Integrated energy efficient microwave and unique fermentation processes for pilot scale production of high value chemicals from lignocellulosic waste
Reference Number
EP/N013522/1
Title
Integrated energy efficient microwave and unique fermentation processes for pilot scale production of high value chemicals from lignocellulosic waste
Status
Completed
Energy Categories
Renewable Energy Sources(Bio-Energy, Other bio-energy)
Research Types
Basic and strategic applied research
Science and Technology Fields
BIOLOGICAL AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES (Biological Sciences)
PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Chemistry)
ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Chemical Engineering)
ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering)
PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Chemistry)
ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Chemical Engineering)
ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering)
UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation
Not Cross-cutting
Principal Investigator
Dr CJ Chuck
Chemical Engineering
University of Bath
Chemical Engineering
University of Bath
Award Type
Standard
Funding Source
EPSRC
Start Date
01 March 2016
End Date
31 January 2021
Duration
59 months
Total Grant Value
£3,196,854
Industrial Sectors
Process engineering
Region
South West
Programme
Manufacturing : Manufacturing
Other Investigator
Professor J Clark, Chemistry, University of York
Dr D A Henk, Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath
Prof DJ Leak, Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath
Dr A Matharu, Chemistry, University of York
Dr MC McManus, Mechanical Engineering, University of Bath
Professor RJ Scott, Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath
Dr D A Henk, Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath
Prof DJ Leak, Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath
Dr A Matharu, Chemistry, University of York
Dr MC McManus, Mechanical Engineering, University of Bath
Professor RJ Scott, Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath
Web Site
Objectives
Abstract
To meet key climate change targets, while providing sustainable economic growth, the UK must develop a robust bioeconomy. This requires the valorisation of UK-specific and abundant waste lignocelluosic streams. Currently, the expense and inefficiency of the multi-stage acid pre-treated depolymerisation and enzymatic process has limited the growth in this sector. Recently, we reported an innovative one-step microwave (MW) process for the depolymerisation of bio-wastes. This key enabling technology achieves high sugar yields despite low energy inputs. While the inhibitors formed in the process limit the growth of most yeasts, the robust yeast Metschnikowia pulcherrima (Mp) thrives on this feedstock to produce valuable 2-phenylethanol, arabinitol and lipids. This project aims to develop a pilot scale multi-product biorefinery by coupling these breakthroughs in low energy biomass treatment and unique fermentation to produce marketable compounds
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Added to Database
25/08/16
