Green chemistry is the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use or generation of hazardous substances. Hydrolytic enzymes, and in particular cutinases and lipases, are well-known biocatalysts that gained importance in polymer chemistry. They are potential green catalysts for degradation, functionalization and synthesis of various plastic materials, especially polyesters. In the course of this thesis the student will have the opportunity to work on an interdisciplinary project ranging from the recombinant production and purification of hydrolytic enzymes to the characterization and the exploration of the catalytic features of the biocatalyst in a lab scale.

We are looking for a motivated student with a bachelor’s degree interested in polymer applied enzymology that would like to broad his knowledge in microbiology, biotechnology and analytic techniques.Students can expect an international research group, inspiring working conditions and fun with science!

Prerequisite: University/FH students whose studies are related to chemistry, biotechnology or material science

Duration: 6-8 months

Start: as of now

Place: BOKU, IFA Tulln, Konrad‐Lorenz‐Straße 20, 3430 Tulln

Institute for Environmental Biotechnology, Biomaterial and Enzyme Technology, Prof. Gübitz

Contact: Alessandro Pellis (alessandro.pellis@boku.ac.at)

Caroline Gamerith (caroline.gamerith@acib.ac.at)