| Topic title |
Possible scientific supervisors |
Source of funding |
|
Carbon dioxide capture and utilization through the application of autotrophic bacteria
|
prof. dr. Naglis Malys |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
Autotrophic bacteria are capable of fixing carbon dioxide (CO2) contributing to net-zero emissions and CO2 neutrality. In the absence of organic substrates, they can utilise CO2 and H2 as sole carbon and energy sources. The PhD project will be aimed at application and engineering of C. necator to produce enzymes and nutrients as feed additives. To produce these compounds directly from CO2, the central metabolism will be engineered with guidance provided by RNA-seq (transcriptomics), metabolite profiling (metabolomics) and flux analysis. The tricarboxylic acid (TCA) and rPP cycles will be analysed for itaconate and acrylate synthesis comparing carbon efficiency and the precursor availability. Combinatorial transcriptional engineering and genetically encoded transcription factor-based biosensor developed by our group will be used for metabolism characterisation of such nutrients as carotenoids (eg. lycopene), B group vitamins (e.g. myo-inositol) and optimisation of synthetic metabolic pathways. Development and optimisation of the aerobic CO2 fermentation process for bioproduction will play important part in the project. The project will be carried out within the Bioprocess Research Centre. The successful candidate will join a highly motivated and well-funded team of research scientists dedicated to the exploitation of industrially important microorganisms. PhD study will allow for training in a unique multidisciplinary environment, incorporating systems and synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, gas fermentation, biochemical and biophysical analytical techniques.
|
|
Design, modeling and ecoefficiency of environmental technologies
|
prof. dr. Violeta Kaunelienė |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
This dissertation focuses on optimizing an environmental technology for air or water treatment by considering the entire value chain. The project involves designing a small-scale technology that integrates processes like advanced oxidation, nanotechnology, or membrane technology. Computational fluid dynamics will be used to optimize fluid flows within reactors for minimal energy consumption and maximum efficiency. Additionally, the design will prioritize eco-efficiency, incorporating environmentally friendly materials to reduce environmental impact and enhance user value.
|
|
Bio-based and biodegradable polymers in additive manufacturing: characterisation and environmental impact assessment
|
doc. dr. Visvaldas Varžinskas |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
The dissertation focuses on the study of bio-based and biodegradable polymers in order to investigate their suitability and performance for 3D printing (additive manufacturing) processes. The study will analyse the mechanical, chemical and environmental properties of these polymers, which are essential for the development of sustainable and functional solutions in additive manufacturing. The aim of this thesis is to assess how bio-based and biodegradable polymers can contribute to more sustainable manufacturing practices by replacing traditional plastic polymers and thus reducing carbon footprint and waste.
The main objective of this thesis is to investigate the properties of bio-based and biodegradable polymers and their potential for application in additive manufacturing technologies, assessing their mechanical and thermal resistance, their biodegradability properties and their long-term environmental impact. The study also aims to develop and optimise material compositions that will ensure an efficient printing process and can be widely applied in a variety of industrial applications.
|
|
Environmental impact assessment and optimization of biologically derived catalytic technological processes using life cycle assessment
|
prof. dr. Jolanta Dvarionienė |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
Global chemical industry systems are linear, dependent on fossil fuels and generate huge amounts of emissions. Finding sustainable solutions for sustainable chemical production using a circular (bio) economy is ambitious, but necessary for a sustainable future.
Research objective. Environmental impact assessment and optimization of innovative biological catalytic materials production processes using a life cycle approach.
|
|
The use of bio-based composites for sustainable packaging: analysis of biodegradability, mechanical properties and environmental impact.
|
doc. dr. Visvaldas Varžinskas |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
Consumers and businesses are increasingly aware of environmental concerns and are looking for sustainable packaging alternatives that are both environmentally friendly and environmentally friendly. Bio-based and biodegradable materials offer the opportunity to develop packaging solutions that degrade naturally in the environment, thus reducing waste and the spread of microplastics. Despite the environmental problems posed by conventional single-use plastics currently in use, research into alternative bio-based and biodegradable materials is still quite limited and requires further innovation. More durable, functional and environmentally friendly solutions that match the properties of conventional plastics need to be developed for effective industrial applications.
Developing new composites and studying their mechanical and ecological properties are essential to ensure that these materials can replace conventional plastics. The topic of the PhD thesis includes extensive research focusing on the use of bio-based and biodegradable composites in the packaging industry. The focus of this topic is to investigate the suitability of these composites for sustainable packaging, with a view to determining their performance and their potential to replace conventional, non-recyclable plastics or their composites. The main objective of the study is to select and investigate the suitability of bio-based and biodegradable polymer (composite matrix) and biodegradable waste (composite filler) composites, assessing their biodegradability properties, mechanical strength and environmental impact throughout the whole life cycle, in order to find optimal solutions to replace the use of conventional plastics composites which are difficult to degrade.
|
|
Evaluating the effectiveness of climate mitigation strategies in reducing greenhouse gas emissions
|
prof. dr. Žaneta Stasiškienė |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
This PhD thesis will evaluate the effectiveness of climate mitigation strategies in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It will analyze approaches like renewable energy adoption, energy efficiency, carbon pricing, and land-use changes, using quantitative modeling, data analysis, and case studies across sectors and regions. The study will also examine the social, economic, and political factors affecting strategy success, focusing on scalability and feasibility. Insights from this research aim to optimize mitigation efforts for significant emissions reductions, supporting global climate goals.
|
|
Formation of nano/micro fibrous materials from plastic waste
|
prof. dr. Linas Kliučininkas |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
The increasing amount of non-biodegradable plastic (polymeric materials) waste causing serious environmental problems. Innovative recycling of plastic waste into nano/micro fibers using the electrospinning method provides the prerequisites for creating higher added value products. The research will contribute to circular economy solutions in the field of plastic waste recycling.
|
|
Nanotechnology-based process engineering for environmental remediation
|
prof. dr. Dainius Martuzevičius |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
The application of nanotechnology to environmental pollution abatement processes is the subject of ongoing scientific research. Nanomaterials are suitable for the treatment of polluted air and water due to their high surface area, small particle size, high porosity and other properties. The aim of this topic is to explore the application of nanomaterials and technologies for the treatment of specific contaminated media, with a view to scaling up the technology to prototype or production level. The research will make use of state-of-the-art research equipment available in open access centre facilities.
|
|
Development and application of novel multicomponent photocatalysts for the removal of emerging micropollutants from water using visible light-activated systems
|
m. d. dr. Martynas Tichonovas |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
During the study, advanced multicomponent photocatalysts will be developed for the removal of relevant water micropollutants using visible light-activated systems. Optimization of the photocatalysts composition and production process will ensure high durability and efficiency in the visible light spectrum.
|
| Novel Materials and Technologies for Removal of Emerging Pollutants from Water and Water Reclamation |
doc. dr. Inga Urniežaitė |
state-funded |
