Projects
In vitro engineering of gut microbiomes from wood-eating beetles for the valorization of lignocellulosic biomass to value-added biochemicals KU Leuven
Residual lignocellulosic biomass from agriculture and forestry as a resource for the production of biomaterials, biochemicals and bioenergy, will be an important driver for the biobased circular economy. To produce materials and chemicals from lignocellulosic biomass, sustainable, energy-friendly and resource efficient conversion routes are needed. Wood-eating beetles are natural biorefineries for lignocellulosic biomass driven by host-gut ...
mERCATOR: Engineering Regenerative CAllus-Tissue ORganoids for compromised long bone defects KU Leuven
Independent living is an important part of healthy aging and is highly dependent on mobility and mental health. Mobility is largely determined by the musculoskeletal system, which deteriorates with age. In addition, the loss of mobility implies secondary morbidities such as obesity, type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease, leading to increased mortality. One of the most common reasons for hospitalization due to skeletal problems is bone ...
ECHO – Engineering Cupriavidus necator for the Hydrogen-efficient production of a pyrOne building block from industrial gas streams Ghent University
While polymers have become an indispensable part of our daily lives, the vast majority of current commercial polymers are still derived from fossil-based resources and thus contribute to climate change and global warming. Furthermore, their recalcitrant nature hinders biodegradation and leads to their accumulation in the environment. Biopolymers, which are biodegradable and derived from renewable and sustainable resources, could ...
Efficient biosynthesis of innovative branched sophorolipids through elucidation and engineering of the biosynthetic pathway. Ghent University
Bio-based surface-active agents (biosurfactants) are renewable and environmentally friendly alternatives for conventional fossil- and oleochemical based surfactants. In this project, the biosurfactants of interest are branched sophorolipids (BSL) produced by the basidiomycete yeast Pseudohyphozyma bogoriensis. These microbial biosurfactants have potential applications in amongst others the pharma, food and cosmetic sectors. However, BSL ...
Combining hybrid hydrogels with peptide conjugation for targeted cartilage tissue engineering Hasselt University
Characterization of the thermal exposure and material properties of concrete during the fire decay phase for performance-based structural fire engineering. Ghent University
Fires are a frequent threat for society. Structures are commonly designed to avoid collapse in the heating phase of the fire, allowing for safe evacuation. Structural stability in the decay phase is not considered. This is a problem for fire fighter safety, and from the perspective of sustainability and resilience (buildings are not designed to survive a fire). The idea of designing buildings for decay phase safety and post-fire usability has ...
A pre-targeted nanomedicine strategy for in vivo CD8+ T cell engineering. Ghent University
The goal of this project is to investigate a strategy to pre-target CD8+ T cells in vivo with a chemical moiety that allows for subsequent cellspecific delivery of nanoparticle-formulated therapeutics, functionalized with a complimentary reactive moiety on their surface using ultrafast covalent click chemistry. Via this technology, we aim to modulate T cells in vivo in the blood and in the tumor microenvironment.
Lignin engineering to improve lignocellulosic biomass processing efficiency Ghent University
Lignocellulosic biomass is of particular interest as a plant-based feedstock to produce biofuels, biochemicals and biomaterials. However, current lignocellulosic feedstock suffers from a relatively low processing efficiency, mainly because of the presence of the recalcitrant lignin polymer. To overcome this problem, biomass crops could be engineered to reduce their lignin levels. Two elements are key for a successful lignin engineering ...