Projects
Projects: Summary of Projects by Funding SourceProjects awarded by BBSRC involving University of York : BB/L011522/1 |
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| Reference Number | BB/L011522/1 | |
| Title | 13TSB_CRD - Flexible Engineered Solutions for Xylose Metabolism Using Synthetic Biology (FLEX) | |
| Status | Completed | |
| Energy Categories | Renewable Energy Sources(Bio-Energy, Production of transport biofuels (incl. Production from wastes)) 100%; | |
| Research Types | Basic and strategic applied research 100% | |
| Science and Technology Fields | BIOLOGICAL AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES (Biological Sciences) 100% | |
| UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation | Not Cross-cutting 90%; Other (Energy technology information dissemination) 10%; |
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| Principal Investigator |
Dr GH Thomas Biology University of York |
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| Award Type | Research Grant | |
| Funding Source | BBSRC | |
| Start Date | 17 September 2013 | |
| End Date | 16 September 2015 | |
| Duration | 24 months | |
| Total Grant Value | £110,684 | |
| Industrial Sectors | Transport Systems and Vehicles | |
| Region | Yorkshire & Humberside | |
| Programme | Technology Strategy Board (TSB) | |
| Investigators | Principal Investigator | Dr GH Thomas , Biology, University of York |
| Web Site | ||
| Objectives | The work described in this application clearly has an applied nature and as such its impact is direct and immediate, the beneficiaries being the UK biotechnology sector. In this short-term project we communicate our work through two specific activities. The PI, Dr Thomas, will deliver a lecture to the Yorkshire Philosophical Society on the applications of microbes in bioenergy and biofuels. This could also be delivered to local secondary schools. Dr Thomas has recently given a public lecture at the York Castle Museum on microbiology in the early 20th, which included Weismann's work on the acetone-butanol ethanol (ABE) fermentation. Our second activity will be to work with the Society of General Microbiology to prepare short briefing documents/factsheets about the use of microbes in biofuel production. If the approach is successful we have the infrastructure in York for commercialisation of work from this project and we will build strong links with Green Biologics. One immediate impact is that Green Biologics are providing material for a White Rose PhD network application in this area that is in preparation and we anticipate further collaborative work. Although only an 18 month position for the PDRA, he/she will gain practical experience in the synthesis and assembly of large DNA fragments for functional work, which is complemented with more traditional microbiological, genetic, biochemical and physiological methods. He/she will also benefit from regular meeting with Green Biologics and exposure to the industrial environment. | |
| Abstract | The development of biofuels to replace our reliance on petrochemical-based fuels is a challenging economic problem. Basic science can make significant contributions to this problem by making the process more efficient and hence more economically competitive. The replacement of starch-based feedstock for the production of biofuels like biobutanol with more sustainable lignocellulose-based material is challenging due to the complexity of this material and difficulties in efficient breakdown into forms that can used by the biofuel producing bacteria. Current commercial processes require the use of extreme heat and harsh chemicals to convert agricultural waste material to simple fermentable sugars. This not only reduces the environmental benefits of renewables but also makes the fermentation of waste feedstocks less economic when compared with easier substrates such as starch. In this project we will use new synthetic biology methods to engineer a new biological properties into biotechnologically important bacteria. The aim is to improve their ability to grow on hemicellulose-derived sugars released during less intensive pre-treatment procedures to produce bio-butanol with high efficiency, thereby reducing the environmental impact of harsh chemical and high temperature processes and reducing the competition for food crops as fermentation substrates. | |
| Data | No related datasets |
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| Projects | No related projects |
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| Publications | No related publications |
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| Added to Database | 24/11/14 | |
