CAHNRS scientists research the synthesis and analysis of plant components for the development and utilization of bio-based, sustainable products.
Synthesis: CAHNRS scientists have strong research programs in plant biochemistry and molecular biology, focused on primary and secondary metabolism and structural components.
- Laura Bartley, synthesis and regulation of grass cell walls
- Phil Bates, plant lipid metabolism
- John Browse, biosynthesis and function of membrane and seed-storage lipids
- David Gang, biosynthesis of bioactive compounds from medicinal plants
- Mark Lange, biosynthesis of terpenoid natural products in medicinal plants
- Norm Lewis, phenylpropanoid metabolites
- Thomas Okita, protein and starch synthesis
- Sanja Roje, folates, flavins, and phosphatases
Analysis: CAHNRS laboratories offer analytical capabilities for metabolomic, chemical, and structural analysis of synthesis products.
Modification & Utilization: CAHNRS scientists study genetic engineering capabilities for oils and structural components like lignin
- Laura Bartley, switchgrass selection and engineering for development as a biofuel crop
- Phil Bates, engineering plant oils for increased nutrition, chemical feedstocks, and biofuels
- Paul Hwang, metabolic engineering of starch for enhanced productivity and yield
- Florence Mus, engineering synthetic symbioses between plants and bacteria to deliver nitrogen to crops
- Thomas Okita, metabolic genetic engineering of plants for increased productivity
Engineering: conversion of abundant lipid, carbohydrate, and lignin plant components into more valuable products
- Center for Bioplastics and Biocomposites, an NSF Industry & University Cooperative Research Center that develops high-value biobased products from forestry and agricultural feedstocks
- Composite Materials & Engineering Center, an interdisciplinary research organization focused on developing new building materials and manufacturing technologies from recycled and renewable resources
- Birgitte Ahring, biomass conversion to biofuels and high-value bioproducts using microbial biocatalysts
- Shulin Chen, bioconversion processes and systems for the production of biofuel, bioenergy, biochemicals, and nutraceuticals
- Armine Ghalachyan, sustainable textiles using renewable bacterial cellulose fiber
- Hanwu Lei, biofuels and bioproducts development, renewable energy technologies, and cost-effective biomass conversion technologies
- Hang Liu, nanofiber production and application in smart-sensing textiles
- Shyam Sablani, food packaging and processing research using materials science
- Bin Yang, biofuels production from cellulosic biomass feedstocks