Project Supervisor
Additional Supervision
Dr Sonja Kukuljan
Location
Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus
Research topic
Nutraceutical production is a $1.1 trillion market with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.4%. Dairy-based nutraceuticals, such as lactoferrin, occupy a major share of it, with its global market size projected to grow to $969.9 million by 2032 at a CAGR of 4.7%. However, it is found in trace amounts (0.5 mg/L) in milk and is very sensitive to pH, temperature, oxidation environment, and surrounding proteolytic enzymes. This results in a loss of lactoferrin concentration and complete or partial loss of its key active properties (antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory) during shipment and storage of milk from a farm to an extraction facility. Also, current lactoferrin extraction methods fail to work with raw milk or fermentation broths, which is essential to meet the market demand.
This project will develop a portable extraction system for on-site extraction of lactoferrin with high recovery and purity percentages. The system will be realised by 3D-printing three-dimensionally controlled and modelled multi-level porosity silica and carbon-based extraction phases enabled through our four background IPs.
The project is in collaboration with a leading Australian Dairy Industry, Noumi Limited.
Project aim
The specific aims of the project are:
- 3D printing extraction phases with three-dimensional lattice structures using computer-aided design and fluid dynamic simulations
- Modifying the printed phases with affinity ligands for selective lactoferrin extraction using the principles of silane and other surface chemistry, and
- Developing lactoferrin extraction processes using the principles of solid-phase extraction and chromatography.
Important dates
Applications close 5pm, Monday 13 January 2025
Benefits
This scholarship is available over 3 years.
- Stipend of $35,550, per annum tax exempt (2025 rate)
- Top-up of $10,000, as per the REACH agreement
- Relocation allowance of $500-1500 (for single to family) for students moving from interstate
International students only:
- Tuition fees offset
for the duration of 4 years. Single Overseas Student Health Cover policy for the duration of the student visa.
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible you must:
- be a domestic or international candidate. Domestic includes candidates with Australian Citizenship, Australian Permanent Residency or New Zealand Citizenship.
- meet Deakin's PhD entry requirements
- be enrolling full time and hold an honours degree (first class) or an equivalent standard master's degree with a substantial research component.
Please refer to the research degree entry pathways page for further information.
How to apply
Please email a CV and cover letter (including your interest in the project) to Dr Vipul Gupta. The CV should highlight your skills, education, publications and relevant work experience. If you are successful you will then be invited to submit a formal application.
Contact us
For more information about this scholarship, please contact:
Dr Vipul Gupta
Email vipul.gupta@deakin.edu.au