Combining innovative biofilmmonitoring with microbial electrosynthesis for resource-efficient production of hydroxylated base chemicals

Biofilms are consortia of microorganisms which form a matrix of extra polymeric substances. These biofilms could have a higher resistance to antibiotics in the medical field, and in addition, lead to biocorrosion in industrial plants. Apart from the listed negative examples biofilms can play a decisive role in continuous bioprocesses for cell retention and long-term stability of the bio-catalyst (productive biofilms). In systems in which whole cells are the catalysts artificial immobilization is often used. This can affect the long-term activity of the microorganisms and cause additional effort and costs. Biofilms provide "natural" immobilizates of microorganisms. They are able to settle independently at phase boundaries, form stable populations and can remain active for very long periods.

In this context the "fitness" of biofilms is important to measure. Through this, efficient processes can be developed based on the catalytic biofilms. No suitable monitoring concept for the online measurement of biofilm formation is established yet. The aim is therefore to develop online sensors which provide the information at any time about the current state of a biofilm. Here the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is used, which was already tested in some application. As an example biofilms are investigated, which are used for microbial electrosynthesis.

Das IGF-Vorhaben Nr. der Forschungsvereinigung DECHEMA e.V., Theodor-Heuss-Allee 25, 60486 Frankfurt am Main wurde über die AiF im Rahmen des Programms zur Förderung der industriellen Gemeinschaftsforschung (IGF) vom Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie aufgrund eines Beschlusses des Deutschen Bundestages gefördert.