Upgrade kit for bioreactors for microbial electrosyntheses

Background: Electrobiotechnology combines the use of renewable electrical energy and bio-based resources, as well as CO2, for the sustainable synthesis of chemicals and fuels ("power-to-chemicals"). Advantages of this process over conventional (electrochemical) syntheses include potentially higher selectivities and yields.

Challenge: Current reactor systems for bioelectrochemical syntheses are small-scale, home-built systems with minimal process control, making syntheses incomparable and preventing systematic process development toward commercially viable syntheses. To close the gap between research and application, standardization of microbial electrosyntheses and their comparability with conventional biosyntheses are essential.



Innovation: This upgrade kit expands conventional bioreactors for use in microbial electrosynthesis. An open reaction chamber with an ion-selective membrane is placed inside the bioreactor and attached to the reactor lid. In addition to the usual connections for stirrers, measuring probes, aeration and degassing, etc., the lid contains additional openings for electrodes, each extending into the inner and outer reaction chambers, respectively, making the system suitable for bioelectrosynthesis. The upgrade kit also provides a basis for the development of a standardized electrobioreactor up to an industrial scale.



Helmholtz-Zentrum für Umweltforschung GmbH - UFZ

Franz Opel

Franz Opel

Industry Liaison Officer

Details

Erweiterung von konventionellen Bioreaktoren zur Durchführung von Versuchen mikrobieller Elektrosynthese

Advantages of the upgrade kit for bioreactors: Reversible conversion possible, easy handling Existing control technology and peripherals can be used Familiar process control and monitoring Can be combined with standard reactors from numerous manufacturers Various reactor sizes and geometries possible Systematic scaling up to industrial scale possible Steam sterilization possible with appropriate selection of materials Fields of application: CO2 fixation: Electrochemical reduction of CO2 to formate as a starting material for carboxylic acids, polymer building blocks and much more Production of fine chemicals: e.g. chiral alcohols from ketones with E. coli as chassis or Pseudomonas putida Electroorganic syntheses: Kolbe reaction, hydrogenations and hydrodeoxygenations State of development: Demonstrators on a 1L and 2L scale are routinely in use We are looking for: Industrial partners (preferably manufacturers of Bioreactors or electrochemical reaction technology) for further development and up-scaling of existing prototypes, for production and distribution of the upgrade kit or an electrobioreactor.

Target Customers

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