for use in reaction cascades to convert sugars from biomass into new polymer precursors to access new materials. This project falls within the catalysis, biological chemistry, synthetic biology and polymer materials EPSRC research themes.
To achieve this, the PhD student will design and explore novel bio-catalysts for the degradation of plastics such as PET and screen reactions via colorimetric assays and analytical methods. Also, they will characterise the plastic degradation products formed and investigate biological chemistry, synthetic chemistry and synthetic biology methods to use the fragments formed. Furthermore, they will develop novel biological catalysts for use in reaction cascades to convert sugars from biomass into new polymer precursors to access new materials. This project falls within the catalysis, biological chemistry, synthetic biology and polymer materials EPSRC research themes.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Helen Hailes (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Esther Ambrose-Dempster (Student) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/R513143/1 | 01/10/2018 | 30/09/2023 | |||
| 2248279 | Studentship | EP/R513143/1 | 01/10/2019 | 23/11/2023 | Esther Ambrose-Dempster |
| EP/T517793/1 | 01/10/2020 | 30/09/2025 | |||
| 2248279 | Studentship | EP/T517793/1 | 01/10/2019 | 23/11/2023 | Esther Ambrose-Dempster |
| Description | A green technique combining enzymes and mechanochemistry has been used to break down PET plastic (often single use for food containers, water bottles etc). |
| Exploitation Route | The field of plastic breakdown is moving extremely fast, the use of these techniques and enzymes could be used to further improve plastic degradation, with not only PET plastic but other types as well. It has the scope to be used with different enzymes also. |
| Sectors | Environment,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology |
| Description | Working as part of the plastic waste hub, my research is helping with breaking down plastics and compostable plastics, of which there is a lot going on policy wise at the moment. |