Dr Humphrey Yiu, Heriot-Watt University / Impact Solutions

Dr Humphrey Yiu is currently an Associate Professor in Chemical Engineering at Heriot-Watt University. He works within the Materials Chemistry Group in the Institute of Chemical Sciences (ICS). His broad research interest is in materials for biomedicine, catalysis and the environment. 

Dr Yiu’s research in catalysis centres on enzyme immobilisation using a variety of nano-scaled support materials, merging his expertise in both catalysis and materials design. Enzymes are powerful catalysts with a low energy demand, but they can be expensive. A highly efficient and effective immobilisation system will allow these costly enzymes to be widely utilised on a large scale. One key aspect of this project is to develop magnetic nanoparticles for enzyme immobilisation and then incorporate the system into a novel lab-scale enzymatic reactor, developed by his industrial partner, Impact Solutions. This solution will offer improved biocatalytic performance and simplifies purification, boosting enzymatic reaction efficiency and enzyme recoverability for reuse. 

The aim of the Royal Academy of Engineering Industrial Fellowship is to elevate Dr Yiu’s research on ‘Magnetic Enzymes’ from benchtop experiments to an industrial scale. Dr Yiu and his team also aim to develop a system for synthesis of high-valued chemicals such as chiral compounds required in the pharmaceuticals, flavours and fragrances, and agrochemicals markets. The UK has long been a global leader in these market sectors, and the system will assist in maintaining this position while enhancing sustainability across the industry.