p.t. vasudevan

For more details, visit Dr. Vasudevan webpage

vasu Vasudevan, Palligarnai T
Professor and Chair
Ph.D. Clarkson University
Email:vasu@unh.edu
Phone: (603) 862 2298
Kingsbury W301

Teaching Interests:

Biochemical Engineering, Process Dyrnamics and Control, Process Design and Economics, Chemical Reaction Engineering

Research Interests:

Biocatalysis, HDS Catalysis, Biofuels, Protein Purification

Bioremediation of organic wastes using enzymes

The ability of a microorganism to degrade hazardous wastes rests with its complement of enzyme systems and other biopolymers. The problem of degradation of organic and toxic wastes using immobilized enzymes, instead of microbes is being looked at. These materials are potentially able to work in cell-free systems where reaction velocities are high.

Enzymatic transesterification of waste oils and non-edible sources

We are focusing on enzymatic tranesterification of waste oils to produce biodiesel. The effect of different solvents and different acyl acceptors on the transesterification of waste vegetable oils as well as non-edible sources is being investigated. We are also carrying out scale-up studies.

Novel immobilized enzymes for cellulosic ethanol

We are investigating the use of immobilized cellulases prepared by a novel technique to degrade cellulose.

Hydrodesulfurization Catalysis

Studies on sulfide catalysts Reduction of sulfur in fuels is a pressing environmental concern. We have developed a novel catalyst for deep hydrodesulfurization (HDS). The effects of various pretreatment on the activity of supported sulfide catalysts (molybdenum, tungsten), prepared by this novel technique have been investigated. We have conducted experiments on deep HDS in collaboration with Prof. Fierro of the Institute of Catalysis, Spain. We have developed novel catalysts for deep HDS since the specification for sulfur emission has become more stringent.

Selected Recent Publications

R. Coggon, P.T. Vasudevan and F. Sanchez, “Enzyme Transesterification of Olive Oil and its Precursors,” Biocatalysis and Biotransformation, 25(2-4), 135 (2007).

P.T. Vasudevan and M. Briggs, “Biodiesel production – current state of the art and challenges,” J Ind Microb Technol, 35:421 (2008).

X. Shen and P.T. Vasudevan, “Transesterification of waste olive oil by Candida Lipase,” Bulletin of Science, Technology and Society, 28(6), 521 (2008).

G. D. Ulrich and P.T. Vasudevan, “Capital Costs Quickly Calculated,” Chemical Engineering, 116(4), 46 (2009).

B. Fu and P.T. Vasudevan, “Effect of Organic Solvents on Enzyme-Catalyzed Synthesis of Biodiesel,” To appear in Energy and Fuels (2009).

P.T. Vasudevan, M. D. Gagnon and M. S. Briggs, “Environmentally Sustainable Biofuels – The Case for Biodiesel, Biobutanol and Cellulosic Ethanol,” in Sustainable Biotechnology: Natural Resources and New Perspectives, Eds. Steven Harvey and Om Singh, Springer (2009).

Faculty