Electrobiochemistry and whole-cell biocatalysis: Power to value-added products through separated anode/cathode reactions

This interdisciplinary research project aims to explore bioelectrochemistry and whole-cell biocatalysis through separate anode/cathode reactions for the production of high-value compounds. For microbial synthesis at the cathode, Escherichia coli will be equipped with modules for the efficient conversion of methane and molecular hydrogen to enable the production of bulk and fine chemicals. Protein engineering techniques are used to improve electron transfer for efficient electro-driven biocatalysis. The use of H2 as a mediator is being explored to optimise methane conversion and the synthesis of valuable products. Efficient electroenzymatic bio-conversion of C1 sources at the anode will be achieved by implementing an enzyme cascade and electrode engineering. This approach enables modular enzyme immobilisation, effective electron transfer, stability of mediators and easy product removal. Lipases can also be used to improve the efficiency of the system. To optimise redox reactions, the zero-gap electrolysis technique is used together with selectively permeable membranes to protect bacteria and valuable products. Extensive characterisation of the electrolysis cells using microscopy and imaging techniques allows the composition and conditions of anode and cathode materials to be optimised. Process design and mathematical modelling will be used to optimise electro-driven synthesis processes, taking into account both H2-driven and C1 based production systems. These models will guide the optimisation of process parameters, electrode engineering and microbial/enzymatic electrosynthesis.

Partners

RWTH Aachen University

Ruhr-Universität Bochum

People

Univ.-Prof. Dr. Lars Lauterbach

Prof. Dr. Lars Lauterbach

RWTH Aachen University. Head of Synthetic Microbiology

Prof. Dr. Dirk Tischler  

Ruhr University Bochum. Research Group Microbial Biotechnology

Prof. Dr. Ulf-Peter Apfel

Ruhr-Universität Bochum

Karen Brunsbach

RWTH Aachen University

Dr. Anna Ngo

Ruhr-Universität Bochum

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