The group of Multiphase Systems, within the Institute of Technical Biocatalysis, investigates the application of multiple phases in biocatalytic reactions, a promising field with numerous applications.
Whole cells of algea, yeasts and bacteria, as well as isolated enzymes are used to produce new building blocks and valuable products using gases such as oxygen, methane, ethane, butane or carbon dioxide. Furthermore, additional organic phases are used as substrate or for in situ product removal. 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, Zeynep Percin)
- Conversion of gaseous substrates in bubble column reactors (F. Perz)
- Bacterial biodegradation of oil components and methane under pressure (M. Lepple, N. Noirungsee)
- Enzyme cascades for the syntheses of flavors & pharmaceutical compounds (C. Engelmann)
- Immobilization of biocatalysts (C. Engelmann, B. Thomas, M. Schmalle)
- High pressure biocatalytic reactions (J. Reich, M. Schmalle, F. Lopez Haro, A. Lyberis)
- Investigation of enzymatic degradation of inosytol phosphates (N. Widderich)
Group Leader: Dr. Paul Bubenheim
