Publications:

Optimising parameters for pilot scale steam explosion and continuous pressurised disc refining of Miscanthus and sugarcane bagasse for xylose and Xylo-oligosaccharide release

Warren-Walker, D., Ravella, S., Gallagher, J., Winters, A., Charlton, A., Bryant, D., 2024, Bioresource Technology, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2024.130932

Addressing key challenges in fermentative production of xylitol at commercial scale: A closer perspective

Ravella, S., Warren-Walker, D., Gallagher, J., Winters, A., Bryant, D., 2022, Current Advances in Biotechnological Production of Xylitol, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-04942-2_9

Xylitol: An alternative sweetener for dairy products

Bryant , D , Potu , M , Ravella , R , Gallagher , J & Walker , D J 2015 , Xylitol: An alternative sweetener for dairy products . in A K Puniya (ed.) , Fermented Milk and Dairy Products . Fermented Foods and Beverages Series , Taylor & Francis .

Process Optimisation of Steam Explosion Parameters on Multiple Lignocellulosic Biomass using Taguchi Method – A Critical Appraisal

Walker , DJ , Gallagher , J , Winters , A , Somani , A , Ravella , R , Bryant , D , 2018 In : Frontiers in Energy Research

I have a 2.1 in Agriculture and Countryside Management (Hons.) achieved 2012, a Masters (Merit) in Green Biotechnology and Innovation Management achieved 2013, and a Climate-KIC funded PhD in Biotechnology pretreatment and Microbiology scale-up achieved 2018 all from the Aberystwyth University. My PhD focused on steam explosion pretreatment of multiple biomass resources to release the hemicellulose component for subsequent bioconversion of xylose to xylitol. Since completing my PhD I have been employed working on various biorefining projects looking at lignin, bioconversion, enzyme assessment, product purification and crystallisation.

Previous Research Projects

Bioreview Project: Led by Aberystwyth University, this UK-India collaboration transforms Indian sugarcane waste into valuable bio-based products like volatile fatty acids, xylitol, and microcrystalline cellulose. It aims to promote sustainable waste management and create new commercial opportunities in agriculture, food, and pharmaceuticals.

BioPOL4Life Project: This project focuses on developing sustainable bioplastics from renewable resources. It explores innovative bioprocessing techniques to produce and recycle biologically derived polyesters and polyamides, contributing to the circular bioeconomy and promoting sustainable materials for industrial applications.

SFIS: Xylitol Production from Miscanthus: Funded by the Welsh Government, this project aims to improve the economics of decarbonizing steel production by using Miscanthus as a feedstock for xylitol production. It seeks to optimise bioconversion processes to produce xylitol efficiently, integrating biorefining with steel manufacturing to reduce carbon emissions and enhance economic viability.

As part of the Biomass Conversion and Biorefining group, I collaborate as a research scientist across multiple funded projects. I manage labs and oversee the training of new staff and students, fostering a collaborative environment. I also manage the BEACON research technician team, ensuring effective Supervision and coordination, Training and Development, Project planning and execution, Data management and Reporting, Resource Management, and Health and Safety. 

Within my research role, I am responsible for research and Experimentation, Project Management, Mentorship and Supervision, Grant writing and Funding, and Communication and Dissemination.