Research Topics in Renewable Energy for 2016
Dosent / Lecturer: (Title, Initials & Surname)
Prof KG Clarke
Fakulteit / Faculty:
Engineering
Email:
kclarke@sun.ac.za
Tel:
021 808 4421
Departement / Department:
Process Engineering
Navorsingsarea / Area of Research:
Bioprocess Engineering, Biotechnology
Algemene beskrywing van navorsingsveld: (nie meer as 2 paragrawe nie):
General description of research area (only 2 paragraphs):
Heightened interest in diverting energy production from fossil fuels has targeted energy from biofuels (typically
ethanol), obtained from renewable plant material, as a solution. Lignocellulosic plant material in particular has
rapidly gained popularity in consideration of global food security with lignocellulosic hydrolysates, comprising
mainly glucose and xylose, providing the feedstock of choice. The bioconversion of these hydrolysates to ethanol
is recognised as a critical step in the lignocellulose to ethanol process and requires an efficient biocatalyst which
is able to ferment C5 as well as C6 sugars. The bioconversion of C5/C6 sugars to ethanol using yeasts has been
well documented. However, considerably less is known regarding the capabilities of other organisms to ferment
these sugar mixtures. Yet the anaerobe Zymomonas mobilis has shown remarkably efficient glucose and xylose
fermenting capabilities.
The ultimate goal is to define a process for the bacterial bioconversion of C5 and C6 sugars to ethanol in terms of
optimum bacterial growth, sugar utilisation and ethanol production kinetics. To date we have achieved a
substantial (more than 5-fold increase) in ethanol production with Z. mobilis over its yeast counterparts, even
those used in commercial production. This project will be directed towards the bioconversion of C5 and C6
sugars to ethanol by Z. mobilis under defined and controlled conditions in highly instrumented laboratory scale
bioreactors with special emphasis on continuous operation strategies. Specifically, the potential of Z. mobilis for
lignocellulosic hydrolysate bioconversion will be optimised through process intensification with a view to
establishing this organism as a leading biocatalyst in the biofuel context.
Lys van onderwerpe/List of topics: (Merk graad met X/Mark degree with X)
Process intensification of biofuel from bacterial cultures
M.Eng.
M.Eng.
Ph.D.
(Structured) (Research)
x
Spesifieke voorvereistes / Specific requirements:
BEng or BScEng in Process, Chemical, Biological, Biochemical or Biosystems Engineering or BSc Honours in
Biotechnology, Biochemistry or Microbiology
Befondsing beskikbaar / Funding available:
Capital and running expenses available. Bursary required.