Group – Kinetic and Fermentation System Design

INTRODUCTION

Kinetic and fermentation design is a group strategically established to support the objective of industrial biotechnology cluster which is to harness Malaysian natural resources for development of product and processes for benefit of society.  The group consists of expertise in the field of microbiology, chemistry, biochemistry, enzymology, fermentation technology, and bioprocess engineering.

The main focus of the group is in the enhancement of production of various microbial metabolites through the understanding of the biochemical and physiological aspects of the microbes involved as well as the design of fermentation system.  Design of a fermentation system takes into account the selection of suitable and low cost substrates, reaction of cells with the substrates, environment and the application of certain devices that enhance the cells potential and productivity.

 

RESEARCH FOCUS

Main focus of the group is on designing of fermentation system for:

  • Production of renewable energy (biobutanol, bioethanol, biohidrogen, biodiesel) using bacteria (Clostridium sp.) and microalgae (Chlorella sp., Nannochloropsis sp.) 
  • Production of biodegradable biopolymers – Microbial cellulose, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA); using Acetobacter sp. and Pseudomonas sp. 
  • Production of value added products from industrial waste (H2, bioethanol, flocculant from waste activated bleaching earth (wABE), industrial enzymes such as mannanase, cellulase, PUFA, EM)  
  • Production of modified chemicals through biotransformation process (eg. Primary and secondary alcohols from aldehyde and ketones by dehydrogenase from solventogenic bacteria; demethylated chemicals by demethylation reaction) 
  • Production of effective microbes (EM) for bioremediation of oil contaminated soil at large scale 
  • Production of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) ie gamma linolenic acid (GLA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA) using filamentous fungi and marine algae respectively

Development of fermentation systems are based on biochemistry and physiologic studies of the microbes involved. Kinetic studies involving material balances and stoichiometry of biochemical reactions are also applied as a basis for the design of a selected fermentation system. 

 

TEAM MEMBERS

Leader

  • Prof. Dr. Mohd Sahaid Hj Kalil

Members

  • Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aidil Abdul Hamid
  • Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nurina Anuar
  • Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fauzi Daud
  • Dr. Norliza Abd Rahman
  • Dr. Izyanti Ibrahim
  • Dr. Hassimi Abu Hassan

GROUP LEADER: PROF. DR. MOHD SAHAID HJ. KALIL

Department of Chemical and Process Engineering

Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

43600 Bangi, Selangor

Tel: 603-89216419

Email: sahaid@eng.ukm.my