RESEARCH AND PROJECTS
What I’ve Explored
ENHANCING BIOSYNTHESIS THROUGH GENETICALLY ENGINEERED CELLS (2021)
Research and Laboratory Investigation
Biosynthesis-based processes can be a greener and more sustainable alternative to traditional production processes for a range of everyday products from vitamins to jeans. To enhance biosynthesis, it is often desirable to use genetic modification to introduce co-factors or coenzymes into cells. Iron-sulfur (Fe-S) clusters assist electron transfer, gene expression, and DNA replication/repair and are a highly desirable coenzyme. Since IscA is a key protein in the biogenesis of Fe-S clusters, the goal was to prove that we can genetically design a plasmid and then heat shock yeast cells to uptake the plasmid and create IscA. In the lab, these genetically modified cells were successfully grown and IscA was proven to have been successfully synthesized and sustained through gel electrophoresis. This demonstrates a promising avenue for incorporating cofactors into cells to improve bio-synthesis.
BIOSYNTHESIS OF BIOTIN (2021)
Literature Review
Biotin is one of the essential vitamins, but its production is challenging, making biotin unaffordable for the poor. Various methods to biosynthesize biotin were explored, focusing on their potential to improve the process from the economic and sustainability point of view. Genetically engineered E.coli was found to be able to bioproduce biotin, but further research is needed to see if a cofactor molecule can further improve the process. Biotin bioproduction utilizing yeast and bacteria has shown promise with certain bacteria strains and eliminates hazardous chemicals, but additional research is needed to develop an optimal process.
BIOFUELS FOR TOMORROW (2020)
Literature Review
Microalgae are seen as promising candidates as future renewable energy sources. However, their production is challenging as it’s not cost-efficient, too energy-intensive, and not environmentally sustainable. One possible improvement is to tailor microalgae for efficient biofuel production by reducing some molecules in the antenna complex to allow more light transmission and thus increase biomass. Another initiative is to use Mg2+ to manipulate carboxylase to increase lipid production in microalgae cells which have seen improvements by up to 50%. While further research is still required, this suggests that there is potential to eventually make microalgae biofuels more sustainable and cost-effective and become a viable green energy source.
GREEN INFINITY MASK™ (2020)
Entrepreneurship Project
The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the need for improved masks that are more effective, versatile, and environmentally friendly. The Green Infinity Maskâ„¢ was designed based on user feedback and a prototype was successfully developed to demonstrate its reusability and unique flexi-filtration system. Conducted market research and developed a business case taking into account market sizing, competition, pricing, sales channels, and initial investments to demonstrate commercial potential.