A systems biotechnology approach for improving substrate uptake during succinic acid production in a two-phase cultivation process

• Applicants: Dr. Katja Bettenbrock; Professor Dr.-Ing. Andreas Kremling
• Subject Area: Biological Process Engineering ; Metabolism, Biochemistry and Genetics of Microorganisms
• Term: since 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 501999334

Although the biotechnological production of succinic acid (succinate) with bacteria has already been very well-investigated, high productivity has hardly been achieved in the bioreactor. An aspect that has not yet been investigated, is the uptake of substrates such as glucose in the bacterial cells. In preliminary investigations, we have already examined some strain variants with modified uptake systems, but data could not be collected systematically. In conjunction with a theoretical approach in which a dynamic, mathematical model for the anaerobic growth and production behaviour is to be developed, the focus of the planned project is on improved substrate uptake and improved production of succinic acid. Essential points of the work program consist of the development and experimental testing of new strain variants, the integration of measured data into an ensemble of models and the design and optimization of a two-stage process for the production of succinic acid in the bioreactor.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants