The genetic diversity of the dingo, Australia's largest indigenous carnivore, has been a long-standing research interest of Dr. Alan Wilton.
Applied Biocatalysis for Sustainable Development - Biofilm Factories
Every day we use thousands of goods made from chemicals that have been industrially produced, with consequent impact on our planet. We are developing gentle methods to produce these chemicals via biocatalysis by microbes or isolated enzymes. The project employs various microbial and analytical methods and international industry collaboration. Underpinned by curiosity-driven research, our ultimate goal is to contribute to the sustainable development of our industries.
Microbes in nature commonly exist in surface-associated, matrix-enclosed structures referred to as biofilms. While deleterious in clinical settings, biofilms are of great interest in biotechnology. One challenge in biotransformation is the toxicity of substrates and/or products to biocatalytic microorganisms and enzymes. Our group has shown that Zymomonas mobilis biofilms were more tolerant of biotransformation substrates compared to planktonic free-living cells. In collaboration with the international company BASF, this project will focus on further studies for future applications of 'biofilm factories' in biocatalytic fine chemical production processes.
BABS personnel that are responsible for this project