Biocatalysts for climate mitigation and a circular economy

Biorefining processes will play a major role in the bioeconomy paradigm urgently required to limit climate change. The sustainable use of renewable bioresources for the production of value added platform chemicals will make these conversions economically feasible. This will require the use of innovative catalysts in an integrated manner.
Photo of Dr. Sudip Rakshit, CRC in in Bioenergy and Biorefining Processes

Dr. Sudip rakshit

Canada research Chair in Bioenergy and Biorefining Processes (tier 1)


Areas of Research

  • Platform chemicals
  • Techno-economic analysis
  • Climate mitigation
  • Biocatalysts
  • Biorefining

Overview of Research

The major hurdle faced in scaling up laboratory based biorefining research outcomes to industrial scale is the competitive cost of production as compared to fossil resources based conventional routes. The recalcitrant nature of lignocellulosic polysaccharides and the complex nature of lignin results in high costs of pretreatment and breakdown (hydrolysis) to its monomeric form. Detailed techno-economic evaluation, simultaneous use of Life Cycle Analysis and monetization of environmental effects and integrated use of all three main constituents of biomass is being carried out in our labs to determine economically feasible large scale biorefining processes.

Photo of Dr. Sudip Rakshit and his research team.

Dr. Rakshit's research exemplifies Lakehead University's commitment to advancing the following United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

 UN SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean EnergyUN SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic GrowthUN SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and ProtectionUN SDG 13 - Climate ActionUN SDG 17 - Partnerships for Goals

Contact Information
Dr. Sudip Rakshit
Professor
Department of Chemical Engineering
Tel.: 807-343-8010 Ext. 8415