Research & Projects

Lignocellulosic biomass contains cellulose that can be extracted by various pre-treatment processes. This cellulose can then be enzymatically hydrolyzed to produce glucose, which can be used as to produce ethanol with the help of microbes. This can be carried out at an industrial scale. Blending this ethanol with automobile fuels can help slow down the depletion of fossil fuels. The last enzymatic step in hydrolysis of cellulose is carried out by β-glucosidase, this is the rate limiting step of the process. Thus, engineering a better and efficient β-glucosidase is industrially very significant.

There is energy hidden in every substance.

Plastics have become an essential material in our lives. It is comparatively cheap and can be used in various products but, the problem is its extremely high stability and cannot be easily biodegraded. It takes up space in landfills and microplastics have now even been found in human blood. They are toxic and produce harmful compounds if they are incinerated. There are a few handful microbes who produce plastic degrading enzymes. Though these enzymes can break down plastics they are very slow at it. Engineering mesophilic plastic degrading enzyme to have higher catalytic activity can provide a feasible opportunity to tackle the plastic waste. Further, the breakdown products can be utilized to produce valuable compounds. 

Nothing is waste, we just need to look for a way to utilize it.