UK: PhD Studentship Enzymes for Bioprocessing

UK; PhD Studentship Enzymes for Bioprocessing
Supervisor: Professor I Connerton

The proposed project is to create a process to produce a specific thermophilic xylosidase enzyme that has the capacity to act synergistically with other hydrolytic enzymes to efficiently breakdown plant cell wall materials. Plant cell wall carbohydrates are used to produce bulk hydrocolloids, release specific nutrients and value added chemicals for cosmetic purposes from natural plant sources, and are now the focus for the efficient conversion of feed stocks for biofuel production in the biorefining process. The project builds upon research carried out to establish the enzyme as a key component of an existing enzyme mixture marketed by Biocatalysts.

The aim of the project will be to clone the gene(s) encoding the xylosidase and express these in a compatible microorganism suitable for industrial fermentation. The source of the enzyme is a thermophillic fungus, isolates of which are available in our culture collection. The enzyme has been purified and demonstrated to be composed of two protein subunits. These subunits are either proteolytically cleaved from a single gene product or encoded on two separate genes. Protein sequences have been determined from within each subunit and constitute the starting point for the project, where the molecular cloning steps will be performed using equipment based at the University of Nottingham and the production phases (enzyme characterisation, fermentation and scale-up) will be centred at Biocatalysts.

Students should have a degree in life sciences (2:1 or equivalent). There will be period of industrial training at Biocatalysts Ltd near Cardiff.

This is a BBSRC Case studentship with Biocatalysts Ltd and is available for a period of three years from 1 October 2009 and provides funding for Home/EU students only (due to funding restrictions).

Applications, with a letter of application, detailed CV and the names and addresses of two referees should be sent to Professor I Connerton, Division of Food Science, School of Biosciences, The University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, LE12 5RD. Email: Ian.Connerton@Nottingham.ac.uk. Please quote ref. SCI/626. Closing date: 1 May 2009.

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