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Master Thesis: HIPSTERS - High value Proteins via Sustainable Technologies from Residual Streams

AEE - Institute for Sustainable Technologies  (AEE INTEC)

AEE - Institute for Sustainable Technologies (AEE INTEC) is a non-university research institute founded in 1988. AEE INTEC currently employs around 80 researchers from ten nations and hosts PhD, master students and interns. AEE INTEC works in the fields of "Buildings", "Cities and Networks", "Technology Development" and "Industrial Systems" on fundamental and application-oriented research in national and international R&D projects.

 Research project

Biogenic residue streams contain high-value components, such as amino acids, proteins, li-pids, acids and sugars. The sustainable valorization of plant-based protein fractions is of particular interest, since the demand for plant protein and amino acids is globally increasing.

One of the challenges - to isolate proteins from residual streams – is addressed in the project HIPSTERS. This diploma thesis will be embedded into the framework of this national project on developing of an energy- and resource-efficient key technology for the extraction of proteins and amino acids at high yields from biogenic residues of the food industry, in particular brewer's grains as an example substrate.

Master thesis

In this master thesis, lab studies in the fully equipped OFR (oscillating flow reactor) laboratory at AEE INTEC in Gleisdorf will be conducted. Chemical and enzymatic extraction routes, i.e. with direct use of the biomass and continuous process control will be examined.

This includes experiments with (if necessary) pretreatment/crushing (milling/screening) of spent grains, at different temperatures (°C) , experimental durations (h), flow rates (l/h), amplitudes (mm), frequencies (Hz), concentration ratios (g spent grains/extractant). In addition, the sampling strategy and extractant regeneration/recycling play an important role, and will be worked out accordingly. During the tests, heat transfer and energy demand (via temperature measurements; flow measurements; pump energy measurements), as well as rheological parameters (residence time measurement, velocity ratio, viscosity measurement) are continuously recorded.

  • Design of Experiment for lab tests at OFR
  • Processing of experimental data and evaluation of best suited operating conditions
  • Literature research on recently published data
  • Elaboration of optimization concepts
  • Integration into biorefinery context

We offer

  • Paid master's thesis
  • Intensive support; involvement in an participative, multidisciplinary team

Work plan

  • Duration: approx. 6 months
  • Start date: June 2023 or asap
    Location: Gleisdorf (Austria) or online

Contact

DIin Judith Buchmaier
Tel.: +43 (0)3112 5886-452
E-Mail: j.buchmaier@aee.at