University of East Anglia
About the Project
Primary Supervisor – Professor Julea Butt
This exciting project will engineer microreactors converting nitrate to ammonia thereby delivering proof-of-principle for a sustainable technology converting a widespread pollutant to a versatile molecule. Waste-water nitrate originates from excessive use of fertilizer. Ammonia is in global demand as a fertilizer, fuel and chemical feedstock.
Vesicle microreactors have an interior compartment where reactions occur and a semi-permeable lipid-bilayer ‘shell’ through which reactants and products can pass. We previously demonstrated self-assembly of vesicle microreactors performing light-driven reduction of the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide. The encapsulated enzyme nitrous oxide reductase performed greenhouse gas reduction. Electrons were delivered to nitrous oxide reductase by cytochrome biowires, purified from Shewanella, that spanned the vesicle bilayer. The photocatalytic process was driven by electrons generated from photoactive Carbon-Dots.
This project will assemble vesicles performing the photocatalytic reduction of nitrate to ammonia using an entrapped enzyme cascade. Effective transport of reactants and products across the vesicle bilayer will be achieved by ionophores and pore-forming proteins.
Working in an enthusiastic and supportive team you will receive training in state-of-the-art techniques in biochemistry, spectroscopy, catalysis, photochemistry, analytical chemistry and polymer chemistry. You will present your results at weekly lab meetings, departmental seminars, and at national and international conferences. You will gain knowledge of, and expertise, in synthetic biology, chemical biology, biotechnology and green chemistry.
Informal enquiries to Prof Julea Butt ([email protected]) are welcome with a copy of your CV and cover letter.
The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP) is offering fully funded studentships for October 2025 entry. The programme offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP CASE students undertake a three to 18-month placement with the non-academic partner during their study. The placement offers experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team. Students with, or expecting to attain, at least an upper second-class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply.
This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 28, 29 or 30 January 2025.
Visit our website for further information on eligibility and how to apply: https://biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk/
Our partners value diverse and inclusive work environments that are positive and supportive. Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background.
Entry requirements
At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1 or UK equivalence Master’s degree. English Language requirement (Faculty of Science equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category).
Mode of study
Full time
Start date
1 October 2025
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