Model guided design of advanced microalgae production systems. This project aims to improve the efficiency of advanced single-celled green algae (microalgae) production systems which can produce a wide range of high-value products including renewable fuels and animal feeds. Such systems are able to expand photosynthetic capacity onto non-arable land using carbon dioxide and saline water. However, production efficiencies and costs are currently limited by the ability to capture and distribute lig ....Model guided design of advanced microalgae production systems. This project aims to improve the efficiency of advanced single-celled green algae (microalgae) production systems which can produce a wide range of high-value products including renewable fuels and animal feeds. Such systems are able to expand photosynthetic capacity onto non-arable land using carbon dioxide and saline water. However, production efficiencies and costs are currently limited by the ability to capture and distribute light through these systems effectively. This project aims to optimise methods of light delivery and distribution through photo-bioreactors and high rate ponds. This knowledge is intended to be integrated into advanced modelling tools to enable model-guided design of next-generation high-efficiency systems.Read moreRead less
Molecular Resolution 3D Atlas of the Photosynthetic Machinery. The project aims to produce an atomic-resolution 3-D atlas of the photosynthetic machinery of single-cell green algae to guide the targeted engineering of high efficiency algae production cell lines and bio-inspired artificial solar fuel systems. Photosynthesis drives the first step of all algae production processes by capturing solar energy and converting it to chemical energy (for example sustainable fuels, food and high value prod ....Molecular Resolution 3D Atlas of the Photosynthetic Machinery. The project aims to produce an atomic-resolution 3-D atlas of the photosynthetic machinery of single-cell green algae to guide the targeted engineering of high efficiency algae production cell lines and bio-inspired artificial solar fuel systems. Photosynthesis drives the first step of all algae production processes by capturing solar energy and converting it to chemical energy (for example sustainable fuels, food and high value products), but excess light can cause photodamage. Microalgae have evolved intricate photo-protection mechanisms that can dissipate up to 90 per cent of the captured light energy. Fine-tuning the light harvesting complexes could considerably increase efficiency.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE130100040
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$450,000.00
Summary
Integrated Greenhouse Gas Measurement System (IGMS) for monitoring agricultural emissions at field to regional scales. Measurement of greenhouse gases is critical to Australia’s obligations to reduce carbon emissions. The measurement facility will provide urgently needed accurate emission data from Australian agriculture to establish emission baselines and develop methods to extend the point-scale measurements to whole farm, regional and national scales.
Algal direct-air CO2 capture through interfacial enzyme immobilisation . Capturing CO2 directly from the atmosphere is challenging due to inherently slow mass transfer kinetics. This project aims to overcome this using an enzyme that can rapidly solubilise CO2 from air into water, to produce algae. By engineering the enzyme immobilisation at the air-water interface, this project will activate and protect the enzymes, increasing their lifespan and reducing costs. By understanding mass transfer an ....Algal direct-air CO2 capture through interfacial enzyme immobilisation . Capturing CO2 directly from the atmosphere is challenging due to inherently slow mass transfer kinetics. This project aims to overcome this using an enzyme that can rapidly solubilise CO2 from air into water, to produce algae. By engineering the enzyme immobilisation at the air-water interface, this project will activate and protect the enzymes, increasing their lifespan and reducing costs. By understanding mass transfer and enzyme activity in the interfacial immobilisation media, floating enzyme rafts can be developed for deployment over expansive areas, facilitating large-scale conversion of atmospheric CO2 into algae-derived fuels, feeds and chemicals.Read moreRead less
Atomically Thin 3d Transition Metal Electrocatalysts for Water Splitting. The current industrial-scale hydrogen productions are reliant on high temperature steam reforming fossil fuels, consuming large quantity of energy and fossil resources, and emitting huge amounts of CO2. This project aims to develop cheap and plentiful transition metal-based high performance water splitting electrocatalysts, enabling economically viable large-scale water electrolytic hydrogen production driven by renewable ....Atomically Thin 3d Transition Metal Electrocatalysts for Water Splitting. The current industrial-scale hydrogen productions are reliant on high temperature steam reforming fossil fuels, consuming large quantity of energy and fossil resources, and emitting huge amounts of CO2. This project aims to develop cheap and plentiful transition metal-based high performance water splitting electrocatalysts, enabling economically viable large-scale water electrolytic hydrogen production driven by renewable electricity. A theory-guided catalyst approach will be used to guide the efficient design and development of high performance electrocatalysts. The success of the project will lead to a suit of high performance water splitting electrocatalysts, leaping forward water electrolytic hydrogen production technology.Read moreRead less
Utilising novel Pongamia trees to decarbonise Australia’s beef value-chain. Progress towards a carbon neutral beef industry typically focusses on nutritional strategies, overlooking potential innovations in farming system configuration. This project aims to develop a framework for the integration of Pongamia into beef production systems, so that not only emissions reductions are maximised, but also to support carbon capture and farm system resilience. This project seeks to determine the impact o ....Utilising novel Pongamia trees to decarbonise Australia’s beef value-chain. Progress towards a carbon neutral beef industry typically focusses on nutritional strategies, overlooking potential innovations in farming system configuration. This project aims to develop a framework for the integration of Pongamia into beef production systems, so that not only emissions reductions are maximised, but also to support carbon capture and farm system resilience. This project seeks to determine the impact of Pongamia meal on cattle production efficiency, meat quality and methane emissions. Through quantification of carbon sequestration potential in tree plantations, whole-farm modelling will elucidate production scenarios capable of achieving the reductions needed for a carbon neutral Australian beef industry.Read moreRead less
HoliCOW - A holobiont strategy to uncover the core microbiome in cows. Human population growth is driving a rise in cattle production for food, which necessitates sustainable practices that simultaneously optimise animal nutrition while reducing methane emissions, a critical greenhouse gas. This project aims to unravel and exploit biological connections across the cow holobiont, which pertains to the feed cows eat, their bodily function and the microbes in their rumen. This project will leverage ....HoliCOW - A holobiont strategy to uncover the core microbiome in cows. Human population growth is driving a rise in cattle production for food, which necessitates sustainable practices that simultaneously optimise animal nutrition while reducing methane emissions, a critical greenhouse gas. This project aims to unravel and exploit biological connections across the cow holobiont, which pertains to the feed cows eat, their bodily function and the microbes in their rumen. This project will leverage multi-layered molecular data derived from the cow holobiont to identify, characterise and ultimately control the core rumen microbiome that causes methane production in animals. The outcome will be new knowledge to facilitate microbiome-based interventions that benefit animal production and reduce its carbon footprint.Read moreRead less