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Project Overview

Project Code: LS 06

Project name:

Biocatalytic degradation of polyolefin plastics

TUM Department:

LS - School of Life Sciences

TUM Chair / Institute:

Functional Materials for Food Packaging

Research area:

Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Polymer Science, Chemistry

Student background:

BiochemistryBiologyBiotechnologyChemistry

Further disciplines:

Planned project location:

Research Group Functional Materials for Food Packaging - Prof. Dr. Stephen Schrettl
TUM Weihenstephan Campus
Maximus-von-Imhof-Forum 2
85354 Freising

Project Supervisor - Contact Details


Title:

Dr. rer. nat.

Given name:

Giulia

Family name:

Chiapparini

E-mail:

giulia.chiapparini@tum.de

Phone:

+49 (0)8161-71-3780

Additional Project Supervisor - Contact Details


Title:

Given name:

Verena

Family name:

Wolfarth

E-mail:

verena.wolfarth@tum.de

Phone:

+49 (0)8161-71-3780

Additional Project Supervisor - Contact Details


Title:

Given name:

Family name:

E-mail:

Phone:

Project Description


Project description:

Plastic waste is becoming an increasing danger to ecosystems as well as plants, animals, and human health. Notably, polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene constitute a substantial portion of the annual plastics production. Despite their prevalence and intense research efforts, the current recycling technologies for these materials remain inadequate.
The potential utilization of biological processes to break down plastics has been increasingly considered as a viable strategy for enhancing the recycling systems' effectiveness and addressing pollution in contaminated areas. Numerous insects, fungi, and microorganisms have been identified as having the capability to break down polyolefins; however, the intricacies of the degradation process remain elusive.
The project is focused on investigating the capacity of various organisms and enzymes to degrade polyolefins and related substances such as alkanes and waxes. To achieve this, we will employ methods involving the assessment of aliphatic chain cleavage, which helps identify organisms with the potential for degradation. Proteins of interest are selected based on proteomics data and subsequently cloned into a suitable host for heterologous expression. The resulting proteins are then purified using preparative chromatography. Following this purification step, a diverse range of assays are utilized to analyze the rate, effectiveness, and resulting byproducts of the degradation process.
The detailed project will be developed in close cooperation with the selected applicants.

Working hours per week planned:

40

Prerequisites


Required study level minimum (at time of TUM PREP project start):

2 years of bachelor studies completed

Subject related:

Other:

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