María Teresa Santos Ramírez
University
Technical University of Denmark (DTU) & Tecnológico de Monterrey
Company
Meliora Bio
Project title
Enzymatic saccharification of wheat straw
Project description
Bioconversion of lignocellulosic materials such as wheat straw includes an enzymatic saccharification step (also known as enzymatic hydrolysis). The biorefinery Meliora Bio produces prebiotic dietary fiber, lignin and ethanol from wheat straw. The industrial enzyme cocktails that are used in this process represents a very significant cost and are also a significant contributor to the overall greenhouse gas emission. It is therefore important for business to optimize the use of the enzymes in order to improve the balance sheet.
The focus of this project is to evaluate the usefulness of a published enzyme assay (which has been designed to assess the efficiency of enzyme cocktails for saccharification in a lignocellulosic biorefinery setting) for application on hydrolysis of Meliora Bio's wheat straw. We also want to understand what is the effect of wheat straw batch to batch variation on the saccharification efficiency (enzymes efficiency to release glucose from wheat straw).
What was your motivation for becoming a Helix Lab Fellow?
Helix Lab offers a unique and valuable opportunity to bridge academia and the biotech industry in a rapidly growing industrial hub. My motivation was to take my research beyond the lab and work on a project with real-world applications in the industry. Additionally, the chance to collaborate with experts, learn from talented peers, and build a strong professional network was a major driving force.
What is the most exciting part of being a Helix Lab Fellow?
Being a Helix Lab Fellow is an incredible experience because the program integrates academic, professional, and social development. The weekly activities, talks, and events provide a dynamic learning environment, and as an international student, this experience pushes me beyond my comfort zone. It challenges me to adapt, improve my communication skills, and immerse myself in a new culture. The opportunity to interact with other fellows from diverse backgrounds and learn from their perspectives makes the experience even more enriching.
What perspectives do you see for your future after being a Helix Lab Fellow?
I am confident that this fellowship will provide me with valuable knowledge and skills to launch my career in the biotech industry. The exposure to leading companies and industry professionals will open doors to exciting career opportunities worldwide. More importantly, I have formed meaningful connections with talented fellows whom I can now call friends. I have already fallen in love with Denmark and Kalundborg, and I would love to find a job here that allows me to continue growing professionally while contributing to meaningful advancements in biotechnology.