Dr. M. Bloom

Dr. Marinda Bloom’s research programme focus on the biological processing of plant material to add value to various agricultural products. In collaboration with the ARC, Isa Marx (Research Assistant) evaluates Rooibos and Honeybush tea extracts for their antimicrobial activity. New initiatives in collaboration with prof. Van Zyl focus on agri-bioprocessing where microbial enzymes are evaluated for the hydrolysis of local grain-based feedstocks for the production of bio-ethanol. Shawn Hendrikse (part-time MSc) evaluates commercial enzymes and different yeasts for the hydrolysis and fermentation of starch-rich crops such as triticale. Marko Viktor (MSc) characterizes the amylases in a fungal strain that is able to utilize raw starch as sole carbon source.

In collaboration with Dr. Volschenk, new organisms and enzymes involved in lignocellulose degradation will be isolated and characterized for their potential application in the Biofuels industry.