Biotechnical conversion

Biotechnological processes are essential for a sustainable bio-economy in the future. The diverse biocatalysts (like enzymes, bacteria, fungi and algae) are characterized by a high selectivity and mild reaction conditions. This predestines them for an environmental sound conversion of renewable resources to higher value products.

Lab bench for the work under anaerobic conditions

Due to the high selectivity of biotechnological reactions and the mild reaction conditions (pressure, temperature and pH-values), the costs of a biotechnological process compared to an established petrochemical processes can be reduced. The development and optimization of bioprocesses comprises screening and selection of feedstock, biocatalysts, products as well as optimizing the reaction conditions.

Deepwell plate for the screening of micororganisms

The main targets of an industrial feasible process are beside high product concentrations and productivities, the product yield in terms of the supplied substrate. To get fast results under efficient experimental conditions, we use high throughput processes in µL-scale. We are screening own production strains using these processes. Further process optimization is done in bioreactor systems, where the influence of e.g. pH and oxygen are investigated. These cultivations can include the use of online analytics.

The main fermentation substrates used in cultivations are pure sugars and glycerol, but alternative resources like hydrolyzates from residual materials gain more importance. The use of these materials brings new challenges for the cultivation of microorganisms. They often contain inhibitors or other impurities, which interfere with the growth or product formation. The hydrolysis of residual materials is examined in our institute by the working group biomass digestion. The cooperation of the two fields helps us to optimize the hydrolysis in regard to a later use as substrate for cultivations.

Our institute has over 20 years of experience in the field of bioconversion from renewable resources and the development of immobilization processes. This work includes the following products:

Itaconic acid
D-lactic acid
Succinic acid
1,3-propanediol
2,3-butanediol
n-butanol
3-hydroxypropionaldehyde
Isomaltulose (Palatinose)
L- methionine
Lipids from algae

In many of these fields we were able to achieve significant improvements, like the screening and production of new or more suitable biocatalysts, the application of immobilized biocatalysts and by systematic improvements of the fermentation processes.

Contact

Dr. rer. nat. Anja Kuenz

Expertise

Immobilisation technologies

Immobilized biocatalysts can enhance efficiency of bioconversion processes by increasing productivity. The immobilisation technologies we developed are used in industrial scale and have numerous other applications in different industrial fields.

Biotechnological production of itaconic acid

Itaconic acid is one of the most promising precursors for biobased plastics. We were able to increase the final itaconic acid concentration by a systematical optimization of the process and decreasing the cultivation time simultaneously.

Projects

2,3-Butandiol and Maleic Acid from Hemicelluloses

For a better utilization of biomass, the development of processes to convert hemicelluloses to value-added products is necessary. Exemplarily, we focus on the important industry chemicals 2,3-butanediol and maleic acid.

Itaconic Acid for Polyesters

Polyesters nowadays represent an important group of plastics which generally are obtained using fossil raw materials. Another, more sustainable approach, we work on in an ERA-IB project, is the use of renewable resources like chaff or orange peels for their production.

Biotechnological production of Itaconic acid

Itaconic acid is one of the most important bio-based building block chemicals. The potential market for itaconic acid is large with a wide range of applications. To develop a more economical process it is important to optimize the fermentation process even further.

Biotechnologically produced D-lactic acid

Polylactic acid is a well-known bio-based plastic, which consists mainly of L-lactic acid. We are optimizing the production of D-lactic acid. Only by adding D-lactic acid, polylactic acid with significantly improved properties can be obtained.

Fumaric Acid for Polymers

Fumaric acid is an interesting building block for bio-based polymers. We are searching together with European partners for an efficient biotechnological production of fumaric acid from agricultural raw materials and residues.

Production of Succinic acid

Succinic acid and its salts (succinates) have great potential as a raw material for various products of the chemical industry. A so far unknown bacterial strain seems predestined for the economical production of succinate from renewable resources.

Replacement of Contentious Inputs in Organic Farming Systems

RELACS provides a unique opportunity for farmer organisations, advisory services and researchers to work together and contribute to even higher environmental standards in organic farming.

LandLessFood_blue - Concept for a sustainable global food system in 2100

For a world without hunger and the protection of our environment, new concepts for the global food system are necessary. In the project "LandLessFood_blue", among other things, the potential of bioreactors as components of a sustainable agricultural system will be investigated.

Biotechnological production and electrochemical downstream processing of fumaric acid

A building block for achieving a climate-neutral economy is the increased use of renewable instead of fossil raw materials. Biotechnological processes, such as the biotechnological production of fumaric acid, play a key role here.