It is the aim of this collaborative research to develop a membrane-biofilm-process for the production of the platform chemical 2,3-butanediol. Two microorganisms will work together in this process. The primary organism is Cupriavidus necator, which will thrive on hydrogen, carbon dioxide and oxygen to produce acetoin as a cross-feeding substrate. The secondary organism is an Escherichia coli strain that will be genetically engineered to convert glucose into one molecule of 2,3-butanediol, thereby using the acetoin as terminal electron acceptor to produce another molecule of butanediol. Both biocatalysts will grow together in a dual-species biofilm on a membrane surface. Hydrogen and carbon dioxide will be provided to the organisms via the membrane, while oxygen and glucose will be fed via the liquid medium that will continuously flow over the biofilm. Biofilm growth, structure and cellular activity/productivity will be monitored by using different imaging techniques (Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy, Optical Coherence Tomography, Raman Microspectroscopy) and chemical analyses. With this research project we aim to fundamentally investigate principles of biofilm-based production on active substrata and the robustness of cooperativity in applied biofilm processes. The envisioned process is a generic blueprint for compartmentalized biotech-nological reactions based upon interaction of autotrophic and heterotrophic species in an engineered biofilm. Overall, the work will help to harvest the tremendous benefit of productive biofilms as natural retentostats that can be applied in continuous processes.
DFG Programme
Research Grants
