Integrated Biocatalytic and Catalytic Pathways for Sustainable Aviation Kerosene from Microalgal Lipids via Immobilization of CvFAP on Inorganic Supports

• Grant number: 25/22873-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: December 01, 2025
• End date: November 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Applied Microbiology
• Principal Investigator: Jose Geraldo Nery
• Grantee: Jack Tsai
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas (IBILCE). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de São José do Rio Preto. São José do Rio Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This project proposes the development of an integrated catalytic platform for the sustainable production of C¿-C¿¿ hydrocarbons compatible with aviation kerosene (Jet A-1) from microalgal lipids. The system employs a cascade biocatalytic process involving the immobilization of two key enzymes-lipase and CvFAP (fatty acid photodecarboxylase)-on porous inorganic supports. Selected microalgal strains (Monoraphidium sp., Nannochloropsis oculata, and Chlamydomonas sp.) will be cultivated and processed to obtain lipid-rich biomass, followed by hydrolysis or transesterification to produce free fatty acids (FFAs) or fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs). These intermediates will then be photodecarboxylated through a light-driven process mediated by CvFAP. The platform aims to achieve high conversion efficiency, product selectivity, and operational reusability of the biocatalysts, ensuring compliance with ASTM D7566 specifications for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). Furthermore, the system will be integrated into continuous fixed-bed reactors, offering a scalable and modular solution for renewable aviation fuel production from microalgae.