Multiphase Systems


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


Group Leader: Dr. Paul Bubenheim