Genetic and physiological manipulation of clostridia & exploiting the potential of these microorganisms for biotechnology application in the fermentation industry; control mechanisms for toxin production
Dr. Blaschek's research interests center around the genetic and
physiological manipulation of the clostridia. He is particularly
interested in (1) exploiting the potential of non-toxigenic
solventogenic clostridia for biotechnology application in the
fermentation industry, and (2) elucidating the control mechanisms for
toxin production by foodborne C. perfringens. He currently has funding
from the Illinois Corn Marketing Board, Council for Food and
Agricultural Research, Mitsubishi Chemical, and the USDA NRI biofuels
program.
Selected Publications
De León-Rodríguez,
A., Escalante-Minakata, P., Barba de la Rosa, A.P and Blaschek, H.P. (2008)
“Optimization of fermentation conditions for the production of the mezcal from Agave
salmiana using response surface methodology.” Chemical
Engineering and Processing: Process Intensification, Vol 47,1,
pp 76-82
Ezeji, T., Qureshi, N. & Blaschek, H.P (2007) “Production of
acetone–butanol–ethanol (ABE) in a continuous flow bioreactor using degermed
corn and Clostridium beijerinckii.”
Process Biochemistry, Vol. 42, 1. pp34-29.
Ezeji1, T.C., Qureshi, N. & Blaschek, H.P. (2007) “Bioproduction
of butanol from biomass: from genes to bioreactors.
Current
Opinion in Biotechnology. Vol. 18, 3. pp. 220-227
Qureshi, N., Ezeji,
T.C., Ebener, J.,
Dien, B.S., Cotta, M.A., & Blaschek, H.P (2007) “Butanol production
by Clostridium beijerinckii. Part I: Use of acid and enzyme hydrolyzed
corn fiber” Bioresource Technology.
Teaching
Courses recently taught:
ACES 409 - Bioenergy Systems
Ph.D. Rutgers University-1980
Funk Award for Outstanding Contribution to Betterment of Agriculture; University Scholars
Dr. Blaschek obtained a B.S. in biological sciences from Rutgers College in 1974 and went on to obtain an M.S. (1977) and Ph.D. (1980) in Food Microbiology from the Department of Food Science at Rutgers University. He joined the faculty in the Department of Food Science at the University of Illinois in 1980 as an Assistant Professor and was promoted to Associate Professor in 1986 and full Professor in 1991. He served as Interim Head of the Department from April 2000 to July 2002. He and his wife Linda have two children, Kristen and Michelle. In the classroom, Dr. Blaschek teaches Food and Industrial Microbiology, Advanced Food Microbiology, and Food Microbiology for Non-Majors. Dr. Blaschek is a recipient of the University of Illinois Foundation University Scholar's Award, the College of ACES Funk Award, and the Excellence in Extramural Teaching Award. He is currently a member of the College of ACES Academy of Teaching Excellence and served as secretary to the ACES Executive Committee. He also has served as Panel Manager for the USDA NRI competitive grants program in the Value-added non-foods and biofuels areas.
