Intensified process coupling reaction with separation using enzymesfunctionalized membranes for the recovery of bIomolecules from microalgae

• Applicant: Dr. Agnes Schulze
• Subject Area: Synthesis and Properties of Functional Materials ; Polymer Materials
• Term: since 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 530441337

The aim of the PREMIUM project is to develop a biocatalytic membrane reactor for the efficient recovery of valuable biomolecules from microalgae. PREMIUM deals with process intensification and relies on a multidisciplinary approach: 1) process and bioprocess engineering with biomass pretreatment, the development and modeling of a new reactor coupling enzymatic reaction and membrane filtration; 2) polymer sciences with the development of special membranes and their enzyme functionalization by electron beam treatment; 3) Material sciences with the development of adapted cryo-electron microscopy methods to gain the necessary knowledge about the functionalized membranes (localization of enzymes and immobilization yields) and their effects on fouling to complement innovative process development and modeling. To make this project a success, it is necessary to combine the expertise of the GEPEA (FR) laboratory in the field of process engineering, specialized in the cultivation of microalgal bioresources and biorefining, the IOM (GER), which masters the fabrication and functionalization of membranes and has unique expertise and equipment for the functionalization of membranes with covalent functionalization, and the IMN (FR), which has developed innovative, high-resolution electron microscopy methods for characterizing functionalized porous media and fouled membranes under their native (hydrated) conditions, that do not currently exist.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: France
• Cooperation Partners: Dr. Patricia Abellan; Dr. Estelle Couallier