idw – Informationsdienst Wissenschaft
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
idw - Informationsdienst
Wissenschaft
Glycerol, a by-product of biodiesel production, is an attractive feedstock for bioprocessing due to its abundance and potential for higher yields compared to glucose. How can the production of valuable products be made more efficient and sustainable by using this agro-industrial side streams? That is precisely what microbiologist Dr. Putu Virgina Partha Devanthi, a fellow of the renowned Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, has been investigating for two years in Professor Dr. Elke Nevoigt's research group at Constructor University.
A large number of products in the chemical industry are based on fossil raw materials such as oil, gas or coal. The search is on for alternatives from renewable raw materials and plant waste. Instead of glucose, as in many conventional processes, Professor Nevoigt's working group is focusing on glycerol as an alternative carbon source. “By using glycerol and other raw materials originating from non-edible plant biomass or which are derived from CO2, we
want to transform baker’s yeast into a versatile cell factory for sustainably producing diverse bio-based products. Certain fuels, chemicals or proteins can be produced more economically in this way,” explains Dr. Devanthi. “These processes support the transition to a circular economy and help to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions.”
Dr. Devanthi has already worked intensively on issues of sustainable biotechnology in Indonesia, at the International Institute for Life Sciences in Jakarta, where she is an assistant professor. It was Prof. Nevoigt's expertise that persuaded the microbiologist to move to Constructor University. “We share the same research interests. Professor Nevoigt is one of the leading experts in this field and I wanted to develop my expertise and research further.”
This was made possible by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation fellowship, which finances long-term research stays in Germany for highly qualified foreign academics and promotes intercultural exchange. “The fellowship is of crucial importance for my academic career,” emphasizes Dr. Devanthi. “I can devote myself fully to my research and work with experts from Germany and around the world to advance new, highly effective solutions.”
Dr. Putu Virgina Partha Devanthi
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