CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE PROJECT
Development of biological routes from C5 and C6 sugars (derived from lignocellulose) to high value chemicals. Investigation and development of mesophilic and thermophilic fermentative bacteria to maximize propionic and butyric acid production from C5 and C6 sugar fractions and optimization of the yield by developing acid-tolerant mutants and genetically modified organisms to reduce unwanted side product formation. To develop bioconversion by filamentous fungi of C5 and C6 sugars to selected chemical building blocks. Progress beyond the state-of-the-art will be made in the overall efficiency of the natural production using pathway engineering of the fungi combined with optimization of the conditions for optimal production. Process modelling and pilot studies for the most promising bacterial and/or fungal strains to assess design requirements of full scale industrial plants.
EXPERIENCE AND FACILITIES
Section for Sustainable Biotechnology combines research within biotechnology, clean technologies, and renewable energy production to create results with high international impact together with leading research institutions all over the world. Our platform consists of broad biotechnological disciplines – from microbial biodiversity analyses and advanced genetic engineering to process oriented biotechnology. Our core research lies within the discovery and process field of modern biotechnology. Our research deals with: Development of enzymes and micro-organisms for biotechnological purposes including production of feed and food ingredients; second generation bioenergy technologies; new technologies for renewable production of hydrogen, butanol, and other energy carriers from biomass; microbiological and molecular biological optimization of biofuel production; Screening for new enzymes and micro-organisms; development of biorefineries for conversion of biomass to industrial ingredients, biofuels, and feed.
CONTACT
Dr. Peter Westermann
Aalborg University
Lautrupvang 15
DK-2750 Ballerup
Denmark
Tel: +45 99402587
Email: pw@bio.aau.dk
Web: http://en.aauk.dk/