Research Areas

Lignocellulosic Biomass (LCB) and PET Plastic Waste Valorization

Our research spans the entire bioconversion pipeline, from biomass and plastic pretreatment, chemical depolymerization, and hydrolysis to microbial strain engineering, fermentation process optimization, and product recovery. By combining fundamental research with translational engineering, we develop efficient and scalable technologies for the production of sustainable chemicals, biofuels, lipids, pigments, and other bio-based products.

Through the engineering of robust microbial cell factories and economically viable bioprocesses, our laboratory aims to transform low-value waste streams into valuable resources, contributing to resource efficiency, environmental sustainability, and the advancement of a circular bioeconomy.

Pretreatment, Hydrolysis, and Bioconversion

We develop integrated biorefinery technologies for the sustainable conversion of lignocellulosic biomass and PET plastic waste into value-added products. Our research focuses on efficient pretreatment, chemical and enzymatic hydrolysis, biomass fractionation, and microbial bioconversion to maximize resource utilization. A major emphasis is placed on the valorization of lignin into renewable aromatic chemicals through chemical, catalytic, and biological conversion pathways. We also develop chemo-biological and microbial platforms for the upcycling of PET waste into high-value products, advancing a circular plastics economy.

Metabolic Engineering

We engineer microbial cell factories using advanced genome engineering tools to enhance the biosynthesis of high-value products. Our work focuses on microbial strains, particularly Rhodococcus and other indigenous microbial isolates, for the production of high-value pigments, lipids, muconic acid, itaconic acid, and other bio-based chemicals from renewable and waste-derived feedstocks.

Bioprocess Development

We design, optimize, and scale bioprocesses for sustainable biomanufacturing through process optimization. Our research aims to improve the titer, rate, and yield (TRY) of bio-based production through strain–process co-optimization, enabling economically viable and industrially scalable manufacturing of renewable chemicals and bioproducts.