(382al) Catalytic and Microbial Upgrading of Lignin for Industry-Relevant Bioproducts

Lignin, a major component of lignocellulosic biomass, is a promising yet underutilized feedstock for producing high value biochemicals. Reductive Catalytic Fractionation (RCF) is a lignin-first approach that depolymerizes lignin into phenolic monomers and oligomers, which can be biologically upgraded by microbes such as Novosphingobium aromaticivorans into value-added products like 2-pyrone-4,6-dicarboxylic acid (PDC). My research focuses on optimizing solvent systems for the RCF of poplar to maximize monomer yield, improve microbial compatibility, lower reactor pressure, and enhance overall process economics. Through combined experimental and modeling approaches, solvent mixtures that improve monomer yield and downstream microbial conversion efficiency while reducing operational pressures and costs were identified. This work contributes to the development of integrated catalytic-biological platforms for the cost-effective production of specialty bioproducts from renewable feedstocks.

Research Interests

Catalyst Design

During my Ph.D., I developed sustainable solid acid and base catalysts from wood-derived activated carbon in both granular and monolith forms using modified hydrothermal and non-thermal plasma techniques. These catalysts displayed similar performance to conventional catalysts while reducing synthesis time and energy input. I also performed extensive characterization (STEM-EDS, FTIR, TGA-MS, XRD, BET/BJH) to understand catalyst structure- function relationships.

Process Engineering

To demonstrate industrial relevance, I developed continuous-flow processes using these catalysts for producing specialty chemicals and aviation fuel precursors. I also developed an esterification kinetic model using the solid acid monolith to aid in reactor design and scale-up. Through my research, I developed expertise in operating and troubleshooting Parr batch and continuous flow tubular reactors.

Hybrid Chemical-Biological Processing

My postdoctoral work focuses on integrating catalytic lignin depolymerization with microbial funneling to convert biomass into bioproducts. I collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to evaluate technical and economic feasibility across the biomass-to-bioproduct pipeline. This experience has strengthened my ability to communicate across disciplines and design scalable, hybrid processes.

Overall, my research bridges catalysis, reaction engineering, and bioprocessing, to create scalable, sustainable solutions for industrial biomanufacturing.