BioNoCo - Biocatalysis Using Non-Conventional Media (GRK 1166)

   

Key Research Areas

The Graduate Research Training Group supports young researchers who wish to specialize in biocatalysis, an interdisciplinary field of research at the crossroads of biology, chemistry, and process technology.

Biocatalysis is gaining in significance as it helps to make the building blocks of pharmaceutical ingredients and fine chemicals much more accessible. In this context, there is a significant development potential for the combination of bio catalysts with unconventional, i.e. largely non-aqueous, media.

In our research programme we work on the basics of the use of bio catalysts in non-conventional media and investigate the mechanisms of enzyme deactivation. The results of this research are to be used in the adaptation of biocatalysts.

In an integrated approach, experts in biology, chemistry, and engineering will join forces to identify, optimize and document technologically relevant biocatalyzed reactions which benefit from the use of non-conventional media.

At the same time, test systems will be developed which are capable of accurately representing the special conditions in non-conventional media on a small scale. The results and methods arrived at shall lead to a thorough understanding of processes in the reaction systems and, in the longer term, facilitate the systematic development of suitable biocatalysts and processes.

Education & Training of Doctoral Candidates

All projects will be supervised by representatives from two chairs, and a programme of lectures and seminars will complement the students' research activities. As part of the programme, guest researchers will be invited to provide the relevant background and methods for research in this interdisciplinary field.

In order to foster the students' ability to carry out independent research and communicate their ideas and research results, participants are expected to organize seminars, work shops and mini-symposia in which they give presentations on and discuss their research projects.

Furthermore, our PhD students are encouraged to participate in international conferences where they can present their research results and learn how to prepare scientific publications and reports.

In addition, doctoral candidates participate in training sessions to develop a wide range of key competencies and transferable skills, such as communication skills, personal effectiveness, etc.

Spokesperson

Spokesperson for the Group is Professor Jochen Büchs from the Chair of Biochemical Engineering (BioVT) at RWTH Aachen University.