Mathematical Modeling of Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Cocoa residues.

• Grant number: 25/06513-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 16, 2025
• End date: July 15, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Chemical Process Industries
• Principal Investigator: Bruna Pratto
• Grantee: Manuella Alves Campos Valeriano
• Supervisor: Turco Rosa
• Host Institution: Centro Universitário FEI (UNIFEI). Campus de São Bernardo do Campo. São Bernardo do Campo , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Università degli Studi di Napoli Frederico II (UNINA), Italy
• Associated to the scholarship: 24/13598-6 - Enzymatic hydrolysis of cocoa residues to obtain sugar platforms: kinetic study and mathematical modeling., BP.IC

Abstract

The enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass is a key step in bioprocesses to obtain sugar platforms for biofuel and bioproducts production. However, its efficiency is often limited by substrate complexity and enzyme accessibility. This BEPE-FAPESP focuses on applying kinetic modeling to describe enzymatic hydrolysis reactions of cocoa pod husks, an abundant and underutilized agro-industrial residue. The proposed study, to be conducted at Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, aims to enhance the understanding of hydrolysis kinetics using kinetic models, optimize reaction parameters, identify the most influential parameters, and guide experimental prioritization. By integrating experimental data with computational simulations, this project provides valuable insights for bioreactor engineering and industrial applications. Furthermore, the international experience will significantly contribute to the student's academic and personal development, fostering collaboration and broadening her scientific perspective.