Keertna Bhuvan's research focuses on the optimization of microalgae to convert electrochemically reduced CO2 products (which is pulled from the air via carbon capture) into macro- and micro-nutrients to make food products. One main challenge is that these products from the reduction process also tend to contain toxic byproducts that hinder algal growth.
Students would work on screening microalgae mutants that thrive in these buffers. The mutagenesis technique the student will use is atmospheric and room temperature microplasma (ARTmP). Microalgae mutants that are generated from this system will then be screened on electrochemical buffers using a Bioscreen C plate reader (which allows for the measurement of the growth of 100s of mutants at a time) and the best growers will be selected and analyzed.
Students do not need any prior experience in a research lab. Some experimental skills that the student will learn are buffer preparation, aseptic technique, cell culture, ARTmP usage, Bioscreen C usage, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and other microbiology techniques. Some other skills the students will learn are data analysis, technical writing, reviewing complex literature, and presentation of results. Students from any background are encouraged to apply!
This project will develop a sustainable method of food production by (1) valorizing CO2 waste and (2) through the fermentation of microorganisms, saving acres of land space for crop and livestock cultivation. Additionally, this project aims to provide a solution to the urgent need for greater food production for communities in need.
Credit hours and time in lab can vary depending on the student, I expect that once trained, the student can manage their own time in lab depending on what works best for them and their schedule as this project is flexible time-wise. I expect to work with the student for at least one semester, but students are encouraged to stay longer to gain a deeper experience in the lab. If you are interested in joining or want to learn more, please email Keertna at kbhuvan2@illinois.edu.
