Marc Wijnants emeritus with assignment

Research Marc Wijnants

Research team

Application of agro-industrial side-streams for the investigation of triggering effects on very-long-chain fatty acid production by Rhodococcus strains and process optimization. 01/01/2018 - 31/12/2018

Abstract

Very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) are fatty acids with a chain length of more than 20 carbons. They represent a valuable class of chemicals which can be used in several industries. Nowadays, these are produced from vegetable oils and petrochemical feedstock. In order to make the VLCFA production more sustainable, microbial VLCFA synthesis by Rhodococcus species seems to be a perfect tool. Unfortunately, current knowledge on VLCFA production with Rhodococcus is limited. Therefore, this project proposes to fill this gap. For investigation of the triggering effects to achieve high VLCFA production different agro-industrial substrates will be used as raw material. The triggering effect of the compounds on gene expression of the VLCFA pathway will be evaluated by RT-qPCR. The desired triggers should increase the VLCFA titer. Different Rhodococcus strains will be examined and evaluated for VLCFA synthesis. VLCFA production will be further optimized by screening of several medium compositions, optimization of environmental factors and, finally, the feeding pattern. Establishment of high VLCFA productivities can lead to a new production process of valuable building blocks for chemical industry.

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  • Research Project

Post-fermentative production of a 2nd generation mannosylerythritol lipid biosurfactants for specialty applications. 01/09/2012 - 31/08/2016

Abstract

This project represents a research agreement between the UA and on the onther hand IWT. UA provides IWT research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

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    • Research Project

    Analysis of mannosyl erythritol lipid biosurfactants and screening of specific antimicrobial activities (BACTIMEL). 01/01/2012 - 31/12/2013

    Abstract

    Complex mixtures of mannosyl erythritol lipid (MEL) biosurfactants produced via fermentation will be purified and analytically characterized by liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. The pure compounds will be screened for their activity against bacteria and fungi.

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      • Research Project

      Time of Flight Mass Spectrometer coupled to Liquid Chromatography system (LC-TOF/MS). 22/07/2010 - 31/12/2015

      Abstract

      This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the Flemish Public Service. UA provides the Flemish Public Service research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

      Researcher(s)

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      • Research Project

      Ion mobility high resolution mass spectrometer: a strong tool for fragile structures. 22/07/2010 - 21/07/2015

      Abstract

      This project has two general objectives: (1) Increase the research potential of the UA by introduction of new state of the art techniques for the analysis of fragile molecular structures by using the novel ion mobility capabilities that have recently been integrated with high-mass high-resolution Q-TOF mass spetrometry ("Synapt", waters). (2) Maintain the current capacity to obtain Q-TOF data by replacing an existing system.

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        • Research Project

        Analytical characterisation of mannosylerythritol lipid biosurfactants produced by biosynthesis based on feedstock sources from agro-food industry. 01/01/2010 - 31/12/2011

        Abstract

        A fermentation based on feedstock sources from agro-food industry for the production of mannosylerythritol lipid biosurfactants (BIOMEL project) yields in a secretion of a complex blend of biomolecules with promising properties in food-, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and domestic housecare applications. The goal of this project is to define detailed protocols of standard procedures for isolation, purification, quantification and characterisation of current and novel MEL's from a complete fermentation broth.

        Researcher(s)

        Research team(s)

          Project type(s)

          • Research Project