The group of Multiphase Systems, within the working group of Technical Biocatalysis, investigates the application of multiple phases in biocatalytic reactions, a promising field with numerous applications. Whole cells, as well as isolated enzymes are used to produce new building blocks using gases such as oxygen, methane, ethane, butane or carbon dioxide. With application of different pressures and different gassing techniques the reactions are optimized e.g. increasing the reaction kinetics, as well as changing the reaction selectivity. In addition, the usage of biphasic systems and heterogenization of enzymes by immobilization enables optimized reaction set-ups with a simplified downstream processing, which results in increased productivity.
Research fields
- Investigation of fine bubbles with O2 and CO2 for biocatalytic reactions (B. Thomas, D. Ohde)
- Conversion of gaseous substrates in bubble column reactors (F. Perz)
- Bacterial biodegradation of oil components and methane (M. Kschowak, N. Noirungsee)
- Investigation of bacterial deep sea communities (S. Hackbusch, M. Kschowak)
- Enzyme cascades for the syntheses of flavors & pharmaceutical compounds (C. Engelmann)
- Immobilization of biocatalysts (C. Engelmann, B. Thomas)
- Investigation of high pressure biocatalytic reactions (J. Reich)
- Phosphorus-adaption in animal feedstuff (N. Widderich)
Group Leader: Dr. Paul Bubenheim
