BioCat SIGNED

Project "BioCat" data sheet

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 Project objective

The project „BioCat“ investigates electron uptake mechanisms of electroactive bacteria catalyzing reduction processes on biocathodes at the protein membrane level. Thus, the project will significantly contribute to the basic understanding and optimization of microbial electrosynthesis. The driving force for the increasing interest in microbial electrosynthesis is the intriguing capacity of this technology to produce high value chemicals from carbon dioxide and electricity. This conversion addresses carbon capture and storage issues of renewable power sources and will contribute to a carbon neutral economy and society. The project will be conducted at the Inorganic Biochemistry and NMR group (IBN) of the ITQB NOVA in Lisbon with a secondment at the University of Tübingen at the Laboratory of Prof.Dr. Lars Angenent. BioCat is divided into three main objectives. First of all a basic understanding of the role of c-type cytochromes and the indirect or direct nature of the electron transfer will be investigated with Shewanella oneidensis. Subsequently Sporomusa ovata and its membrane proteins carrying out electron transfer are studied, while the production of acetate from CO2 is monitored. Both will be analyzed as a function of operating parameters (electrode potential and pH). To round up the project, an optimized continuous run prototype reactor will be operated and characterized. The project will enable the researcher Joana Madjarov to get trained in the whole chain of basic to applied research. The main focus lies in the fundamental biochemical research, but the project directly links the findings to application relevant acetate production yields and efficiency.