BioDyes - expanding the scope of renewed and renewable textiles (Ref: CG-AC-2522)

About the Project

Enzymatic modification of textiles enables novel dying processes, alongside new dyerecycling possibilities. This project is a collaboration between Chemical Engineering, Materials, and the School for Creative Arts and Design, the latter of whom have developed novel enzyme-based dye processes. This project forms a wider circular-economy approach to textile and dye recycling to ensure increased sustainability in the sector.

As part of our team, you will use the latest automation techniques with these enzymatic processes, establishing high-throughput screening approaches that can feed into machinelearning based optimisation of the dying process. You will also undertake key chemical analyses to better understand the mechanisms of dye incorporation and recycling, alongside enzyme functionality. As the project is multidisciplinary, training will be provided as required. You will also have a range of opportunities to gain valuable transferrable skills (including through our doctoral college), network with international and industry partners, and be well-set up for a role in either industry, data science or academia at the end of the programme.

Name of primary supervisor/CDT lead:
Professor Anna K Croft a.k.croft@lboro.ac.uk

Name of secondary supervisor:
Dr Chetna Prajapati https://www.lboro.ac.uk/schools/design-creative-arts/people/chetna-prajapati/

Entry requirements:
Applicants should have at least, or expect to achieve, a 1st or good 2:1 MChem, MEng, or MSci or equivalent in an appropriate scientific or aligned creative discipline including substantial components of either chemistry, physics, computing, biology, or engineering, with a background in and passion for chemical sciences. You will join a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive research team at Loughborough led by Prof Anna K Croft and cosupervised by Dr Chetna Prajapati and Dr Fiona Hatton, with opportunities for collaboration with other internationally leading groups in academia and industry, and engagement with the creative sector.

English language requirements:
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website (http://www.lboro.ac.uk/international/applicants/english/).

Bench fees required: Yes - Bench fee value: 4000

Project search terms:
analytical chemistry, artificial intelligence, biochemistry, computational chemistry, creative arts & design, data analysis, machine learning, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, textiles