Cyanobacterial biofilms for photoelectrochemistry
- Supervisors: Prof Conrad Mullineaux (primary) and Dr Ana Sobrido (SEMS, secondary)
- Funding: EPSRC studentship
- Deadline: 2nd March 2022
The folllowing fully-funded PhD studentship is available in the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences with an expected start date of September 2022.
Research environment
The School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences at Queen Mary is one of the UK’s elite research centres, according to the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF). We offer a multi-disciplinary research environment and have approximately 150 PhD students working on projects in the biological and psychological sciences. Our students have access to a variety of research facilities supported by experienced staff, as well as a range of student support services.
Training and development
Our PhD students become part of Queen Mary’s Doctoral College which provides training and development opportunities, advice on funding, and financial support for research. Our students also have access to a Researcher Development Programme designed to help recognise and develop key skills and attributes needed to effectively manage research, and to prepare and plan for the next stages of their career.
Project description
Cyanobacteria are versatile photosynthetic prokaryotes whose metabolism is based on the extraction of electrons from water coupled to the reduction of CO2 to produce sugars. They are capable of direct electron export/import from their environment and therefore they have remarkable potential as a versatile component of systems for light-powered bioelectrochemistry. This project will address one of the key practical considerations in the development of such systems: how to assemble stable biofilms of cyanobacterial cells for bioelectrochemistry. Many cyanobacteria can adhere to surfaces using a combination of fibrous protein appendages called Type IV pili (T4P) and a sticky matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS, which is mainly polysaccharide slime). We will use two model cyanobacteria: the unicellular Synechocystis sp PCC6803 and the filamentous, nitrogen-fixing Anabaena (Nostoc) sp PCC7120. By genetic manipulation of both the T4P and EPS production we will tailor cells for biofilm formation on different surfaces in order to enable bioelectrochemical applications. The supports for the biofilms will be prepared by using electrospinning, a versatile technique that enables a fine control of the surface and structural characteristics by adjusting the processing parameters. This will give the student a wide variety of scenarios to explore what conditions and properties of the substrate are the optimal for the deposition and growth of the biofilm. This will be followed for electrochemical characterisation of the biofilm studying different relevant reactions under light irradiation, including CO2 reduction and H2 generation. The supervision team combines Prof Mullineaux’s expertise in cyanobacterial molecular biology, photosynthesis and adhesion with Dr Sobrido’s expertise on the synthesis and processing of sustainable materials for energy conversion and storage applications.
Funding
This studentship is funded by EPSRC. It will cover tuition fees, and provide an annual tax-free maintenance allowance for 3.5 years at the Research Council rate (£17,609 in 2021/22).
International (including EU) applicants are eligible for UK tuition fees via the EPSRC DTP award; however international fees are substantially higher. We are able to recruit a limited number of international students to the programme in line with EPSRC guidance (maximum 30% of intake). Due to this cap, we are unable to guarantee places to any/all international applicants.
Eligibility and applying
Applications are invited from outstanding candidates with or expecting to receive a first or upper-second class honours degree in an area relevant to the project, such as microbiology or biochemistry. A masters degree is desirable, but not essential. Applicants should have demonstrable ability and enthusiasm for experimental research.
Applicants from outside of the UK are required to provide evidence of their English language ability. Please see our English language requirements page for details.
Informal enquiries about the project can be sent to Prof Conrad Mullineaux (c.mullineaux@qmul.ac.uk). Formal applications must be submitted through our online form by the stated deadline including a CV, personal statement and qualifications.
The School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences is committed to promoting diversity in science; we have been awarded an Athena Swan Silver Award. We positively welcome applications from underrepresented groups.
http://hr.qmul.ac.uk/equality/
https://www.qmul.ac.uk/sbbs/about-us/athenaswan/