Bioprocess engineering and downstream processing
The Bioprocess Engineering and Downstream Processing Group researches and teaches in the fields of bioprocess engineering, biorefinery technology and purification technology. Our focus is on sustainable process development for the utilisation of renewable raw materials as a substitute for oil, gas and coal. Exemplary developments are biofuels and hydrogen from lignocellulose and biowaste or degradable plastics and composite materials.
Methodologically, the value creation from the plant, through microbial production to the purified product can be carried out in our laboratories. Get an overview of the group's laboratory equipment below.
Research areas
Research Focus: Downstream Processing & Functional Biochemicals
Research Focus: Downstream Processing & Functional Biochemicals:We develop purification processes for biotechnologically produced compounds such as peptides, organic acids, and surfactants. Our lab applies membrane separation, chromatography, and integrated extraction strategies to ensure product quality, cost-efficiency, and environmental compatibility.
Exemplary Project: AUFBRUCH – Sustainable Surfactants from Lignocellulose (BMBF): AUFBRUCH investigates the microbial production and purification of ustilagic acid, a biosurfactant with industrial relevance. Using cellulose-rich residues as feedstock, the project aims to replace petrochemical surfactants with bio-based alternatives. The process is optimized for economic viability and environmental sustainability through efficient purification techniques.
PLAntCycle
Integrated microbiological conversion of plant-based raw materials into the bioplastic PLA (2022-2025)
PLAntCycle
Integrated microbiological conversion of plant-based raw materials into the bioplastic PLA (2022-2025)
In this joint academic-industrial project, mechanical, thermal and biotechnological pre-treatment processes for renewable raw materials are being developed. The raw materials are used to produce the bioplastic PLA with microorganisms.
eSuccinate
Microbial electrosynthesis of succinic acid (2023-2025)
eSuccinate
Microbial electrosynthesis of succinic acid (2023-2025)
The aim of the project is to increase microbial succinate production using electrical energy. This can increase the yield and productivity of the process and produce a cost-effective bioplastic. The microorganisms used are able to store gaseousCO2. The process can therefore utilise Power2X technology to convertCO2 into plastic.
eBioH2
Electrically enhanced microbial hydrogen production (2021-2023)
Foto: FH Aachen | Tippkötter
eBioH2
Electrically enhanced microbial hydrogen production (2021-2023)
In this joint project, thermophilic enzymes and microorganisms are used to convert renewable raw materials into hydrogen. The aim is to develop production processes that can be integrated into the existing biogas infrastructure. A further aim is to transfer excess electrical energy into the metabolism of the microorganisms. In this way, renewable raw materials and sustainable energy can be stored in hydrogen in a robust, simple system.
KaNu grass
Establishment of a sequentially coupled cascade utilisation of perennial ryegrass (2021-2023)
KaNu Grass
Establishment of a sequentially coupled cascade utilisation of German ryegrass (2021-2023)
In the joint project, seed breeders and bioprocess engineers are working together to develop sustainable production processes from new ryegrass varieties. Our group produces feed proteins, lactate and new composite materials. In addition, multivariate analytical methods are being developed (ATR-MIR/NIR and DSC) to determine the sugar content of the plant raw materials.
services
Application for joint projects
Are you looking for a multi-year co-operation for the further development of technologies and processes in the field of bioprocess development or the processing of regenerative raw material sources? Together we will develop a concept for a joint project, on the basis of which we will apply for research funding for 2-5 years.
Analytical questions
Foto: FH Aachen | Gottschalk
Our extensive analytical equipment can be used to characterise complex organic starting materials. We specialise in HPLC and GC analysis of carbohydrates, alcohols and carboxylic acids. We also use multivariate methods in the fields of MIR/NIR, UV/Vis and DSC.
Teaching programme
Bioprocess engineering
Bioprocess engineering
Bioprocess engineering is used for the technical design of enzymatic and microbial bioproduction processes. For this purpose, knowledge of material and heat balances in bioreactors is applied in order to dimension them. Of particular importance here are oxygen transport, mixing behaviour and the integration of the bioreactor into a production periphery.
Downstream processing
Downstream processing
The processing of biotechnological products (downstream processing) is the most complex and cost-determining process in a bioprocess chain. The Downstream Processing lecture provides an overview of the special features of working with biotechnological products. It goes through the entire purification chain from the fermenter to the product and explains the most important basic operations.
Process engineering
Foto: FH Aachen | Gottschalk
Process engineering
The process engineering module provides an overview of the important basic operations in the chemical and biotechnological industry. The most important concepts of mechanical and thermal process engineering as well as the basic principles of bioprocess engineering are explained.
Downstream processing for advanced users
Foto: FH Aachen | Gottschalk
Downstream processing for advanced users
Advanced continuous processes for the purification of bioproducts. The course focuses on advanced chromatography, continuous purification processes and electrochemical processes. The theoretical basics are deepened by means of practical demonstrations in the laboratory, numerical modelling and economic considerations.
Food biotechnology and brewing technology
Foto: FH Aachen | Tippkötter
Food biotechnology and brewing technology
The course covers various bioprocesses and biochemical principles of food production. Brewing technology combines the disciplines of white biotechnology: pre-treatment of renewable raw materials, enzymatic conversion of polymers and microbial production. In addition to the historical and theoretical background, participants can design their own brewing recipe and produce a semester beer in thei 100 litre brewing plant in the subject area.