Catherine H. Niu B.Eng., M.Eng., Ph.D.

Enhancement of Biopesticide Production with Biosorption/Adsorption

The global population relies significantly on agricultural products, sourced from both plants and animals for consumption. However, these products are increasingly challenged by agricultural pests. Synthetic pesticides have been used to control these pests, playing a role in improving the yield and quality of agricultural products worldwide. Despite this, extensive use of synthetic pesticides has led to adverse health effects on humans, other forms of life, and ecosystems. Biopesticides, due to their environmentally friendly and renewable nature, have garnered more attention in recent years. However, due to their higher costs, varying impacts on pest issues across different agricultural methods, and other challenges, biopesticides currently make up a small portion of the global crop protection market. Dr. Niu’s research aims to enhance biopesticide production and reduce production costs through the use of biosorption and adsorption technologies. Controlled release of adsorbed biopesticides is also an area of investigation.

Dehydration of Fuel Bio-alcohols

There is increasing interest in using bio-alcohols as a sustainable energy source, but the purification processes for bio-alcohol dehydration are highly energy-intensive. Dr. Niu’s research in this area includes developing cost-effective biomaterials for selective water adsorption from alcohol-water mixtures and optimizing the bio-alcohol dehydration process in packed columns using biosorbents.

Biosorption in Wastewater Treatment

Dr. Niu has conducted research on biosorption for industrial effluent treatment and metal recovery. The focus is on developing biosorbents with high uptake capacity, as well as controlled size, shape, and stability.

Biosorption of Biochemicals and Drug Delivery

Dr. Niu’s research also explores the biosorption of biochemicals, such as proteins, amino acids, and polysaccharides. The aim is to achieve effective loading and controlled release of these biochemicals, with a particular focus on drug delivery applications.

Moreover, Dr. Niu has also collaborated on research involving drug loading by nanomaterials, tissue engineering, and environment-responsive microgels.

Dr. Niu would be glad to work with students and research fellows who share similar research interests.