Development and mathematical modeling of a novel bioprocess involving a defined microbial community

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This project combines three new aspects for one goal. Technologically, we will explore the use of a co-culture of two defined species to develop a new process for a more effective bioconversion of glycerol to 1,3-propanediol, a compound with a wide range of applications in the chemical industry. Raw glycerol as a byproduct from biodiesel production will be used as substrate for a glycerol fermenting organism. Methanol as a toxic substance in the raw glycerol and acetic acid as a major inhibitory byproduct of glycerol metabolism will be converted into methane by a methanogenic organism. A two-chamber membrane bioreactor will be used to study this process. Biologically, the selected co-culture will be used as a model system for a minimal microbial community to quantitatively study microbial interactions under controlled physiological conditions. Methodologically, mathematical models will be established to describe the kinetics of cell growth and metabolism of the methanogenic organism on multiple substrates and the microbial community. For a more fundamental understanding of the methanogenic organism and the microbial community intracellular metabolic fluxes should be estimated. Metabolic fluxes of microbial communities have been seldom studied, therefore the existing methods for flux estimation need to be further developed. The results from kinetic and flux analysis should help to identify possible limiting step(s) and key parameters for the development and optimization of the novel bioprocess.