Statins are the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) of many cholesterol lowering drugs. Their structure consists of the typical statin side-chain possessing two chiral alcohols linked to a heterocyclic core. This side-chain can be synthesized from simple and inexpensive starting materials via a two-step aldol condensation catalyzed by an enzyme called DERA (2-deoxyribose-5-phosphate aldolase). The side-chain can either be directly built at the core of the molecule or linked to the heterocyclic core subsequently via a C-C coupling reaction catalyzed by Palladium.

The goal of this work is to investigate the biocatalytic step in this synthetic route. A number of substrates, such as acetaldehyde, chloroacetaldehyd, benzaldehyde and cinnamaldehyde, will be testes as acceptors in the aldol condensation. The obtained product will be characterized and evaluated according to their potential for serving as intermediate in the synthetic route of statins. Further the enzyme (enclosed in E. coli cells) will be immobilized in order to apply it in a continuous process.

The results of this thesis will serve in the development of an integrated multistep process for the synthesis of statins consisting of a biocatalytic and a metal-catalyzed step.

The objectives of this work are:

• Substrate screening in batch
• Immobilization of the enzyme/cells for the application in a continuous process
• Purification and characterization of the products (NMR)

We offer:

• payment according to the FWF-rate (€440/month)
• a comprehensive introduction to the research topic
• access to novel experimental and analytical devices
• individual assistance for an efficient realization of the thesis

Start: March 2018
Contact: Bianca Grabner (b.grabnernoSpam@tugraz.at, 0316 873 30409)

Current trends in paper and pulp production aim on product diversification covering new markets, e.g., fibre-plastic compounds. Separating fibres by length may become a crucial process step in future. Answering to this future need, we developed a novel fractionation device in a collaborative project with industry.

The master student will prepare construction drawings using CAD, preferably SolidWorks. Prior skills from a technical high-school (HTL) are of advantage, but not required. The master student will receive training in the handling of the fractionator, image recording and post-processing with our existing high-speed camera.

We offer

·          high industrial and scientific relevance (i.e., a novel separation process which will be applied in “real-world” trials at a paper mill)

·          bleeding edge high-speed camera equipment and image post-processing routines

·          support from the project team at IPPT and IPZ

·          desk and office space

·          Remuneration: 6 months á 440€.

For details CLICK HERE.

Bachelor thesis project with a focus on heat and mass transfer in porous particles. For details CLICK HERE.

Effect of Particle Parameters on the Initiation of Condensation

Prediction of the condensation rate of vapors on particles is of fundamental interest for a variety of engineering applications, like nano particle detection, application of coatings to nano particles, or the formation of clouds in the atmosphere. Specifically, the very early stage of the condensation process, typically referred to as nucleation, is of interest, since this stage determines whether condensation does occur or not. Starting with the seminal work of Fletcher (1958), a sound theoretical framework for heterogeneous nucleation on spherical particles has been built in the last decades. Unfortunately, there are significant gaps in our current understanding of the condensation rate on particles with a more complex morphology. The proposed Master Thesis aims on providing a theoretical basis for closing this gap.

The thesis’ work will focus on developing a theoretical understanding of the effect of the contact  angle and the morphology of the particle on the initiation of condensation. Specifically, the thesis  should include (i) an analysis of relevant literature, (ii) computational studies to investigate the shape of liquid droplets on a variety of morphologically-complex particles, as well as (iii) a theoretical analysis to predict heterogeneous nucleation phenomena on these particles.
This thesis is sponsored by a world-wide leading company in the field of particle analysis, i.e., AVL List GmbH. Appropriate financial and technical support will be provided by AVL List GmbH (€ 2500, plus optional extra payment of € 800); academic supervision will be provided by the Institute of Process and Particle Engineering.

Requirements

• excellent background in fluid mechanics and particle technology,
• motivation to conduct state of the art computer simulations, and
• programming skills (i.e., Matlab)

We offer

• a topic relevant for many industries, and hence for your future career as an engineer;
• direct contact with researcher from a leading company in the field;
• advice with respect to literature data, software, as well as financial support.  

Contact
Dr. Stefan Radl, TU Graz (radlnoSpam@tugraz.at; 0680 / 12 22 168)
Dr. Alexander Bergmann (alexander.bergmannnoSpam@avl.com)
DI Tristan Reinisch (tristan.reinischnoSpam@avl.com)

Start Date April 2015