About the project
The development of more sustainable methods for production of chemicals is one of the most important challenges in the move towards a low carbon economy. The aim of this project is to develop emulsion-based flow systems for the production of high value compounds from biomass waste from the fruit industry.
As new enzymatic or microbial routes are being proposed to replace non-renewable feedstocks and catalysts, so there is a need for the development of novel reactor technology to enable their implementation. Exciting opportunities are emerging in reactor design for biomanufacturing of fine chemicals such as pharmaceuticals, food additives and fragrances.
Here we focus on development of methods for the transformation of batch-based processes into continuous flow processing with immobilised enzyme catalysts. We will use microreactor technology with in-situ spectroscopic monitoring to enable optimisation of promising routes to valuable intermediates.
The research will also provide opportunities for feedback-based manipulation of chemical processes on the microscale using python-based programming.
The project will provide ample opportunity for student-led initiative and innovation in this exciting multidisciplinary field.
The School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break.
The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.
