Project Info

Investigating Regulation of the MEP Pathway in Cyanobacteria for Limonene Production

With increasing levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, it is important that we develop more sustainable sources of fuels and chemicals. We have engineered a cyanobacterim to convert carbon dioxide directly to limonene, a precursor for jet fuel. To increase the production of limonene in this strain, we must redirect carbon from other metabolic pathways to the MEP pathway. We will use isotope assisted metabolic flux analysis to help us develop a rational engineering approach.

Elucidate the interdisciplinary nature of the project

This project lies at the interface between biology and engineering; we will use engineering tools to alter the metabolism of the cell. It require knowledge of both disciplines.

More Information

metabolism.mines.edu

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4126464/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1096717601901879?via%3Dihub

Grand Engineering Challenge: Develop carbon sequestration methods

Student Preparation

Qualifications

The student should have already completed CBEN 201, CBEN 110, CHGN 428

This will provide the student with the basic foundation skills required to understand the project and be successful

Time Commitment

40 (10 hrs/week)

Skills/Techniques Gained

Aseptic technique, cell culture, rapid sampling and quenching of metabolism, extraction of metabolites, analytical chemistry , data analysis and written and oral reporting.

Mentoring Plan

Students will attend group meeting every week where they will present their progress and plan for the next week. Every semester they are required to formally present their project at group meeting and prepare a written report to summarize their work during the semester. My door is always open to the students in my lab and they are free to stop by to talk about other issues as well. I encourage them to participate in local and regional research conferences and I also develop personalized mentoring plans to help them achieve their goals. I have helped the students in my lab obtain internships, REU positions and full time positions.