Greenhouse gas emissions, mostly CO2, have increased continuously over the last decades due to human activities. The production and use of energy (e.g. burning fossil fuels) is the largest source of these emissions. The accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is causing negative impacts on the environment, namely the phenomena of climate change.
Carbonic anhydrase is one of the fastest enzymes in the world and catalyzes the conversion of CO2 to bicarbonate. Carbonic anhydrases are therefore highly interesting enzymes to capture CO2 which can be derived from waste stream thus contributing to the reduction of overall CO2 emissions.
The aim of this thesis is the heterologous expression and characterization of carbonic anhydrases. Therefore, different methods from molecular biotechnology and biochemistry will be applied.
Methods:
- Literature research
- Recombinant expression in E. coli
- Purification by affinity chromatography
- SDS-PAGE
- Enzyme assay
- Interpretation of results
Basic Information:
Start: Immediately
Duration: ~ 6 months
Location: IFA Tulln – Institute of Environmental Biotechnology
Offer: Financial support (~ 400 €/month)
International work environment, friendly atmosphere, work computer etc.
Skills: Background in microbiology, biotechnology, biochemistry or similar
Ability to work independently under supervision
Contact: Doris Ribitsch, doris.ribitsch@boku.ac.at, (+43 1 47654 97487)