A Tandem Bio-Chemo Catalytic Approach To The Sustainable Production Of High Performance Coatings Additives From Glucose
Lead Research Organisation:
Aston University
Department Name: Sch of Life and Health Sciences
Abstract
The project brings together the expertise of chemicals company Chemoxy International Ltd, Aston University's Biotechnology Research Team and the Catalysis Group in the Aston European Bioenergy Research Institute to synthesize sustainable platform chemicals from glucose, for application in paint and coatings additives. Together we have developed technology to produce the required enzymes as recombinant proteins in yeast and to couple them to novel supports to generate molecules that can be used to replace traditional petroleum-derives additives. This project will therefore provide a student with first class interdisciplinary research training at the biology-chemistry interface in the field of industrial technology.
People |
ORCID iD |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BB/M016668/1 | 30/09/2015 | 29/09/2019 | |||
| 1641776 | Studentship | BB/M016668/1 | 30/09/2015 | 29/09/2019 |
| Description | We have managed to develop a novel enzyme cascade to facilitate the cell free conversion of glucose to malic acid. By coupling together native and engineered thermophilic enzymes from different sources, we were able to create this cascade which uses NAD/NADH as cofactors which are recycled within the cascade. |
| Exploitation Route | Since malic acid is an important platform chemical in many industries and is used to create useful intermediates for further downstream processing, it is of great value to industry. Currently sourced from fossil fuel, this sustainable approach of production using an enzyme cascade can be be put to use by industries interested in using malic acid. It can also be taken forward to optimize yield at each enzyme step and maximize production of end product. Manuscript is in progress. |
| Sectors | Chemicals Manufacturing including Industrial Biotechology |