The catalytic degradation of plastics and synthesis of new polymer precursors from biomass

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There is currently significant interest in identifying solutions for dealing with plastic waste, and for the generation of new bio-derived plastics. The key aims of this project are to develop novel bio-catalytic methods to degrade plastics and use the fragments generated in synthetic applications. Also, to use new biological catalysts to convert chemical building blocks from sustainable biomass sources into polymer precursors. To achieve this, the PhD student will design and explore novel bio-catalysts for the degradation of plastics such as PET and screen reactions via colorimetric assays and analytical methods. Also, they will characterise the plastic degradation products formed and investigate biological chemistry, synthetic chemistry and synthetic biology methods to use the fragments formed. Furthermore, they will develop novel biological catalysts for use in reaction cascades to convert sugars from biomass into new polymer precursors to access new materials. This project falls within the catalysis, biological chemistry, synthetic biology and polymer materials EPSRC research themes.