Research Projects

This project focuses on the development of a novel, integrated approach for the sustainable valorization of rice straw through the simultaneous production of biofuels and prebiotics. Building on existing research on pretreatment and enzyme cocktail formulation, critical gaps in the comprehensive utilization of rice straw polysaccharides will be addressed. Key objectives include the cloning and purification of xylanase and mannanase, complementing ongoing work on cellulase, followed by the biochemical, structural and functional characterization of these enzymes. These studies will enable the design and optimization of a synergistic enzyme cocktail tailored for the efficient hydrolysis of cellulose, xylan and mannan, the three major polysaccharides in rice straw. The project integrates optimized pretreatment strategies already underway to improve polysaccharide accessibility while minimizing inhibitors. This will ensure compatibility with the enzyme cocktail for effective saccharification, providing fermentable sugars for biofuel production and oligosaccharides for prebiotic applications. The oligosaccharides will be evaluated for their prebiotic potential, focusing on their ability to support the growth of probiotics and their stability in simulated human gastric and intestinal fluids. This dual approach is a response to important challenges in the current research landscape. While most studies have focused either on the production of biofuels or on the production of prebiotics, this project pioneers simultaneous production. The recombinant enzyme cocktail, uniquely incorporating xylanase, cellulase, and mannanase, ensures comprehensive hydrolysis of rice straw and thus enables a higher yield of fermentable sugars and oligosaccharides. By integrating biofuel and prebiotic production, the project maximizes the economic and environmental benefits of rice straw valorization. It contributes to renewable energy targets through biofuel production and adds value through prebiotics for functional foods and nutraceutical markets. This strategy offers a sustainable solution to the environmental challenges posed by the disposal of rice straw and is in line with the principles of a circular bioeconomy. The result is a scalable and innovative biorefinery model that improves resource efficiency and sets a benchmark for the future use of agricultural residues.