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Dr Paul James

Associate Professor

School: Geography and Natural Sciences

I am interested in combining biochemistry, structural biology, metabolic engineering and structural biology to develop bacteria into programmable cell factories that will act as the buildings metabolism with the HBBE. Much of my research to date has focused on the structural and biochemical characterisation of enzymes from thermophilic sources and has been done in collaboration with industry to help provide better biocatalysts for a range of different processes. In 2013 i was introduced to synthetic biology through the iGEM competition () and after moving to the Exeter Microbial Biofuel Group my research focus shifted to look at the domestication of industrially relevant bacteria. This researched relied on strong industrial collaboration and i believe that strong stakeholder engagement is vital and something i hope to continue with the HBBE. My research aims to use a multi 'omic' approach to increase the number of tools we have available for novel industrially relevant bacteria so that we can increase their role as hosts for biotechnological applications. In the HBBE we want to be able to use these bacteria within the 'Living' house to metabolise waste and generate energy and other high value products. One of the elements of the HBBE I am most looking forward to is working with an interdisciplinary team of highly skilled researchers and bringing together a wide range of different technologies to create a new generation of living buildings.

Paul James
  • Madeline Sanderson Engineering Microorganisms with Fluorescent Protein Reporters for Rapid Viability Assessment. Start Date: 01/10/2025 End Date: 17/10/2025
  • Rosanna Rostron Start Date: 27/10/2025 End Date: 22/05/2026
  • Madeline Sanderson Engineering Microorganisms with Fluorescent Protein Reporters for Rapid Viability Assessment. Start Date: 01/10/2025
  • Ellie Ashcroft Enzyme innovation in fabric care to drive superior cleaning performance under challenging conditions Start Date: 19/02/2026
  • Molly Hall Start Date: 27/10/2025 End Date: 10/05/2026
  • Alice Stephen Identification and mechanistic understanding of enzymes optimised for high pH detergent environments Start Date: 26/02/2026
  • Katie Wood Novel approaches for grease/sebum cleaning in cold water Start Date: 01/10/2024
  • Matthew Rogan A Toolkit for Engineering Geobacillus and Parageobacillus as a Chassis for Bio-valorisation of Waste Produced in the Built Environment and Production of Industrially Relevant Chemicals Start Date: 01/10/2020 End Date: 23/05/2025
  • Benjamin Gardner Novel biotechnology approaches for grass stain removal Start Date: 01/10/2024
  • Katie Wood Novel approaches for grease/sebum cleaning in cold water Start Date: 01/10/2024 End Date: 17/10/2025
  • Benjamin Gardner Novel biotechnology approaches for grass stain removal Start Date: 01/10/2024 End Date: 17/10/2025

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