Environmental Biotechnology
Carbon-rich waste environments are specialised ecosystems containing novel and diverse microorganisms that perform a wide range of functions, resulting in the stabilisation of organic matter and/or the production of added-value products. Microbes, more than any other organisms, contain many novel bioactive products, enzymes, and polymers. The potential for utilising the microbial diversity in biological systems for biodegradation and the production of useful bioproducts is substantial.
Eco-Smart Technologies has implemented a multi-disciplinary programme to identify and develop advanced Environmental Biotechnology opportunities for nutrient-deficient waste streams, such as those from the pulp and paper, food processing, pharmaceutical and petrochemical sectors, and nutrient-enriched waste streams, such as those from the meat processing, poultry and aquacultural sectors. Ultimately, the goal is to create technologies and products that deliver both improved environmental performance and financial benefit.
Key molecular microbiology and bioprocess engineering activities within the Eco-Smart Technologies programme include:
- Bioprospecting for unique catalytic and transformational capabilities in stressed microbial environments;
- Genetic diversity/expression, physiology and biochemical pathway regulation at the intra-cellular and community level;
- Advanced functional genomics, proteomics and metabolomic platforms;
- Strategies for generating specific mixed cultures, pure cultures, and bioaugmented populations;.
- Metabolic processes, transport phenomena and fluid hydrodynamics at the microbial community level.
- Advanced feedstock design, control strategies and bioreactor configurations.
These activities are currently focused on the following research programmes:
- Gene-probing and flow cytometric techniques for identification and isolation of non-culturable microbiota;
- Production of polyhydroxyalkanoate and exopolysaccharide biopolymers in mixed community nitrogen-fixing systems;
- Functional genomics of polyhydroxyalkanoate biosynthesis in nitrogen-fixing bacteria;
- Horizontal gene transfer mechanisms in nitrogen-fixing bacteria;
- Development of titrametric off-gas analysis platforms for advanced bioreactor studies;
- Granular and membrane bioreactor systems for improved solids control in treatment and bioproduction processes;
- Augmentative processes for high rate proteolysis.
Contact: Trevor Stuthridge |