Thelmo A. Lu-Chau

Thelmo A. Lu-Chau is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Sciences, University of Santiago de Compostela. He holds a Chemical Engineering degree from the Universidad Nacional de Trujillo (Peru) and a PhD from the University of Santiago de Compostela. His research focuses on biofuel and biopolymer production from lignocellulosic biomass, enzymatic processes using microorganisms, and valorization of agro-industrial residues. He has supervised multiple doctoral and master's theses, including studies on PHA biopolymers, bioethanol production from palm oil byproducts, and ABE fermentation optimization.

He has authored over 55 SCI-indexed papers (H-index 19) and holds 2 Spanish patents. His work integrates biorefinery processes, waste valorization, and sustainable chemistry, with funding from the European Commission, Spanish Ministry of Science, and industry partners like Abengoa Bioenergy. He collaborates with the LIGNOCEL Network and evaluates research projects in Chile and Colombia.

Research highlights include the 2024 review on agro-waste valorization, 2023 studies on lignin valorization and bioethanol byproduct utilization, and 2022 work on enzymatic bioadhesive synthesis. His projects emphasize circular economy principles, integrating biomass conversion, contaminant removal, and biocatalyst development.

He advises students on topics like PHA production from halophilic bacteria, biofuel optimization from agricultural residues, and enzymatic transformation of bioactive compounds. His labs focus on bioreactor design, microbial physiology, and biocatalytic processes for industrial applications.