Biorefinery Engineering
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Industrial production of chemicals and fuels from sustainable feedstocks will require cost-competitive strategies for processing the bio-based raw material. Research in the Biorefinery Engineering Group has resulted in the production of various generic fermentation feedstocks that can be converted into a range of platform chemicals, biodegradable polymers, and biofuels via microbial bioconversion. In developing these feedstocks, the aim has been to utilise all available components of the raw materials for the production of both value-added end-products and precursors for chemical synthesis. Carbon and energy sources are provided through the enzymatic hydrolysis of polysaccharides, and protein is hydrolyzed into amino acids to produce a nitrogen source. The raw material also provides growth factors such as trace elements and vitamins to produce a nutrient complete microbial feedstock. Such biorefinery feedstocks will, in the relatively near future, play a major role in the sustainable development of a successful post-petroleum era. Many academics in the School have interests and activities related to biorefinery engineering. Projects range from fundamental studies into the biochemistry of raw material conversions, to process simulations and process integration studies. Potential raw materials for future biofuels include micro-algae, sugar crops, cereal grains, oilseeds and ligno-cellulosic residues. All are being utilised in experimental work being undertaken in the school. Amongst those working in the area, there is considerable expertise in process systems engineering and assessment, applied microbiology, bioprocess development, biokinetic modelling, solids processing and solid state fermentation. |
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Principal Investigators |
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Professor Colin Webb
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