Project
Green Terpene: Sustainable production of terpenes by redesigning isoprene biosynthesis
Terpenes are a class of molecules naturally produced in plants, but in low quantities. Recent improvements in biotechnological methods made terpene synthesis by microorganisms possible. Terpenes have many applications; they can be used as high added value products like fragrances and aromas, but are also very suitable as biofuel.
Aim
Bioproduction of terpenes as fuels has been achieved, but the current production system is not efficient enough to make the product competitive with oil-derived fuels.
Isobionics is a Dutch company that produces terpene fragrances and aromas. We are cooperating with them to improve terpene production in Rhodobacter sphaeroides, focussing on improving the redox balance and energetics of the terpene biosynthesis network.
Approach
Since the beginning of the PhD project, we developed parallel research lines: setting up a valid fermentation system for the Isobionics’ production strain; designing a system able to determine its metabolic fluxes and implementing new genetic modification techniques. We will converge the data generated creating a metabolic model for our strain. Therefore, we will be able to address the first genetic modification steps in the bug, and we will monitor modifications in the metabolic pathways in our established fermentation system. An iterative approach of cultivation and metabolic engineering will enable us to generate a strain with improved terpene synthesis.
Synergies and contributions from different research areas (molecular biology, process technology, systems biology/bioinformatics) are highly appreciated, as the same as the will of working in a team.
Thesis projects
Within this project there are various possibilities for doing a BSc or MSc thesis.
If you are interested in doing a BSc or MSc thesis, feel free to contact me.