2021 Invitation to Apply for MSc

This project will investigate the enzymatic conversion of CO₂ to formic acid / formate in an attempt to address the low product value of traditional CO₂ utilization. Initial investigations will focus on determining the efficiency of host cells Syntrophobacter fumaroxidans and Candida boidinii to produce FDH enzymes with sufficient density and activity to convert CO₂ to formate at high yields and selectivity. The influence of reaction conditions such as temperature and the availability of the reducing agent NADH on enzyme activity will also be investigated. This study will lay the foundation for the development of an energy efficient process for the biocatalytic conversion of CO₂ to products of value.