Integrated production of nano cellulose fibres, lignin, and cellulase from agricultural wastes for use in sustainable food packaging materials

Summary

Sustain-Pack+’ aims to develop an environmentally friendly integrated process for the production of nanocellulose fibres, lignin, and cellulase from agricultural wastes such as cereal straws (oat and wheat).

The nanocellulose fibres produced will be characterized for suitability and efficacy for industrial applications such as the development of sustainable food packaging materials.

Tasks at UU:

Task 3. Enzymatic production of nanocellulose, characterization and recovery of sugar by-product (with ROI Collaborators)

Task 4. Integrating nanocellulose production to cellulase production [Process-technology A]

4.1: Develop a process to produce cellulase using solid substrate straw, an agricultural waste from Northern Ireland, by employing ligninolytic mycelial fungal cultures and cellulolytic bacterial cultures.

4.2: Design packed-bed bioreactors for the large-scale fermentation of solid substrate straw using the technology of solid fermentation, aiming at the production of cellulase enzymes.

Task 5. Integrating nanocellulose production to cellulase production [Process-technology B]

5.1: Production of cellulase using the sugar-containing liquid effluent by-product from nanocellulose production, employing cellulolytic bacterial strains in submerged fermentation.

5.2: Optimising bioprocess in stirred-tank bioreactors to ferment liquid effluent by bacterial strains in larger volumes.

Task 6. Prototype development for integrated production of lignin, nanocellulose, cellulase Enzyme and packaging film (with ROI Collaborators)

Task 7. Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA) and Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) of the entire process, including Packaging (with ROI Collaborators)

This project has the potential to contribute to the development of sustainable packaging materials and the circular economy by providing an alternative use for oat and wheat straw, which are abundant agricultural wastes. The project aligns with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action)

Eligibilty:

1. Degree upper 2^nd class or higher in a Bioscience subject with laboratory experience having completed a research project in Microbial (Bacteria and Fungi) cultivation in liquid medium and preferably Solid State Fermentation
2. Experience in completion of research reports/dissertation

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• DAERA [Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs of Northern Ireland]

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,237 per annum for four years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals are eligible to receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.