About the research

ThermoExplore will devise novel aerobic thermophilic microbial cell factories for production of added value products, directly from abundant 2nd and 3rd generation biomass, rest raw material from agriculture, aquaculture and forestry. The consortium will implement and integrate emerging technologies of systems and synthetic biology, -omics and adaptive evolution to improve substrate utilization of selected aerobic thermophiles of inherent production potential for carotenoid derivatives in (semi) consolidated bioprocesses from recalcitrant biomass. The project focuses on increasing fermentability of lignocellulose rest raw materials and seaweed carbohydrates by supplementing the such feedstock with proteinaceous waste from the fish industry.This is an interdisciplinary project integrating advanced technologies of Systems/Synthetic biology and fermentation technology. The use of renewable biomass in place of fossil fuel feedstocks is central to the development of bioeconomy. ThermoExplore will help meet the ambitious 2050 carbon goals set by the Nordic Countries, while concomitantly increasing the export potential and competitiveness of emerging Icelandic biotech industry.

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