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Post Graduate Candidates Postgraduate Research group in Bioprocess Technology, under the supervisor of Professor E.B Gueguim Kana, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu Natal. Gabriel Sanjo Aruwajoye (PhD Candidate - Microbiology) BSc Biochemistry (LAUTECH), BSc Hons Biochemistry (LAUTECH), MSc Biochemistry (Obafemi Awolowo University) Telephone: 033 260 6256 Email: [email protected] Brief Description of Research My research focuses on bioprocess development for bioethanol production from cassava peel wastes. Bioethanol as a renewable source of energy is considered as a suitable alternative to fossil fuel and offers cleaner combustion and low carbon emission. Cheap and renewable feedstock is however needed to lower bioethanol production cost while protecting food security. Cassava is a highly starchy crop that can generate a huge biomass for bioethanol production. Profitable utilization of cassava wastes for bioethanol can be achieved through several strategies at various stages of the production. Supervisor Prof E.B. Gueguim Kana Isaac Sanusi (PhD Candidate - Microbiology), BTech Microbiology (Federa University of Technology, Akura), MTech Environmental Microbiology Brief Description of Research I am investigating the possibility of enhancing Biofuel production (Bioethanol and Biohydrogen) using Nanoparticles and immobilized cell systems. I aim to understand and enhance the impact of various nanoparticle types on mass transfer efficiency in bioprocess and other cell metabolic channels for biofuel production. Supervisor Prof E.B. Gueguim Kana
Transcript of lifesciences.ukzn.ac.zalifesciences.ukzn.ac.za/Files/Postgard profiles SLS/PG... · Web...
Post Graduate Candidates
Postgraduate Research group in Bioprocess Technology, under the supervisor of Professor E.B Gueguim Kana, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu Natal.
Gabriel Sanjo Aruwajoye (PhD Candidate - Microbiology)
BSc Biochemistry (LAUTECH),BSc Hons Biochemistry (LAUTECH),MSc Biochemistry (Obafemi Awolowo University)
Telephone: 033 260 6256
Email: [email protected]
Brief Description of Research
My research focuses on bioprocess development for bioethanol production from cassava peel wastes. Bioethanol as a renewable source of energy is considered as a suitable alternative to fossil fuel and offers cleaner combustion and low carbon emission. Cheap and renewable feedstock is however needed to lower bioethanol production cost while protecting food security. Cassava is a highly starchy crop that can generate a huge biomass for bioethanol production. Profitable utilization of cassava wastes for bioethanol can be achieved through several strategies at various stages of the production.
SupervisorProf E.B. Gueguim Kana
Isaac Sanusi (PhD Candidate - Microbiology),
BTech Microbiology (Federa University of Technology, Akura),MTech Environmental Microbiology (Federa University of Technology, Akura)
Telephone: 0616181662
Email: [email protected]
Brief Description of Research
I am investigating the possibility of enhancing Biofuel production (Bioethanol and Biohydrogen) using Nanoparticles and immobilized cell systems. I aim to understand and enhance the impact of various nanoparticle types on mass transfer efficiency in bioprocess and other cell metabolic channels for biofuel production.
SupervisorProf E.B. Gueguim Kana
Yeshona Sewsynker (PhD Candidate - Microbiology)
BSc Microbiology (UKZN, PMB),BSc Hons Microbiology (UKZN, PMB)MSc Microbiology (UKZN, PMB),
Telephone: 033 260 6256
Email: [email protected]
Brief Description of Research
My PhD research focuses on the use of waste lignocellulosic biomass such as Corn Cobs for biofuel production. Application of waste biomass for biofuel production requires prior treatments in order to release fermentable sugar that may be utilized by microorganisms. The development of a cost-effective and environmental friendly pretreatment method for maximum reducing sugar yield from corn cobs has been achieved. Additionally, the kinetics of bioethanol production using this substrate is being investigated across bioprocess modes. My study paves the way for process scale up and commercialization of bioethanol from corn cob wastes.
SupervisorProf E.B. Gueguim Kana
Preshanthan Moodley (PhD Candidate - Microbiology)
BA Motion Picture Medium (AFDA),BA Hons Motion Picture Medium (AFDA),BSc Microbiology/Biochemistry (UKZN, PMB),BSc Hons Microbiology (UKZN, PMB),MSc Microbiology Cum laude (UKZN, PMB)
Telephone: 033 260 6256
Email: [email protected]
Brief Description of Research
My research focuses on the development of pretreatment strategies for agricultural wastes such as sugarcane leaves using metal chloride salts, to enhance the enzymatic digestibility and improve the release of sugars. Bioprocess development for bioethanol production from these sugars is another aspect I’m looking into, with emphasis on kinetic studies, reactor configuration and techno economic assessment. My findings will provide novel strategies for economically viable biofuel production processes from agricultural wastes.
SupervisorProf E.B. Gueguim Kana
Kimberley Bruce (MSc Candidate - Microbiology)
BSc Genetics & Microbiology Cum laude (UKZN, PMB),BSc Hons Microbiology (UKZN, PMB),
Telephone: 033 260 6256
Email: [email protected]
Brief Description of Research
Strategies for Enhancing Biofuel Production from Wastewaters: Multiple Substrates and Multiple Products
Multiple Substrate Approach:Co-substrate ratio optimization of three industrial wastewaters (domestic, dairy, and apple juice) for biohydrogen production. This strategy allows for nutrient balance to steer microbial metabolism towards hydrogen generation, thus increasing product yield.
Multiple Product Approach:Generation of biodiesel and bioethanol from microalgae cultivated on brewery wastewater. Microalgae produce neutral lipids and various sugars. Neutral lipids are extracted and converted to biodiesel; sugars are fermented by yeast to produce bioethanol. This strategy targets a complete valorization of all algal components, thus making industrial application more financially viable.
SupervisorProf E.B. Gueguim Kana
Mariam B.H. Khan (MSc Candidate - Microbiology)
BSc Biochemistry & Microbiology (UKZN, PMB),BSc Hons Microbiology (UKZN, PMB)
Telephone: 033 260 6256
Email: [email protected]
Brief Description of Research
M. B. Hassan Khan is currently a Masters student working on the design and implementation of novel bioreactor types for biofuel research and production. Her previous bioreactor which was designed and fabricated with 3D printed components has been published in International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. This design has been modified, scaled up and comparatively assessed with the standard Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor (CSTR) for various biofuels production. The new reactor aimed at optimizing immobilized fermentation reactions and has been assessed on dark fermentation for biohydrogen production. This novel design is expected to shorten the process development time for various biofuels and enhance their technoeconomics.
SupervisorProf EB Gueguim Kana
Zanenhlanhla Gumbi (MSc candidate - Microbiology)
BSc Microbiology & Biochemistry (UKZN, PMB),BSc Hons Microbiology (UKZN, PMB)
Telephone: 033 260 6256
Email: [email protected]
Brief Description of Research
Oleaginous microalgae are promising candidates for renewable energy production. My research focuseson microalgal biotechnology with emphasis on the production of lipids for biofuels and other commercially important microalgal products. Optimization of key parameters, using Artificial Intelligence and statistical techniques, for growth and product formation is a major aspect of my research. Additionally, I have been investigating novel more efficient microalgal harvesting techniques as well as efficient strategies for wastewater treatment using microalgae. I have a deep believe that the economic viability of microalgal biotechnology depends on the complete valorization of all algal components as well as strategic optimization at upstream and downstream stages.
SupervisorProf E.B. Gueguim Kana
Reisha Narine (MSc Candidate – Microbiology)
BSc Genetics and Microbiology (UKZN, PMB),BSc Hons Microbiology (UKZN, PMB),
Telephone: 033 391 4300 / 084 728 6689
Email: [email protected] / [email protected]
Brief Description of Research
My research focuses on bioenergy production from microalgae. I understand that solely improving microalgae growth rate or lipid content are unlikely to reduce production costs to prices competitive with petroleum based fuels. So, I have been investigating and optimizing novel algal harvesting approaches using magnetic nanoparticles. We have used Artificial Intelligence to develop a novel tool that can predict the microalgae harvesting efficiency on different magnetic nanoparticles. Additionally, I am investigating and optimizing a range of biological based transesterification processes to convert microalgae lipids into biodiesel fuel.My findings are expected to produce a more cost effective biodiesel fuel from microalgae lipid grown on wastewaters.
SupervisorProf E.B. Gueguim Kana
Caitlyn Sarawan (Hons Candidate - Microbiology)
BSc Genetics & Microbiology (UKZN, PMB)
Telephone: 076 763 3512
Email:[email protected]
Brief Description of ResearchLignocellulosic Biomass are excellent substrates for fermentative biofuels and bioproducts. However their use is challenged by the presence various fermentation inhibitor compounds such as acetic acid, furfural and 5-Hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF) which are formed during the thermal or chemical pretreatment.My research investigates and optimizes lowcost strategies to detoxify these pretreated lignocellulosic substrates prior to the fermentation process. My products of interest are biofuels among others. My expected contribution to knowledge will provide optimized lowcost strategies to reduce fermentation inhibitors and enhance product formation from microbial bioprocesses using lignocellulosic substrates.
SupervisorProf E.B. Gueguim Kana
Rowane Somaru (Hons Candidate - Microbiology)
BSc LES (UKZN, PMB)
Telephone: 033 260 6265
Email: [email protected]
Brief Description of Research
The cost of treatment of agricultural and industrial effluents has skyrocketed in recent time. Yet, these waste streams are rich in nutrients that can be converted into biofuel by microorganisms. But no single waste stream has all the necessary nutrients required for efficient microbial biofuel production.I am investigating the appropriate mixing strategy of agricultural and industrial wastes (corn husks, dairy wastewater and fruit wastes) using the mixed biomass concept for the production of second generation microbial bioethanol. My findings will provide an appropriate ratio combination of different waste streams for optimum production of ethanol biofuel, with the added advantage of waste treatment.
SupervisorProf E.B. Gueguim Kana
