Institute of Chemistry
Topic
Immobilization of recombinant whole-cell biocatalysts for production of chemical specialties using enzyme cascade reactions
PhD. program
Biotechnology
Year of admission
2025
Name of the supervisor
Ing. Marek Bučko, PhD.
Contact:
Receiving school
Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, Slovak University of Technology
Annotation
The aim of the dissertation will be the development of immobilized whole-cell biocatalysts based on viable recombinant microorganisms to increase the productivity of precursors for the synthesis of bioactive substances and potential drugs. A cascade of redox enzymes co-expressed in bacteria will be used, as well as recombinant cells with produced Baeyer-Villiger monooxygenase enzymes. For cell stabilization, immobilization methods of entrapment and encapsulation in hydrogel and polyelectrolyte complex particles and capsules will be innovated using high-performance laboratory equipment. Testing of the productivity and stability of biocatalysts in parallel bioreactors as well as characterization of their key parameters will be carried out using unique techniques in cooperation with top domestic and foreign laboratories.