Projects

The research focuses on having optimal control of industrial fermentation processes that are affected by batch-to-batch fluctuations when using hydrolysates derived from agricultural residues. Unlocking the full potential of bioprocess data, enabling faster troubleshooting, enhancing process automation and reducing the need for time-consuming and costly offline measurements by development of continuously trained, validated and improved hybrid model-based soft-sensors is the key objective. The process control involves the combination of real-time data from hardware sensors with specifically designed models to predict non-measurable parameters online.

Contact: Nico Geisler M. Sc.

This research project deals with the production, scale-up and downstream processing of biopolymers and exopolysaccharides from different microbial strains for various applications involving sustainable materials or methods. Development of such products has certain hurdles like downstream process of the viscous broth, sensitivity of the products to water and environmental conditions, scale-up, etc. when considering commercial application currently. Overcoming such hurdles and development of sustainable biodegradable materials is the main aim of the research.

Contact: Venessa Dsouza M. Sc.

Specific biotechnological production processes experience a viscosity increase of the reaction media as the product concentration increases. This is especially important for microbial biopolymer production where oxygen transfer becomes limiting as the fermentation reaction advances. The aim of this research project is to improve and innovate conventional reactor systems for such applications by use of additive manufacturing (AM) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) as testing platforms. The work focuses on specific stage optimization including final product recovery, while prioritizing the economic viability of the whole manufacturing process.

Contact: Juan Mariño Jara M. Sc.

The aim of this project is to convert methanol, which can be produced from CO₂, into antioxidant substances in the form of a fermentative process. These are particularly important for the feed industry to stabilise feed with increased fat content. The aim of this research is to develop and optimise a methanol-based production process, which consists of fermentation with the microorganism Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the subsequent processing of the target substances. The project includes economic feasibility studies from the beginning to ensure economic viability.

Contact: Ulf Stegemeyer M. Sc. / Ilgaz Oktay M. Sc.

The Transfer network for Boosting Industrial Bioeconomy (TransBIB), funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK) aims to reduce Germany’s dependence on non-renewable resources by facilitating faster transfer of biotechnological production processes from the lab into industrial scale. BVT supports TransBIB by generating process simulations for the up-scaling of biotechnological production processes. In addition, a database on capital and operating costs of industrial scale facilities will be established. Finally, the project aims to support start-ups and small and medium enterprises in scaling up by sharing information on the necessary permits, procedures and timelines to be considered when designing and building such facilities.

Contact: Estelle van der Walt M. Sc.

CirculH2 project, funded by the European Research Executive Agency (REA), aims to demonstrate the successful development of one or more highly robust and scalable hydrogenases for the use of H₂ that selectively drives biotransformation of bio-based materials to specialty and commodity chemicals in an industrial environment. The technology aims to replace the heavily used conventional chemical production methods and enable the decarbonization of industrial biotechnology. BVT develops the industrial-scale production of FeFe-hydrogenase within the CirculH2 project. This will involve upscaling the fermentation of E. coli, which serves as the source of our resilient hydrogenase enzyme. 

Contact: Ilgaz Oktay M. Sc.

Efficient fermentation processes are of particular importance for industrial biotechnology. A so-called soft sensor is to be developed for this purpose as part of the doctoral project. This is intended to optimise the control of the bioprocess and thus enable maximum yields in minimum fermentation time. The SoftSensor will continuously measure process parameters based on modelling, which cannot be measured directly using conventional hardware sensors. The project includes a practical fermentation part with Escherichia coli and a theoretical programming part.

Contact: Dennis Beerhalter M. Sc.

This initiative aims to revolutionize solar biotechnology by developing advanced automation protocols for high-efficiency microalgae production.
From MEP, Prof. Dr. Michael Zavrel, a core member, will contribute expertise in process integration and data acquisition, while Prof. Dr. Sonja Berensmeier, director of MEP, will focus on harvesting and downstream bioprocessing. The University of Queensland will lead efforts on cultivation process data analysis, as well as techno-economic and environmental impact assessments.
By combining expertise across multiple disciplines, the project aims to develop a fully integrated, automated system for microalgae cultivation, harvesting, and downstream processing.

Contact: Eric Gathirwa Kariuki M. Sc.

RaSenT Bio is a project funded by the Bayerische Forschungsstiftung that aims to accelerate bioprocess development through the use of Raman spectroscopy. This advanced technology enables real-time, high-resolution monitoring of all relevant concentrations throughout the fermentation process and in critical downstream unit operations. By integrating this single, information-rich measurement method directly into bioreactors and processing systems, the project seeks to eliminate many of the time-consuming and error-prone analytical steps currently required. RaSenT Bio brings together experts from academia and industry to pave the way for a faster, more efficient, and scalable approach to bioprocessing—essential in the face of climate change, global health demands, and the need for rapid development of new biotechnological solutions.

Contact: Juan Mariño, M.Sc.

Water hyacinth, an aggressively invasive aquatic plant, is found in freshwater systems across more than 50 countries worldwide, where it continues to threaten marine biodiversity and ecosystems. Large mats of water hyacinth covering water surfaces block sunlight from reaching aquatic environments, while the aerobic decomposition of the plant biomass reduces oxygen levels, negatively impacting water quality and circulation. This has caused significant harm to aquatic ecosystems, leading to the death of marine life and a drastic reduction in fish populations, with severe economic consequences for fishing, water transport, hydropower generation, irrigation, and domestic water supply. Water hyacinth, due to its abundance, rapid growth, ease of propagation, and low lignin content, has significant potential as a feedstock for second-generation bioethanol production. It could serve as a model for using other invasive plants as sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels. Mr. Kariuki’s research project, funded by the DAAD Scholarship and supported by the TUM-BVT, will focus on developing an optimized bioprocess to mitigate process inhibition, enhance microbial performance, and increase bioethanol yields from water hyacinth. This will be achieved through a model-based process design approach aimed at maximizing yields while deepening mechanistic insights into the underlying processes.

Contact: Eric Kariuki M. Sc.