Research by Keele academics has been commended as part of an internationally-leading research hub working to make the UK a leader in sustainable bio-based manufacturing. 

The research, led by academics from Keele’s Centre for Glycoscience Research and Training, has been highlighted in the annual report of the Future Biomanufacturing Research Hub (BRH), following the incorporation of Keele as an official spoke partner in 2023. 

The Future Biomanufacturing Research Hub, centred at the University of Manchester and led by Professor Nigel Scrutton FRS, is a multi-institutional industry-facing hub, acting as a focal point that brings together academic and industrial partners from across the UK’s bio-based manufacturing sector. 

The Hub’s work is dedicated to producing innovative bio-based technologies for high-value biomanufacturing, working with industrial partners to sustainably produce pharmaceuticals, chemicals, materials and advanced synthetic fuels. 

The Hub’s annual report has recently been published, including a commendation for research conducted by Keele’s Dr Sebastian Cosgrove and Prof Gavin Miller with industrial partners CRODA. 

Their study looked at the use of enzymes to replace a carbon intensive industrial purification process, which could have a huge impact on the longevity of products in the manufacturing pipeline, thereby making processes more efficient and sustainable. 

Dr Sebastian Cosgrove said: “The hub was founded to bring together the UK biomanufacturing sector. Keele’s strength is this area was recognised when we were inducted as an official spoke last year. The annual report highlights the relevance of the ongoing research here as part of the Glycoscience Centre, and how it aligns with the aims of the UK biomanufacturing sector towards a decarbonised chemical industry.” 

Professor Mark Ormerod, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost at Keele University, added: “It’s great to see the success of Keele’s Glycoscience Research Centre as a formal partner in the UK’s Future Biomanufacturing Research Hub, working closely with industry. The Hub brings together leading university and industry partners across the UK’s biomanufacturing sector, and is leading the innovative transformation of high value biomanufacturing to make chemical processes more efficient and sustainable in the transition to a decarbonised chemical industry.”