Abdulrhman Shaker is a PhD student at Murdoch University’s Algae Innovation Hub (AIH) located in Perth, Western Australia. His research is developing new ways to use microalgae biomass grown in wastewater for both food and sustainable packaging. First, he aims to extract high-quality protein from algae that can be used in the food and feed industries as a nutritious alternative protein source. Then, he will use the leftover algae biomass (mainly carbohydrates) to grow bacteria that produce natural bioplastics. This dual approach ensures the generation of both high-value products and commodity bioplastics. These bioplastics could replace single-use plastics, especially in food packaging, helping create more sustainable and circular food systems. “I am excited about my project because it can tackle several major problems at once: lowering the high cost of bioplastics by using algae leftovers as a feedstock, providing new protein alternatives, and reducing traditional plastic pollution,” he says. Shaker’s supervisory team includes Professor Navid Moheimani. (AIH/Murdoch University), Professor Parisa A. Bahri (STEM/Murdoch University), Associate Professor Gerard Poinern (Dir. of Murdoch Applied Innovation Nanotechnology Group, MSCP/Murdoch University), Dr. Damian Laird (MSCP/ Murdoch University). He is the recipient of a Future Food Systems CRC top-up scholarship
