Sing Teng Chua stc39@cam.ac.uk
Singapore
Chemistry, Hughes Hall
PhD thesis: Optical and structural design: Optimisation of photobioreactor for mass cultivation of
microalgae (Working title)
Research interests:
1. Bioinspired photonics
2. Optical simulation
3. Photobioreactor technology
Microalgae provides a huge potential in water treatment, reduction of carbon emission, energy generation and production of food or pharmaceutical products. However, challenge remains in the large-scale cultivation and harvesting of microalgae, mainly due to high capital costs and freshwater requirement. Immobilisation of microalgae within biocompatible matrix has been widely proposed and investigated as a plausible approach. My PhD focuses on the theoretical simulation and experimental design of structural matrix to optimise optical propagation within the photobioreactors (PBR) for microalgae cultivation. One source of design inspiration is photonic structure within nature such as coral tissues which serve as the natural host for microalgae. Hence, my research also involves the investigation of photonics in natural materials. Physical fabrication and characterisation of the designed PBR is required as simulation validation. Though my research, I hope to improve the overall scalability and efficiency, adding to the development of industrial-scale PBR.
Who or what inspired you to pursue your research interests?
I have always been interested in biomimetics, in translating the knowledge learnt from the nature into value-added technology. The nature is an unimaginably vast source of both tangible and intangible resources. Bioinspired photonics is a highly interdisciplinary field involving physics, chemistry and biology. Considering the complexity of global issues such as climate change today, I believe that the ability to communicate across different fields and consolidate ideas is vital. I wish to contribute to the development of sustainable technology, through my PhD research in microalgae cultivation and through the skills I gain from the learning process.