Max Cardenas-Fernandez

Max has a first degree in Pharmacy and Biochemistry (San Marcos University – Peru), and a PhD degree in Biotechnology by the University Autonomous of Barcelona (Spain), where he worked on heterogeneous biocatalysis for the synthesis of chiral amines. 

Max worked  as a Post-doctoral Research Associate at the Department of Biochemical Engineering at the University College London for 7.5 years; first, working on the valorisation of biomass feedstocks (sugar beet pulp, vinasse, DDGS and microalgae) and development and optimisation of bioprocesses for the biorefinery sector, this under the supervision of Prof Gary Lye. Second, with Prof John Ward, on the discovery of novel biocatalysts (transaminases, transketolases and IREDs), enzyme bioprospecting and their application in the synthesis of fine chemicals for the pharmaceutical and agrochemical sectors. 

In 2021, he joined the School of Natural Sciences at the University of Kent as a Lecturer in Biotechnology, doing teaching and research in the area Sustainable Biotechnology. Currently, Max is a Lecturer in Biochemical Engineering since 2025 at the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies at Aston University. 

Max’s research interest covers from fundamental science to biomanufacturing, for the production of small molecules for the pharmaceutical, agrochemical, cosmeceutical, and feed/food industries. He is now expanding his products portfolio to the sustainable production of bio-based and biodegradable biopolymers.  

Specific research areas include: 

• Biocatalysts discovery (with major focus on extremophiles);  

• Enzyme characterisation, production and purification;  

• Synthetic biology;  

• Bioprocess development, design and optimisation;  
• Valorisation of biomass feedstocks.

CE3APD - Advanced Process Design

CH2BIC - Biological Chemistry

Get in touch if you would like to work with me: 

      Mail Building Room MB124 

      Birmingham, B4 7ET, UK 

      Office phone number: (+44) 0121 204 3731 

      email: [email protected]