Institute of Chemistry
Topic
Immobilized and co-immobilized whole-cell biocatalysts for enzyme cascade reactions
PhD. program
Biotechnologies
Year of admission
2026
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 research and development of innovative immobilized and co-immobilized whole-cell biocatalysts based on viable recombinant E. coli cells for the production of chemical specialties. The cascade of three redox enzymes co-expressed in E. coli bacteria as well as recombinant cells with produced Baeyer-Villiger monooxygenases will be stabilized using innovative immobilization and co-immobilization methods of entrapment and encapsulation. Hydrogel and polyelectrolyte particles and capsules prepared using sophisticated, powerful devices will be used as immobilization matrices. The productivity and stability of immobilized biocatalysts will be tested in parallel controlled bioreactors. The characterization of their key biocatalytic parameters will be carried out using the most modern techniques in cooperation with top domestic and foreign laboratories.