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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: EP/N013522/1
Title: Integrated energy efficient microwave and unique fermentation processes for pilot scale production of high value chemicals from lignocellulosic waste
Principal Investigator: Chuck, Professor CJ
Other Investigators:
McManus, Professor MC Scott, Professor RJ Clark, Professor JH
Budarin, Dr VL Henk, Dr D A Leak, Emeritus Professor D
Matharu, Professor A
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department: Chemical Engineering
Organisation: University of Bath
Scheme: Standard Research - NR1
Starts: 01 March 2016 Ends: 31 January 2021 Value (£): 3,182,328
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Biochemical engineering Bioprocess Engineering
Design of Process systems Manufacturing Machine & Plant
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Manufacturing Chemicals
Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
To meet key climate change targets, while providing sustainable economic growth, the UK must develop a robust bioeconomy. This requires the valorisation of UK-specific and abundant waste lignocelluosic streams. Currently, the expense and inefficiency of the multi-stage acid pre-treated depolymerisation and enzymatic process has limited the growth in this sector. Recently, we reported an innovative one-step microwave (MW) process for the depolymerisation of bio-wastes. This key enabling technology achieves high sugar yields despite low energy inputs. While the inhibitors formed in the process limit the growth of most yeasts, the robust yeast Metschnikowia pulcherrima (Mp) thrives on this feedstock to produce valuable 2-phenylethanol, arabinitol and lipids. This project aims to develop a pilot scale multi-product biorefinery by coupling these breakthroughs in low energy biomass treatment and unique fermentation to produce marketable compounds.
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Further Information:  
Organisation Website: http://www.bath.ac.uk