1. Tell us about your career path to date…
As an Associate Professor of Bioprocess Engineering at QUT, my academic journey has been defined by a passion for pioneering research. My doctoral studies were dedicated to exploring the production of lactic acid by the filamentous fungus Rhizopus arrhizus, while my Master’s research delved into the synthesis of ginseng saponin and polysaccharides by Panax notoginseng cells, laying the foundation for my subsequent endeavours.
Following the completion of my PhD, I embarked on a path into biomass processing and biorefineries. My focus shifted towards harnessing the untapped potential of low-value agricultural biomass and food processing waste to produce biofuels, biochemicals and value-added materials. Early in my career, I developed solvent-based biomass pretreatment and processing technologies, enabling the conversion of agricultural biomass, such as sugarcane fibres, into fermentable sugars for microbial fermentation.
My commitment to sustainability extended to municipal wastes, where I developed technologies for processing sludge and textile waste, fostering resource recovery and the creation of value-added products. In recent years, I have led a dynamic research group dedicated to the production of high-value food products and functional materials, including mushrooms, dietary fibres, nanocellulose, biosilica and carbon materials for various industrial applications.
My research projects have primarily been funded through industry-related funding schemes, including the Sugar Research Australia funding program, the Rural R&D for Profit program, the Advance Queensland Industry Research Fellowship program, the Australian Research Council Linkage Program, the Fight Food Waste CRC and Future Food Systems CRC. To date, I have been granted 13 patents in the area of biomass processing and biorefineries. Furthermore, one of my technologies is currently being commercialised by an industry partner, and two others are undergoing pilot-scale testing in preparation for scale-up and commercialisation.
2. What is your research area of expertise?
My expertise lies in the intricate domains of bioprocessing and biorefining, where I specialise in crafting value-added products from low-value agricultural biomass and food processing remnants. Currently, my research interests centre around food product innovation and the synthesis of functional materials.
3. Which FFS project(s) are you involved in?
The FFS project I am currently involved in is ‘Utilising advanced manufacturing to expand the Australian exotic mushroom industry’. This five-year, FFS-supported collaboration with Queensland’s largest Asian mushroom grower, Kenon Corporation, and QUT [Queensland University of Technology], will encompass five sub-projects designed to address barriers and add value to local production of exotic mushroom varieties – for an expanding domestic market and, potentially, for export to neighbouring countries such as New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. The research collaboration will also look at the potential to grow and market native edible mushrooms.
Assoc. Prof. Zhanying (Jan) Zhang. Credit: QUT
4. Tell us about your current role as Project Leader…
As the project lead, my responsibilities encompass:
- supervising project activities, including the development of smart growth modules; improving production for six exotic mushrooms using local agricultural biomass through advanced cultivation approaches; and producing high-value food products derived from mushrooms;
- coordinating project activities between industry partners and QUT;
- organising and coordinating project meetings; and
- preparing and submitting project milestones.
5. Why does collaboration matter to you?
Collaboration is paramount in addressing the challenges to and seizing the opportunities in the exotic mushroom industry in Australia. A dependence on imports not only drives up prices and diminishes the profitability of local growers but also poses significant risks to food safety and supply-chain stability. Through collaboration, such as our partnership with Kenon Corporation within the FFS-funded project, we can pool resources, expertise and innovation to tackle these pressing issues head on.
Together, we’re not just addressing research questions and technical hurdles; we’re paving the way for a sustainable and lucrative exotic mushroom industry rooted in Australian resources. This collaborative effort is essential for transforming challenges into opportunities, ensuring the prosperity and resilience of the industry for years to come.
Lead image: Assoc. Prof. Zhanying (Jan) Zhang. Credit: QUT