Integrated production of nano cellulose fibres, lignin, and cellulase enzyme from lignocellulosic agricultural residual by-products

Summary

This full-time wet lab project aims to develop an environment-friendly integrated process technology for the production of nanocellulose fibres, lignin, and cellulase enzyme 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.

Integrating  Enzymatic nanocellulose production to cellulase production will be investigated using two approaches-

[1]Process-technology A:

i. Develop a process to produce cellulase enzyme complex using solid agricultural waste substrates employing ligninolytic mycelial fungal cultures and cellulolytic bacterial cultures.

ii. Design packed-bed bioreactors for the large-scale fermentation of solid substrates using the technology of solid fermentation, aiming at the high-yield production of cellulase enzymes.

[2] Process-technology B:

i. Production of cellulase cultivating cellulolytic fungi and bacteria in submerged fermentation of agricultural substrates, and using the sugar-containing liquid effluent by-product from nanocellulose production.

ii. Optimising process B in stirred-tank bioreactors to ferment liquid effluent by bacterial strains in larger volumes.

At later stage the prototype development for integrated production of lignin, nanocellulose, cellulase, Enzyme Techno-Economic Analysis and Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment will be done 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)

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.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• Clearly defined research proposal detailing background, research questions, aims and methodology
• A demonstrable interest in the research area associated with the studentship

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• Experience of presentation of research findings
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

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:

• Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,237 per annum for three 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.