Bio Process Research Laboratory

Faculty:
Dr. Michael Gyamerah
Tel: (936) 261-9408
Email: migyamerah@pvamu.edu

The research focus of my research in the bioprocess research laboratory is addressing fundamental problems of applied microbial biochemistry and biochemical engineering. My research areas of research interest may be grouped under the following:

• Production of biofuels from renewable feedstocks
• Applied biocatalysis involving the use of recombinant microbial catalysts for aryl oxidations in biphasic media, and biotransformations for synthesis of chiral synthons for the chemical and pharmaceutical industries
• Bioprocessing strategies for improving heterologous protein production by filamentous fungi

Research Interest:

• Production of biofuels:
  • Bioethanol production by fermentation, lipase and microbial catalyzed production of biodiesel, production of biofuels from renewable feedstocks including kinetics of biomass pyrolysis to bio-oil, effect of ionic liquids on co-fermentation of glucose, xylose and arabinose to bio-ethanol by recombinant Zymomonas mobilis using ionic liquid hydrolysed biomass
• Applied biocatalysis:
  • Recombinant microbial catalysts for aryl oxidations in biphasic media, and biotransformations for synthesis of chiral synthons

• Production of bio-active proteins:
  • Bioprocessing strategies for improving production of bio-active therapeutic proteins using recombinant Aspergillus niger expressing the bio-active gene product

Current Research Projects:

• Production of biofuels:
  • Characterization, stabilization and development of catalytic conversion processes for upgrading bio-oil (pyrolysis oil) to transportation fuels
  • Kinetics and process development of lipase and alkali catalyzed production of biodiesel by transesterification of nonedible seed oils and methanol
  • Extraction and characterization of triglycerides from non-edible seed oils for biodiesel and high performance fuel additives production
  • Bioethanol production by fermentation of ionic liquids hydrolyzed lignocellulosic biomass fermentable sugars using recombinant Zymomonas mobilis

Major Research Equipment:
Environmental Shaker (Innova)
Gas Chromatograph with autosampler (Perkin Elmer/Shimadzu)
Microcentrifuge Refrigerate
Sieve Shaker
Bio-fermentor
BioSafety Cabinet
HPHT Pressure Reactor
Centrifuge (Avanti-J20XP)
Ultra High Temperature Generator

Mailing Address:
Department of Chemical Engineering
P.O. Box 519, MS 2505
Prairie View, TX 77446

By Phone or Email:
Email: chlove@pvamu.edu
Telephone: 936-261-9400
Fax: 936-261-9419

Physical Address:
Campus Map (Building 36)
Department of Chemical Engineering
C.L. Wilson, Room 200
550 Anne Preston Street
Prairie View, TX 77446