Biocatalytic Approaches to the Synthesis and Recycling of Silicone Polymers

About the Project

In synthetic chemistry, there has been increasing prominence in the use of engineered enzymes to execute chemical transformations. These biocatalysts are attractive since they offer highly efficient synthesis in terms of yields and selectivity, together with an inherent environmental sustainability stemming from a minimal reliance on halogenated or metallic feedstocks.

This project will involve the investigation of biocatalytic systems in organosilicon chemistry, using enzymes from a marine sponge. These enzymes, termed the silicateins, are uniquely interesting as they catalyse a reaction that is rare in living systems, the formation of Si-O bonds. Harnessing the ability to form (and hydrolyse) these bonds in organosilicon molecules with a high level of control would be both eco-friendly, economically valuable and enable a new range of synthetic reactions.

In particular, this research will investigate the application of these enzymes for the synthesis and deconstruction of polysiloxane ‘silicone’ polymers. These silicones offer physicochemical properties that cannot be matched by conventional purely organic polymers, and have found widespread use in a range of industrial and consumer applications including as lubricants, antifoaming agents, coatings, and as formulation additives in medical and personal care products. However, their synthesis entails a large environmental footprint, and there is currently no viable method for their recycling.

The research is aimed at applying these enzymes for the synthesis and deconstruction of these silicones. The mechanisms of the polymerisation (and depolymerisation) will be investigated, to inform the design of the desired reactions. In parallel, mutagenic enzyme engineering will undertaken to optimise the enzymes for these applications.

The successful candidate should have an interest in one or more of the following areas: bioorganic chemistry, main group chemistry, polymer chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology or enzymology; and is interested in developing a range of new skills. This work will equip the successful candidate expertise that are critical for the industrial biotechnology sector – the ability to rationally engineer new, high-value biocatalysts through fundamental insights in biomolecular structure and chemical reactivity.

The successful candidate will join a growing team of multidisciplinary researchers from a range of backgrounds in chemistry and biology. The research is based at the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology (www.mib.ac.uk) and offers state-of-the-art laboratories, instrumentation and facilities. Informal enquiries can be directed at the supervisor Dr. Lu Shin Wong (research.manchester.ac.uk/en/persons/l.s.wong).

Eligibility

Applicants must have (or expect to achieve) at least an upper second class honours degree, or the equivalent, from a reputable institution; in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, or related subject.

Funding

At Manchester we offer a range of scholarships, studentships and awards at university, faculty and department level, to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers applying for competition and self-funded projects.

For more information, visit our funding page or search our funding database for specific scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor for this project before you apply. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.

How to apply

Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.

Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:

• Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
• Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
• CV
• Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it).
• Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
• English Language certificate (if applicable)

Applications will remain open until the post has been filled.