Development of pollutants treatment processes

The objectives of this axis is to exploit biotechnology relevant pathways identified by mining genomes of known extremophiles, to genetically engineer a bacterial chassis and design biotechnological solutions to liquid effluent purification. We aim at creating an engineering chassis based on one of our Thermococcales species in order to benefit from the extended growth and stress characteristics from this group. Due to its applied nature, but also the necessary investments, this axis is developped in close collaboration with industrial partners. The developments of the M2E team will target two objectives: heavy metal for removal and recycling, refractory organic polymer degradation (valorization of waste products) for use in bio-sourced chemistry. In the mid-term, we aim at the creation of a joint research team with one of our industrial partners.