Short CV
Andre holds a bachelor degree in Applied Biology and a master degree in Biotechnology. In his master thesis he investigated the microbial product formation from synthesis gas. In 2016, he joined RENESENG as an Early Stage Researcher at Wageningen University and Research Center. Under the supervision of dr. Ana Lopez-Contreras, he is investigating the rhamnose metabolism in Clostridium beijerinckii and its role in the production of ABE and IBE.
Objective
Characterisation of metabolic routes from seaweed sugars (fucose, rhamnose, glucose, xylose) to acetone, butanol, ethanol (ABE) using wild type organisms. Other alcohols, such as propanol, isobutanol will be evaluated as well. Substrates used: synthetic media and seaweed fractions
Generate data on yields, product ratio and productivities on the use of a selected seaweed species for ABE and alcohol production in a biorefinery system.
Improvement of yields of products of interest (alcohols, C3, C4) using genetic techniques (knock out of side-routes, cloning of genes missing enzymatic activities) to improve economic viability of seaweed-based biorefineries
Publications - Conferences
Annex
Fellow
ESR 7.1 |
Host institution
DLO - PhD enrolment: Y, Doctor of Philosophy |
Duration
36 months |
Start date
M3 |
| Project title : Optimal utilization of seaweed feedstocks in integrated biorefineries producing acetone, isopropanol, butanol and ethanol and other C3 and C4 alcohols. Work packages : WP1, WP2, WP4, WP5. Supervisor name: Dr Ana M. Lopez Contreras or someone with the same level of expertise and /or experience. |
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Objectives:
- Characterisation of metabolic routes from seaweed sugars (fucose, rhamnose, glucose, xylose) to acetone, butanol, ethanol (ABE) using wild type organisms. Other alcohols, such as propanol, isobutanol will be evaluated as well. Substrates used: synthetic media and seaweed fractions
- Generate data on yields, product ratio and productivities on the use of a selected seaweed species for ABE and alcohol production in a biorefinery system.
- Improvement of yields of products of interest (alcohols, C3, C4) using genetic techniques (knock out of side-routes, cloning of genes missing enzymatic activities) to improve economic viability of seaweed-based biorefineries
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Tasks and methodology:
- Task 1: Characterisation of fermentation of seaweed sugars by anaerobic bacteria producing ABE and other alcohols, such as 1,2-propanediol
- Task 2: Characterise the metabolic pathway from rhamnose and fucose into 1,2-propanediol in C. beijerinckii. This metabolic route is not characterized yet in these species, and is interesting, since 1,2-propanediol is an interesting product, with a higher market value that ABE or IBE.
- Task 3: Optimization of metabolic routes from sugars to 1,2-propanediol, Butanol and other alcohols of interest (isopropanol, isobutanol).
- Task 4: Collaboration with NTUA and other partners for the input of data from the research on the seaweed conversions for biorefinery in models
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| Dissemination: Publications is peer-reviewed international journals are expected (2-4 publications). Patentable results may arise from this project, especially from the genetic research. Patenting will be discussed with the relevant partners of the consortium. The results of the research will be shown in international conferences in the field of Biorefineries, or Biotechnology. |
Planned secondment:
- Arkema, 1 month in Year 1, Gain knowledge on the value chain analysis of production processes for fuels and chemicals from non-oil resources
- Imperial, 2 months in Year 3, Understanding the implications of data quality when tackling supply chain and sustainability studies
- NTUA, 2 months in Year 2, Participate in the technical modelling of the seaweed biorefinery case
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