Understanding electrochemical steering of microbial fermentation processes

In this project we will combine model based approaches with experimental work with the objective to generate medium chain fatty acids from complex substrate through fermentation combined with electrochemical steering and extraction. We will aim at liquid organic streams such as crude glycerol and molasses. They will be fed to granular type fermenters or if needed packed bed fermenters coupled to an electrochemical system. The latter provides reducing power leading to chain elongation, while also enabling product extraction. Individual contributions of extraction and steering will be investigated. This will be coupled to the development of a model that correctly links the fermentation to the obtained end products, based on thermodynamics.