Research

Research Theme

We work on the metabolic engineering of microbes for efficient expression of recombinant proteins and metabolites. Currently, our research is focused on the Pathway manipulation of cell factories for sustainable growth and production on crude renewable carbon sources. Optimization of process parameters in the bioreactor level for maximizing the productivity of platform chemical commodities. Developing the mathematical models to understand the genotype-phenotype relationship of cell factories.

Research Scope

The scholars and students work on the microbial conversion of a diverse range of waste feedstocks, including sugarcane bagasse, napier grass, apple pomace and orange peels, water hyacinth, molasses, crude glycerol, waste cooking oil, fish protein, seashell waste, food waste, and bakery waste. These raw materials serve as cost-effective substrates for the production of lactic acid and other organic acids, xylitol, glucose, xylose, and reducing sugars, which are widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, and biopolymer industries s platform chemicals, and can also be used as a feedstock for growth and maintenance of other microbes. The lab delves in pretreatment strategies, enzymatic hydrolysis, and fermentation optimization allows us to maximize yield and efficiency, ensuring industrial feasibility.

The research extends to the production of high titers of commercially important enzymes, such as glucoamylase, cellulase, xylanase, pectinase, laccase, and many more, These enzymes have applications in biofuel production, food processing, textile industry, as well as waste degradation and valorization. Advanced fermentation strategies are employed, along with media optimization, and genetic modifications to enhance enzyme productivity, stability, and cost-effectiveness.

In addition to biochemicals and enzymes, microbial lipid production for biodiesel applications, as well as the synthesis of industrial pigments using engineered yeast strains is also another area of interest. Fermentation optimization and metabolic engineering leads to the enhancement in lipid accumulation offering sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based and pigments, which are well recognized as high value chemicals.

To achieve high-efficiency bioproduction, metabolic pathway analysis, bioprocess optimization, and non-linear modeling with bioreactor scale-up studies are often integrated. The team employs statistical design of experiments (DOE), Taguchi optimization, and adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) to enhance strain robustness and improve productivity. Additionally, CO₂ utilization strategies are also being explored to enhance product yields and contribute to carbon-neutral fermentation processes.

By integrating circular bioprocessing principles, the research work aligns with global sustainability goals, reducing dependence on fossil-based resources while efficiently valorizing waste. The research in BPD Lab is aimed at bridging the gap between laboratory-scale innovation and industrial-scale implementation, making biorefineries a viable solution for renewable biochemical production, green chemistry, and sustainable industrial biotechnology.