High-performance tabletop bioreactor system for the parallel cultivation of microorganisms

• Subject Area: Microbiology, Virology and Immunology
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 584785783

At the Institute of Technical Microbiology, we use various microorganisms to produce proteins in large quantities and then characterize them biochemically. The Mack research group focuses on anabolic enzymes. The work centers on the bacterial species Streptomyces davanoensis, Streptomyces cinnabarinus, and Streptomyces berlinensis. The fermentation system we are applying for will facilitate this protein chemistry work, as it will enable proteins to be produced in larger quantities in a reproducible manner. The device will be used to renew or upgrade fermentation capacities (large-scale equipment). In addition to its protein chemistry work, the Mack research group is also investigating the effects of genetic modifications on the growth and physiology of these bacteria. We require relatively small reaction vessels that enable parallel analysis of different recombinant strains under production conditions. We are currently particularly interested in the biosynthesis of the antibiotic roseoflavin, an important antimetabolite produced by S. davanoensis, S. cinnabarinus, and S. berlinensis. We recently identified the first export system (RosE) for flavins (MA 2510/15-2) and now want to use this exporter to produce flavins under production-like conditions. In addition, we work with the chemoorganotrophic organisms Escherichia coli, Corynebacterium glutamicum, Bacillus subtilis, and Pichia pastoris, which we also cultivate and physiologically characterize using this fermentation system in a production-oriented manner. As an alternative to these classic chemoorganotrophic organisms, the Mack research group is also investigating chemolithoautotrophic bacteria. These can be fermented in conventional bioreactors, some are characterized by relatively rapid growth, and are therefore attractive for truly sustainable biotechnological processes. In the medium term, conventional biotechnology, which currently still emits CO₂, is to become greener. New options are needed to produce nutrients and useful substances from CO₂. One such organism is Hydrogenovibrio marinus, which uses hydrogen as an energy source, is obligately autotrophic, and is currently being studied by the Mack research group. The fermentation system proposed in the application will also be used to develop this production organism. Since we often work with young scientists at our institute, it is important that the fermentation system is easy to use. We have a total of three systems to choose from. We prefer the system from one company because it has proven to be the easiest to use. Other devices have disadvantages, such as the use of disposable bioreactors, which are comparatively expensive. We also believe that a certain fermentation system is best suited in terms of foam formation.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Hochleistungs-Tischbioreaktorsystem für die parallele Kultivierung von Mikroorganismen
• Instrumentation Group: 3520 Bakterien-Zuchtgeräte, Fermenter
• Applicant Institution: Technische Hochschule Mannheim
• Leader: Professor Dr. Matthias Mack