Guneet Kaur, Ph.D
Guneet Kaur, Ph.D
Default header image

Research

Research @ Bioreaction Engineering Lab

  • Sustainable manufacturing of high-value bio-products via biochemical engineering – platform biochemicals, biopharmaceuticals/biotherapeutics, biomaterials, agri-bioinoculants, bioenergy
  • Microbial engineering and metagenomics
  • Process intensification based on In-situ Product Recovery (ISPR) and continuous bioprocessing
  • Waste valorization and biorefinery
  • Contribute towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7, 9, 11 and 13, and circular (bio)economy

Why is this research important?

Sustainable bioprocessing and biomanufacturing technologies are critically needed to boost the Canadian bio-based economy in economic production of bio-based products. Their high relevance to Canada has been witnessed during and post COVID-19 pandemic. My research perfectly aligns with and fulfils this requirement and therefore has direct and significant implications towards sustainable biomanufacturing, agriculture, energy, and bio-health sectors. More importantly, it contributes to the SDGs which are needed to improve life.

How U of G makes this research possible?

Being at the forefront of bioprocessing and bioeconomy, U of G enables me to perform cutting-edge research in the area of biological engineering. This allows me to attract top students with diverse backgrounds in biochemical, microbial, agricultural and environmental engineering. The numerous funding opportunities available for graduate students provide a good research support to them along with a world-class training.

Research Themes

  1. Bio-based surfactants for biomedical and bio-environmental applications.
Rhamnolipid biosurfactant production on various pure and waste streams
MS spectra of rhamnolipid biosurfactant produced on food waste using non-pathogenic bacterium Burkholderia thailandensis
Rhamnolipid extract from Acenitobacter calcoaceticus for topical application in cutaneous wound treatment. Accelerated wound healing in an excisional wound model by rhamnolipid biosurfactant is shown.

Bio-environmental applications of biosurfactant (bio-detergent):

Increased organic material solubilization, carboxylate production and biomethane generation using rhamnolipids biosurfactant.

Selected recent publications:

Zhu et al. (2021) New Biotechnology https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1871678421000972

Johnravindar et al. (2022) Bioresource Technology https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0960852422009075

Kumar et al. (2023) Sustainability https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/15/1/59

Kumar et al. (2023) Microbiological Research https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0944501323000885

2. Process and metagenomics platform for enhanced carboxylate and biomethane production.

Metagenomics toolbox to tailor carboxylate (commodity biochemicals) production.
Biochar-assisted co-digestion for enhanced biomethane recovery.

Selected recent publications:

Kumar et al. (2023) Bioengineered https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21655979.2023.2180583

Johnravindar et al. (2022) Bioresource Technology https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0960852422010112 Johnravindar et al. (2021) Journal of Environmental Management https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0301479721005193

3. Novel Biomaterials for Sustainable Fashion and Packaging

“Hello to Vegan Leather!”

Fungal mycelium-based biomaterials platform for biodegradable packaging material, textile and alternative proteins.

Selected publications:

Rafiee et al. (2021) Current Opinion in Green and Sustainable Chemistry https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2452223621000389

Rafiee et al. (2021) Bioresource Technology Reports https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2589014X21000694

Chopra et al. (2023)  Current Opinion in Green and Sustainable Chemistry https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2452223622001596 Saini et al. (2023) Mycology https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21501203.2023.2278308

4. Biologics, biotherapeutics, and agri-biostimulants

Small interfering RNA-based biotherapeutics for disease gene discovery and treatment.

Trichoderma biocontrol agent: Production and antagonistic effect on plant pathogens Fusarium oxysporum and Alternaria solani

Publications

Selected Peer-Reviewed Journal Publications Google Scholar

Books