PhD Research Studentships
Addressing challenges in the cultivation, harvesting and processing of micro-algae for innovative food applications on Earth and in Space
| Supervisor: | Edo BOEK |
| Apply by: | 29 January 2025 |
| Start in: | September (Semester 1) |
Description
Due to the continuous growth of world population, there is a pressing need for sustainable and scalable food solutions. Traditional agriculture puts a lot of strain on the environment, by consuming enormous amounts of energy, land and water. In contrast, the production of micro-algae as a source of proteins, fatty acids, fibre and neutraceuticals, has the potential to be more efficient. Micro-algae potentially yield more protein per unit of terrestrial surface area, while needing less water and less land.
Although micro-algae have the potential to be a sustainable source of protein, several challenges must be overcome before their production can be scaled up to meet global demand. These include
Production costs: Microalgal production can be expensive due to the high energy requirements of harvesting and extraction processes:
Light limitation: The cultivation of (photo)autotrophic microalgae is limited by sunlight as an energy source. Heterotrophic micro-algae, on the other hand, grow in the dark and use an external carbon source as energy.
The research group of Dr Edo Boek has gained considerable expertise over the past years in the cultivation, harvesting and processing of autotrophic micro-algae. Our lab facilities include two advanced photo-bioreactors for cultivation, state-of-the-art microscopy, filtration and sedimentation equipment for harvesting and a high spec rheometer to investigate the rheology of micro-algal suspensions. Our investigations have resulted in new methods to reduce the energy cost of micro-algal harvesting by a combination of filtration, flocculation and sedimentation. We found a solution to irreversible membrane fouling, caused by micro-algal pore blocking and adsorption of Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS), during the harvesting of microalgae using static microfiltration. This was published in a high-profile journal, see https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2024.127737, with several other papers in preparation.
Building on our existing expertise, this project will extend our research in several different ways. First, we will develop the heterotrophic cultivation of micro-algae, followed by harvesting and extraction techniques, to produce high quality algal products for use in innovative and sustainable food solutions. These include dairy additives, meat analogues, smoothies and juices.Here we will exploit our expertise in membrane filtration, by avoiding membrane fouling due to EPS adsorption and algal pore blocking. Finally, based on promising preliminary research in our research group, we will address the challenge of micro-algal food production in space, to sustain future manned interplanetary space missions. This includes the (photo)autotrophic cultivation of micro-algae under a simulated Mars atmosphere, with a partial CO2 pressure of a few mbar. Our research group is already active in space research, through funding by the UK Space Agency for the Aqualunar Challenge, see https://aqualunarchallenge.org.uk/finalists/. In summary, the successful applicant can expect to join a vibrant research group with focus on challenges in the cultivation, harvesting and processing of micro-algae for innovative food applications, on Earth and in Space.
Applicants should have a first degree in chemical engineering or a related discipline. They will be expected to develop and carry out advanced laboratory experiments followed by detailed analysis and modelling of results obtained. The PhD student will become a member of the research group of Dr Edo Boek at Queen Mary University of London. Candidates can expect to be encouraged and supported to perform at the highest level. Candidates wishing to discuss the project should reach out to Dr Edo Boek.
Funding
Funded by: China Scholarship CouncilCandidate will need to secure a CSC scholarship.
Under the scheme, Queen Mary will provide scholarships to cover all tuition fees, whilst the CSC will provide living expenses and one return flight ticket to successful applicants.
Eligibility
- The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) or MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline.
- If English is not your first language, you will require a valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall with a minimum score of minimum score of 6.0 in each of Writing, Listening, Reading and Speaking).
- Candidates are expected to start in September (Semester 1).
Contact
For informal enquiries about this opportunity, please contact Edo BOEK.
Apply
Start an application for this studentship and for entry onto the PhD Chemical Engineering full-time programme (Semester 1 / September start):
Please be sure to quote the reference "SEMS-PHD-636" to associate your application with this studentship opportunity.
| Related website: | https://www.sems.qmul.ac.uk/staff/?s=boek | |
| SEMS Research Centre: | ||
| Keywords: | Genetic Engineering, Plant Biology, Analytical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Fluid Mechanics, Polymers, Space Science |