The ANAEROBic treasure trunk

Introduction

ANAEROB aims to generate a platform that enables linking microbial ecology to biotechnology. This platform should be general and applicable to a very wide range of conditions and applications.

Importance of Anaerobic Processes

Anaerobic processes are performed by a well-structured microbial community and have great potential for upcycling organic wastes and industrial/agricultural residual resources to achieve a circular bioeconomy. Upcycling of residual resources through the production of materials, biochemicals, and energy is a promising way towards more sustainable production.

Need for Mixed Culture Microbial Consortia

Pure culture fermentations are not appropriate when wastes are the substrate, and therefore mixed culture microbial consortia are required. Currently, inocula for biological processes utilizing wastes as substrates are random self-established cultures. Comprehensive knowledge about the microbial interactions of the anaerobic microbiome is needed for the valorization and remediation of biowastes.

Project Aim

The overall aim of ANAEROB is to understand how to create “designer microbial consortia” for specific bioengineering processes based on genetic information of anaerobic microorganisms.

Objectives

The aim will be achieved by:

1. Elucidating the syntrophic mutualistic symbioses of the anaerobic microbiome and clarifying the role of specific compounds exchanged by microbes.
2. Developing models for the prediction of desired pathways.
3. Developing methods for the isolation of new unculturable anaerobes.
4. Developing a novel method for designing and establishing microbial “cocktails” for specific functions.
5. Validating the concept of creating specific anaerobic consortia for upcycling gas streams of carbon-intensive industries.

Multidisciplinary Approach

ANAEROB takes a multidisciplinary approach to use both engineering and microbiology to reach the next level of understanding for the exploitation of the anaerobic microbial “treasure”.

Expected Benefits

The project’s successful completion will have major benefits in industrial sectors and environmental applications.