Development of a millifluidic reactor for multistep continuous synthesis of bio-based styrenes [...]

TN France; Grand; Sur place; EUR 30 000 - 50 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

An innovative research project seeks a Ph.D. candidate to develop a cutting-edge millifluidic reactor for the sustainable production of bio-based styrenes. This role involves pioneering work in enzymatic conversion processes, focusing on optimizing reactor design and performance. The project, backed by significant public funding, offers a unique opportunity to contribute to advancements in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. Join a collaborative team dedicated to creating environmentally friendly solutions and be at the forefront of biotechnological research.

Qualifications

• Experience in enzymatic processes and reactor design is essential.
• Knowledge of fluorescence detection methods is required.

Responsabilités

• Develop a millifluidic reactor for continuous synthesis of bio-based styrenes.
• Collaborate with project partners for reactor implementation.

Connaissances

Enzymatic Tools

Fluorescence Detection

Multiphase Flow Simulations

Reactor Design

Formation

Ph.D. in Biotechnology or related field

Outils

Numerical Simulation Software

Description du poste

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Development of a millifluidic reactor for multistep continuous synthesis of bio-based styrenes derived from p-hydroxycinnamic acids, , grand est, fr

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Client:

Location:

grand est, fr, France

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

b7c0458b7058

Job Views:

1

Posted:

06.05.2025

Expiry Date:

20.06.2025

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Job Description:

The increasing customer demand for natural antioxidants and flavors aligns with the emergence of new enzymatic tools that offer alternative ways to access healthier flavor compounds. Styrenes, such as 4-vinyl phenols, are particularly valuable products in the food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries. Typically, they are obtained through the chemical decarboxylation of p-coumaric acid (p-CA) or ferulic acid (FA), which are p-hydroxycinnamic acids (p-HCAs), using metal catalysts under harsh conditions. However, this raises concerns about product safety and the generation of hazardous waste. Consequently, there is a growing research focus on the sustainable production of renewable 4-vinyl phenol from biomass. The MilliStyrene project, funded by the ANR (Agence National de la Recherche), involves a consortium consisting of URD ABI from AgroParisTech, CRPP (Centre de Recherche Paul Pascal) located in Bordeaux, and the Chair of Biotechnology of CentraleSupélec. This project represents the initial endeavor to substantially decrease the cost of biobased 4-vinyl phenols by developing an innovative In-Stream Product Recovery (ISPR) compartmentalized millifluidic reactor for the enzymatic conversion of p-HCAs into 4-vinyl phenols.

As part of the MilliStyrene project, this Ph.D. thesis aims to develop a millifluidic reactor using a dropletbased experimental approach. The objective is to define potential reactor design (shape, size, flow rates, indexes length…), and to realize and test one or two candidate designs. This requires the development of a detection method for both p-HCAs and 4-vinyl phenols through their natural fluorescence, along with a numerical approach based on multiphase flow simulations coupled with products diffusion and reaction rates. The combination of experimental and numerical works will be utilized for testing and optimizing the miniaturized production. Lastly, based on the computational tools and the results gained by the candidate designs, the Ph.D. candidate will collaborate with the project partners to implement a scaled-up continuous millifluidic reactor.

Topic description

The increasing customer demand for natural antioxidants and flavors aligns with the emergence of new enzymatic tools that offer alternative ways to access healthier flavor compounds. Styrenes, such as 4-vinyl phenols, are particularly valuable products in the food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries. Typically, they are obtained through the chemical decarboxylation of p-coumaric acid (p-CA) or ferulic acid (FA), which are p-hydroxycinnamic acids (p-HCAs), using metal catalysts under harsh conditions. However, this raises concerns about product safety and the generation of hazardous waste. Consequently, there is a growing research focus on the sustainable production of renewable 4-vinyl phenol from biomass. The MilliStyrene project, funded by the ANR (Agence National de la Recherche), involves a consortium consisting of URD ABI from AgroParisTech, CRPP (Centre de Recherche Paul Pascal) located in Bordeaux, and the Chair of Biotechnology of CentraleSupélec. This project represents the initial endeavor to substantially decrease the cost of biobased 4-vinyl phenols by developing an innovative In-Stream Product Recovery (ISPR) compartmentalized millifluidic reactor for the enzymatic conversion of p-HCAs into 4-vinyl phenols.

As part of the MilliStyrene project, this Ph.D. thesis aims to develop a millifluidic reactor using a dropletbased experimental approach. The objective is to define potential reactor design (shape, size, flow rates, indexes length…), and to realize and test one or two candidate designs. This requires the development of a detection method for both p-HCAs and 4-vinyl phenols through their natural fluorescence, along with a numerical approach based on multiphase flow simulations coupled with products diffusion and reaction rates. The combination of experimental and numerical works will be utilized for testing and optimizing the miniaturized production. Lastly, based on the computational tools and the results gained by the candidate designs, the Ph.D. candidate will collaborate with the project partners to implement a scaled-up continuous millifluidic reactor.

Starting date

-11-01

Funding category

Other public funding

Funding further details

The Ph.D. thesis is funded by ANR (Agence National de la Recherche) and the chair of Biotechnology.