Elucidating the genetic basis of newly evolved metabolic functions in yeast. Elucidating the genetic basis of newly evolved metabolic functions in yeast. This project intends to research how complex metabolic pathways originate and evolve. This project will use cutting edge genome sequencing and molecular techniques to elucidate the heritable genetic basis of Baker’s yeast, which has been the selectively evolved to use xylose as a sole carbon source: something vital for second generation biofuel ....Elucidating the genetic basis of newly evolved metabolic functions in yeast. Elucidating the genetic basis of newly evolved metabolic functions in yeast. This project intends to research how complex metabolic pathways originate and evolve. This project will use cutting edge genome sequencing and molecular techniques to elucidate the heritable genetic basis of Baker’s yeast, which has been the selectively evolved to use xylose as a sole carbon source: something vital for second generation biofuel production that wild yeast cannot do. This project will combine detailed molecular characterisation of highly adapted yeast strains with a novel "molecular palaeontology" approach to trace the evolutionary process and identify functionally significant loci under selection. Detailed characterisation of this trait will accelerate the development of future yeast strains and test fundamental evolutionary theories.Read moreRead less
Combustion Modelling and Control for Biomass Fuelled Boilers . This Project aims to improve the operation of bio-fuelled boilers in the sugar industry by using novel approaches to modelling and control of the combustion process. In the sugar industry, sugarcane residue is used as biofuel for boilers. The steam from the boilers is used to crystallise sugar and generate electricity, which is used to power machinery and is also exported to the grid. However, due to poor fuel consistency and poor c ....Combustion Modelling and Control for Biomass Fuelled Boilers . This Project aims to improve the operation of bio-fuelled boilers in the sugar industry by using novel approaches to modelling and control of the combustion process. In the sugar industry, sugarcane residue is used as biofuel for boilers. The steam from the boilers is used to crystallise sugar and generate electricity, which is used to power machinery and is also exported to the grid. However, due to poor fuel consistency and poor combustion conditions, critical problems arise that hinder production. Expected outcomes include: improved sugar production, safer operation of boilers, reduced downtime, and better electricity co-generation.
This will provide significant benefits to sugar manufacturing and biofuel energy generation in AustraliaRead moreRead less
Control strategies for Bagasse-fuelled boiler units. This project aims to improve sugar production and electricity cogeneration capabilities in the sugar industry by utilising novel control ideas for boiler units. In the sugar industry, sugarcane residue is used as biofuel for boiler units. Boilers use steam to crystallise sugar and generate electricity. However, variable steam demand and poor fuel consistency severely hinder production. The project aims to improve safe operation of boilers, red ....Control strategies for Bagasse-fuelled boiler units. This project aims to improve sugar production and electricity cogeneration capabilities in the sugar industry by utilising novel control ideas for boiler units. In the sugar industry, sugarcane residue is used as biofuel for boiler units. Boilers use steam to crystallise sugar and generate electricity. However, variable steam demand and poor fuel consistency severely hinder production. The project aims to improve safe operation of boilers, reduce downtime, and maximise electricity generated to the grid. This will provide significant benefits to sugar manufacturing and, more broadly, biofuel energy generation in Australia.Read moreRead less
In-situ catalytic upgrading of bio-oil using scrap tyre char. This project aims to develop advanced, cost-competitive catalysts based on scrap tyre char, an otherwise low-value by-product. These catalysts will be optimised for use in upgrading bio-oil derived from the pyrolysis of woody eucalyptus, an abundant biomass resource across Australia. The project is expected to promote the commercialisation of bio-oil production and enhance the valorisation of scrap tyre char. This is expected to reduc ....In-situ catalytic upgrading of bio-oil using scrap tyre char. This project aims to develop advanced, cost-competitive catalysts based on scrap tyre char, an otherwise low-value by-product. These catalysts will be optimised for use in upgrading bio-oil derived from the pyrolysis of woody eucalyptus, an abundant biomass resource across Australia. The project is expected to promote the commercialisation of bio-oil production and enhance the valorisation of scrap tyre char. This is expected to reduce the carbon footprint from Australian industry, and promote the recycling and reuse of waste scrap tyres.Read moreRead less
Developing eucalypt plantations for pharmaceutical flavanone production. The project aims to produce the tools and knowledge required to establish plantations of mallee eucalypts for the production of pinocembrin and structurally related flavanones. This is important because these flavanones have been shown to have a range of medicinal applications, including treatment of diseases of the central nervous system. The research plans to focus on producing and establishing trees with improved flavano ....Developing eucalypt plantations for pharmaceutical flavanone production. The project aims to produce the tools and knowledge required to establish plantations of mallee eucalypts for the production of pinocembrin and structurally related flavanones. This is important because these flavanones have been shown to have a range of medicinal applications, including treatment of diseases of the central nervous system. The research plans to focus on producing and establishing trees with improved flavanone content and growth rates, and on understanding the biochemical mechanisms that underlie flavanone production and structural modification. Expected outcomes include supporting the development of profitable plantations in rural Australia and the establishment of plantations more widely in southern Australia, especially on marginal land.Read moreRead less
Adding value to blue mallee plantations. The project aims to develop the tools and knowledge required for establishing and enhancing the profitability of plantations of blue mallee (Eucalyptus polybractea). This is important because mallees have considerable potential for sustainable essential oil and biomass production in low rainfall regions, and they can sequester considerable amounts of carbon in their below-ground parts. The project intends to produce trees with improved oil quality and yie ....Adding value to blue mallee plantations. The project aims to develop the tools and knowledge required for establishing and enhancing the profitability of plantations of blue mallee (Eucalyptus polybractea). This is important because mallees have considerable potential for sustainable essential oil and biomass production in low rainfall regions, and they can sequester considerable amounts of carbon in their below-ground parts. The project intends to produce trees with improved oil quality and yields through chromosome doubling and breeding, and to dissect the mechanisms that underpin essential oil production through the production of mutants and studies of the main monoterpene producing enzyme.Read moreRead less
Purification and bioactivity of legume protein as nutritional supplements . Lupin seed is a major Australian high protein legume crop, undervalued at only ~$200 tonne due to its use as an animal feed. However this project aims to add value to the crop by designing a scalable food-grade and commercialisable technology to purify the protein gamma-conglutin from lupin seed waste as a nutraceutical for human blood glucose control. The process optimisation and mechanism of action for gamma-congluti ....Purification and bioactivity of legume protein as nutritional supplements . Lupin seed is a major Australian high protein legume crop, undervalued at only ~$200 tonne due to its use as an animal feed. However this project aims to add value to the crop by designing a scalable food-grade and commercialisable technology to purify the protein gamma-conglutin from lupin seed waste as a nutraceutical for human blood glucose control. The process optimisation and mechanism of action for gamma-conglutin will be informed by proteomic analysis and cellular studies. From the project farmers may benefit through adding a premium to their crop value, a new gamma-conglutin purification technology will be available for processors to commercialise and consumers will have a natural product to help their blood glucose control.Read moreRead less
Biosolid flow, separation and activity in anaerobic lagoons. This project aims to develop a fundamental model of the complex, non-steady state flow behaviour in anaerobic lagoons. The project will develop new operating procedures and designs for large municipal, industrial and agricultural anaerobic lagoons. This will improve the efficiency of anaerobic digestion and reduce wastewater treatment costs, as well as increase renewable and sustainable biogas production. The intended outcome is a va ....Biosolid flow, separation and activity in anaerobic lagoons. This project aims to develop a fundamental model of the complex, non-steady state flow behaviour in anaerobic lagoons. The project will develop new operating procedures and designs for large municipal, industrial and agricultural anaerobic lagoons. This will improve the efficiency of anaerobic digestion and reduce wastewater treatment costs, as well as increase renewable and sustainable biogas production. The intended outcome is a validated 3D model that captures the physical and biological complexities of anaerobic lagoons. This will impact the design and operation of partner organisation lagoons, reducing capital and operating costs and improving biogas production.Read moreRead less
Improving production of essential oils from Australian trees. Production of essential oils from eucalypts and tea tree is an important rural industry in Australia but we are only a minor producer worldwide. Using new genetic discoveries about how plants make oils, this project will help the industry improve the yield and profitability from both eucalypts and tea tree and contribute new technologies to rural industry.
Profitable plantations of blue mallee for essential oil production. This project will develop the methods and knowledge required for establishing plantations of eucalypts (blue mallee) with very high and economically viable yields of eucalyptus oil. It is expected that the research will underpin an expansion of the essential oil industry both in Victoria and elsewhere in Australia.