Research
Research Projects
Ongoing Publicly Funded Research Projects in Bioprocess Engineering
Our research group is involved in several national and regional research projects supported by public funding agencies. The projects focus on sustainable bioprocess development, resource efficiency, and the transition to a bio-based circular economy.
AUFBRUCH (Federal Ministry of Education and Research – BMBF, 2024–2028)
This project investigates the microbial production and downstream processing of ustilagic acid, a glycolipid biosurfactant with applications in the chemical industry. The feedstocks are cellulose-rich residues, and the project aims to develop cost-effective and resource-efficient purification strategies for sustainable surfactant alternatives.
Residue Valorization – Euskirchen Region (Contract Research, 2024-2025)
(Regional development project in cooperation with AGIT and local companies)
We analyze production residues from regional industries (e.g. paper, starch, whey) for their potential in biotechnology. Based on lab analyses and workshops with industrial partners, we develop concepts for transforming these residues into biobased packaging materials and composite products.
PLAntCycle (Federal Ministry of Education and Research – BMBF, 2022–2025)
This project develops scalable biorefinery processes for the microbial production of polylactic acid (PLA). The focus lies on process optimization and the industrial transfer of fermentation-based PLA synthesis from agricultural residues and other renewable resources.
eSuccinat (Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture – BMEL, 2023–2025)
The project explores the microbial production of succinic acid from CO₂ using electrobiotechnology. By integrating electrical energy into fermentation, succinic acid – a platform chemical for bioplastics – is produced in a CO₂-neutral process. The aim is to enable new Power-to-X value chains.
BioH₂ (State of North Rhine-Westphalia – Leitmarkt.NRW, 2021–2025)
The project focuses on microbial hydrogen production using hyperthermophilic microorganisms. These organisms convert lignocellulosic residues under high-temperature conditions into hydrogen. The system is designed for decentralized, low-tech implementation within existing biogas infrastructures.
Waste2H₂ (internal funding – FH Aachen)
In this project, microbial hydrogen production from organic waste streams is explored. The aim is to transform low-value or currently unused waste into biohydrogen, using robust fermentation systems that can operate under variable feedstock conditions.
Straw2PLA (institutional initiative – FH Aachen)
This project investigates the thermal pretreatment of agricultural straw for use in PLA production. The focus lies on making cellulose accessible for enzymatic hydrolysis and subsequent microbial conversion. Straw is used as a non-food feedstock to create sustainable alternatives to petrochemical plastics.
BioHydroMax (institutional initiative – FH Aachen)
A continuous monitoring system for microbial gas production (H₂ and CH₄) is developed. The system enables real-time quantification and control of biological gas processes, aiming to increase the energy efficiency of fermentative systems.
Industry Collaboration
In addition to publicly funded projects, we work with industrial partners on contract-based applied research and process development. Contact us to explore how your innovation challenge can be addressed through collaboration.
Partners & Networks
Our research group is deeply embedded in a dynamic ecosystem of academic institutions, industrial partners, regional stakeholders, and innovation networks. These collaborations enhance the translation of research into practice and support the transition toward a sustainable, circular, and bio-based economy.
Strategic Networks & Innovation Clusters
We are a core academic partner in the AUFBRUCH Graduate Cluster, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). This interdisciplinary network unites leading institutions such as RWTH Aachen, HHU Düsseldorf, TU Dortmund, TH Köln, Hochschule Niederrhein, and Forschungszentrum Jülich, aiming to empower young scientists to shape the future bioeconomy of the Rhenish mining area. In the eSuccinat project, which focuses on the production of bio-based succinic acid from CO₂, we collaborate with industrial partners including BASF SE, Heubach GmbH, BluCon Biotech GmbH, and Kynol Europa GmbH. As part of the Helmholtz Cluster for Hydrogen (HC-H2) and in collaboration with the Institute for Sustainable Hydrogen Economy (INW) at Forschungszentrum Jülich, we contribute to the development of sustainable hydrogen technologies and their integration into existing energy and material cycles. Additionally, we are involved in the Graduate School for Applied Research in North Rhine-Westphalia (PK NRW), specifically within the Department of Resources and Sustainability, which focuses on interdisciplinary research and doctoral education in resource management and sustainable development.
We also collaborate closely with DECHEMA e. V., Germany’s key scientific society for chemical engineering and biotechnology. Prof. Nils Tippkötter is a board member of the DECHEMA division Biobased Value Chains. Moreover, our group contributes to professional education through DECHEMA's advanced training programs for industrial scientists, such as the course on Targeted Bioprocess Development.
Regional Development Agencies & Innovation Hubs
Our research group actively collaborates with a diverse network of regional partners to drive sustainable innovation and economic development in the Rhenish mining area and beyond.
- AGIT mbH: As the regional economic development agency for the Aachen Technology Region, AGIT supports companies with services such as start-up and innovation consulting, business services, location development, technology transfer, and access to scientific and business networks.
- Ideenfabrik Euskirchen: Located in the historic cloth factory in Euskirchen, the Ideenfabrik serves as a Sustainable Innovation Hub, accompanying companies on their path to sustainable transformation, promoting innovative business models, and supporting start-ups through various programs.
- Wirtschaftsregion Euskirchen: The economic region of Euskirchen offers a diversified and balanced economic structure, providing jobs for a large catchment area. It hosts major industrial and commercial sites like the Industriepark am Silberberg (IPAS) and the EURO-Park, accommodating companies such as Procter & Gamble and Nestlé Purina PetCare.
Start-up Support & Entrepreneurship
- FH Aachen Start-up Centre: The Gründungszentrum of FH Aachen provides interdisciplinary support for students, alumni, and scientific staff in all phases of founding technology-oriented, sustainable, or digital innovations. Services include coaching, prototyping, business plan development, and access to a broad network.
- Startup Village Jülich: Situated within the Brainergy Park, the Startup Village offers a unique ecosystem and support for sustainably oriented founders, start-ups, and SMEs. It provides spaces and professional infrastructure for exchange, creativity, and innovation, fostering the development of sustainable business ideas.
Completed Research Projects
Our group has contributed to numerous national and regional research projects focused on bioprocess development, resource efficiency, and sustainable product innovation. Below is a selection of completed projects:
KaNu-Gras (Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture – BMEL / FNR, 2020–2023)
Cascade utilization of German ryegrass – Subproject 3: Biotechnological and process engineering pretreatment of grass biomass for the production of single-cell protein.
eBioH₂ (State of North Rhine-Westphalia – Leitmarkt.NRW, 2021–2023)
Electrically enhanced microbial hydrogen production based on hyperthermophilic systems and integrated Power-to-X strategies.
TreBec (Federal Ministry of Education and Research – BMBF, 2020–2021)
Development of a reusable beverage cup made from brewer’s spent grain (BSG) as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastic containers.
Microbial Electrosynthesis Reactor (BMBF, 2020–2021)
Design and operation of a laboratory-scale reactor system for bioelectrochemical synthesis, focusing on CO₂ conversion and organic acid production.
Microreactor Platform for Catalytic Cascade Reactions (German Research Foundation – DFG, 2014–2018)
Development of a modular microreactor system for studying and optimizing enzyme-catalyzed reaction cascades under flow conditions.
BioBond (BMEL / FNR, 2016–2019)
Design and testing of a biomimetic adhesive derived from lignin-rich agricultural residues, intended for use in packaging and wood-based materials.
Lignin Valorization (BMBF, 2019–2020)
Solvent-free extraction and chromatography of lignin from plant residues for the development of value-added biochemicals and materials.
Digital Teaching Innovation (Ministry of Culture and Science – MKW NRW, 2019–2020)
Implementation of augmented reality and digital simulation tools in hands-on laboratory courses in biotechnology and bioprocess engineering.
Integrated Graduate School within CRC 926 (DFG, 2015–2019)
Participation in the Collaborative Research Center on “Microscale Morphology of Component Properties”, with a focus on training early-career scientists in bioprocessing-related subprojects.
Junior Research Group – Local Biomass Pretreatment (BMEL / FNR, 2012–2017)
Development of decentralized pretreatment strategies for lignocellulosic biomass to support regional bioeconomy models and biorefinery integration.
Research Profile & Laboratory Capabilities
At our research unit, we focus on core areas of sustainable process development and bioeconomy implementation. Our interdisciplinary team combines expertise in reaction engineering, biomass valorization, and downstream technologies.
Core Research Areas
Core Research Areas
- Biorefinery technologies for the conversion of lignocellulosic and agricultural biomass
- Microbial bioprocess development and electrobiotechnology
- Lignin valorization for high-value bio-based chemicals and materials
- Modeling and analytical strategies for complex biotechnological processes
Methodological Expertise of Our Laboratory
- Biomass pretreatment: milling, classification, drying, silage preparation, Organosolv and Acetosolv protocols
- Biopolymer synthesis and modification: including bio-based adhesives and formable composite materials
- Biohydrogen production from renewable feedstocks using thermophilic fermentation
- Advanced analytics for fermentation and extraction media:
- HPLC, semi-continuous HPLC, GC, DSC, UV/Vis, MIR, NIR spectroscopy
- Integrated fermentation processes in automated bioreactor systems
- Downstream processing of bioproducts: filtration, FPLC, extraction, distillation
Service Portfolio
From early-stage feasibility to strategic R&D collaborations.
The Bioprocess Engineering group at FH Aachen offers applied research and development services to industry and public institutions. Our laboratories span over 500 m² of modern research space and are equipped for comprehensive process development, analytics, and pilot-scale studies. We welcome your inquiries, ideas, and challenges.
Our Service Portfolio
- Feasibility studies for the biotechnological conversion of renewable raw materials
- Development of joint research proposals (e.g. BMBF, BMEL, ZIM, DFG)
- Process simulation, material flow modeling, and techno-economic evaluation
- Analytical support for fermentation media, substrates, and product quality
- Scale-up and validation of lab-scale processes in semi-industrial setups
Collaborative Doctorates
We offer structured PhD supervision in applied research projects in cooperation with universities. As a member of the Graduate Center for Applied Research (PK NRW) and in partnership with the Technical University of Kaiserslautern, we supervise doctoral research in the thematic area of resources and bioprocess development.