Sarita Shrestha - Biotechnology PhD Defense on April 17 at 9 am

The Biotechnology PhD candidate, Sarita Shrestha will present her research: Bioconversion of Agricultural Residues into Value-added Products by Pectinase-producing Bacteria and Expression of Pectinase Gene in E. coli for Biomass Valorization.

The world’s population is continuously increasing and waste production too. Thus, there has been a great challenge to reduce waste production that pollutes the environment, including air, water, and soil contamination which further creates adverse health effects such as eye infections, skin infections, gastrointestinal tract infections, and respiratory tract infections. Therefore, an effective disposal policy/method or waste management should be sought out. Conversely, microorganisms can exploit organic waste to produce value-added products, including enzymes, bioactive compounds, pectin, and more. The hydrolyzing enzymes such as pectinases, in turn, enhance juice, oil extraction, and plant biomass degradation. In addition, those agricultural wastes can be utilized for pectin, bioactive compound extraction, immobilization of bacteria, the adsorption of dye, compost production, and as the substrate for enzymes and reducing sugar production, which further can be used for various value-added products and bioethanol production. Overall, my study aims to utilize agro-wastes as substrate, indirectly leading to decreased environmental pollution, global warming, and related health issues. Ultimately, this study contributes to the bioconversion of waste into wealth by preserving the environment, economic and technological advancement, and health policy development.

Monday, April 17, 2023
9:00 am
CB 4058

Committee Members: Dr. Wensheng Qin, (supervisor), Dr. Jinqiang Hou, Dr. Jinwen Chen, Dr. Chengbo Yang (external), and Dr. Ahmed Elshaer (chair)

Everyone is welcome

For more information contact Brenda Magajna at phd.ses@lakeheadu.ca